Can A Person Realistically Teach Himself To Stick Weld ???

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I would like your thoughts a learning to stick weld. Can a person realistically teach themselves to stick weld?I am not looking to get any certification just be good at and understanding stick welding.
Reply:Why not?Someone had to start all this in the beginning.... right?...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I'm sure it can be done, but it will drive you nuts! If you could get someone who knows how to weld, to spend a couple hours with you, it will really jump start you. Nothing like one on one instruction!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:I think with the internet availability of today, using Youtube and other online information resources, your chances are much better than they would have been otherwise. There are some great videos with shots of the puddle that let you really see what you should be striving for.Good luck. So far, I am self taught and like you, only want to fix stuff around the house and for a few of my neighbors.Lincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:I hope so.... If not, we're screwed from the top down. Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Spend enough time here on WW and you'll learn a lot.  You still have to burn a lot of rods, though.  And as mentioned, personal instruction/help from an experienced welder is best.  You can only get so much from youtube.
Reply:Do you mean this? One on one "instruction"! Thermal arc 211iCk flex-loc 150 & 130Clamps, saws & grindersHarbor freight 80 amp inverter
Reply:Absolutely - a person can self teach how to stick weld - videos will help.It's a long road any way it's done - but it's fun Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveIt's a long road any way it's done
Reply:Yeshttp://www.amazon.com/Welding-Dummie.../ref=sr_1_cc_1That's basic level info about processes and gearhttp://www.amazon.com/Wall-Mountain-.../dp/B0006ZFRUMhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...-1&pf_rd_t=201Start with the Wall mountain videos on ARc welding 1 and 2My library had them, or got them in.Maybe you can download them too.Get a DC welder with a crank - fine adjustment, not just tapped settingsAngle grinder and flap discs- shiny steel welds, rust paint and oil cause problems get some scrapGet an adjustable shade, auto dark helmetUse 3/32"  7014 rods in the flat positionA 1 pound package from the hardware store won't do it.Try going through 25  pounds Lincoln rodsAfter that try 7018Then try different positions with 7018I like these tooLast edited by 12345678910; 01-05-2015 at 09:13 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPOh I don't know about that! I've been at it for about 3-weeks now, and I don't do to bad. Things I weld generally stay together. Well as long as I don't drop them on the floor!
Reply:Absolutely. Jodie (weldingtipsandtricks) has some great videos. Get a lot of rod, lots of scrap steel, a decent welder (older lincoln 225 ac units are great, but I do like upgrading the power cord, leads, ground, and stinger on them). Then videos and seat time. It works well to just watch one video, practice the techniques in it, then do another, and so on. Keep practicing the basics as you move along. You'll be surprised at how quickly you get the hang of it. I do also recommend buying good rods though as well. You'll just need lots of time welding (15minutes at a time really doesn't do it, plan a couple hours of practice at a time, and keep it up. Stopping for a couple of weeks can really set you back.--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:Originally Posted by rahtreelimbsI would like your thoughts a learning to stick weld. Can a person realistically teach themselves to stick weld?I am not looking to get any certification just be good at and understanding stick welding.
Reply:You can do anything if you put your mind to it and have determination. What one man can do another can do
Reply:easily! i learned mig and tig long before stick because it was impractical for what the shop made other than roots in pipe joints.i was handed a 50lb can of 6010 and told to build shelves. then a can of 7018 to build shelves. then failing a couple 3g/4g tests, and finally, using spare time to learn how to weld round stuff.i was basically self taught, but had the benefit of getting paid and free consumables. all questions i had were answered with "you'll get it"things that took me the longest to learn were:the job determines rod size, and rod size determines amperage. you do NOT under-amp a rod. if your sticking or snuffing out, and you cant up amperage, grab the next smaller rod and lower your amps to match itits ok to use a smaller rod, less amps, and more beads if that vert-up is kicking your buttthe hardest and most important (especially 7018) was arc length. i dont know why, but it took me a while to learn that with 7018, you should feel the rod touching your metal as you weld.the last thing i got was starting. i used to try and start right where i wanted to weld. after flipping the hood down, i would end up starting on previous weld, or a portion of the base metal that would be showing and that is a big no-no. it finally clicked with me one day to start AHEAD of where i wanted to weld. by the time you (quickly) drag over to your "start" your heat is well established and you make a nice tie-in, and all the arc-marks get covered up. simple thing to write down and i laugh as i type it, but just one of those little things i didn't pick up that makes all the differencebosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:No problem at all. Post your location, you may have a member next door to help .
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1No problem at all. Post your location, you may have a member next door to help .
Reply:Get that 225 ac buzz box ,a box of 1/8 E 7014, E6011. & E 7018 AC when you burn em up you should be ok .Practice makes perfect. Steel scrap and a table and a Stool to be comfy helps.
Reply:Sure you can!I been at it a week, and my stuff holds up...Until I take it off the bench.
Reply:With out a doubt you can, it's kinda a long and frustrating road but sometimes that's the only road available. Practice practice and practice more once you have the aha moment of reading the puddle things progress a little faster.Ranger 250 thick stuffHobart Handler 140 not thick stuffthe pane and oxy setup
Reply:One thing that really helps is having access to pictures of what good quality welds actually look like. A lot of welds I see look like crap yet the person things they are fine because they don't know any better.
Reply:Yeah, you can teach yourself to stick weld.  And most likely, you'll do it wrong.I was self taught, and needed to see someone do an uphill weld for about 30 seconds, and it clicked.  That 30 seconds was something I never could have done on my own.Lot of folks here tend to think that I had UBER time learning with someone who knew what they were doing.  Naw...........it was about 30 seconds hood time.  It was all it took.  And it should be all it should take for anyone here.  You get a look at HOW it's done, then do it yourself with a lot of practice.There are some things you simply can't learn on your own.  See the right way, and it's just a matter of perfecting your technique. There's no mystery to this crap.  It's why they be a lot more welders than brain surgeons"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The problem when your learning stick entirely in your own is you will make mistakes, and continue to make the same mistakes not knowing that your making them. You need someone experienced in the trade to help you identify your mistakes and show you how to correct them.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by PavinsteelmanGet that 225 ac buzz box ,a box of 1/8 E 7014, E6011. & E 7018 AC when you burn em up you should be ok .Practice makes perfect. Steel scrap and a table and a Stool to be comfy helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeThe problem when your learning stick entirely in your own is you will make mistakes, and continue to make the same mistakes not knowing that your making them. You need someone experienced in the trade to help you identify your mistakes and show you how to correct them.Okay... So if an isolated but determined prisoner with virtually zero of the correct resources can become a proficient self-taught: distiller; tool-maker; excavator; bunk fill-in mannequin maker; raft-builder; and ultimately a makeup/disguise artist... Then I don't see where mastering stick with readily available learning tools would be impossible.
Reply:a new guy i been working with told me a joke a few hours after working together, hes a great pipe welder and his stuff shows it.i was looking to him for some pointers on getting faster, like how to run a bigger rod to cap with and not have droopy bottom and sides."how do you make the bottom look like the top your asking?" "just make the top look like crap too!"practice flat all you can, and make them look good. then start doing vert up and overhead, and when you really have it, they should all look about the same. when you get that (now im talking to myself) load the next bigger rod and do it againbosses stuff:trailblazer 325maxstar 200my stuff:sa 200fronius transpocket 180100 amp Lincoln w/f97 f350 DITKevin
Reply:I think it depends on the person. I've seen a lot of guys think they they can weld but in reality, 10 minutes with an experienced welder would improve their welding 10 fold. In my opinion the best thing you can do is have someone with experience help you and point out what you're doing wrong. Taking a course is a good idea too but if you want to save your self A LOT of grief and frustration, spend a little more and get a welder with DC current. Yea, thousands of people are fine having a buzz box but the reality is that a better machine with DC will cut the learning way down so you can actually see improvement in real time. There's a reason that there are so many used buzz boxes for sale. A lot people lose interest and the machine sits and collects dust for the next 5 years because it's so much harder to work with. There's also a lot of wrong info on the internet and it can be hard for a newbie to know what's accurate and what isn't. Welding tips and tricks is really good site but watching any video still doesn't give you the feel of actually welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeThe problem when your learning stick entirely in your own is you will make mistakes, and continue to make the same mistakes not knowing that your making them. You need someone experienced in the trade to help you identify your mistakes and show you how to correct them.
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobI figgered you'd forget it's been eight weeks today but it's ok, I'm on it for you.
Reply:Originally Posted by wintermuteI would say that's true.  I don't necessarily think you need someone there in person though...watching good videos which show the action, movement, explain settings, what is right/wrong/etc... and which show you how to do things correctly with the same view of the puddle you will have can do the same.  It is a bit more difficult without having someone there to guide you, but it can be done.--Wintermute
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPWOW, already? Time sure flies! I never was good with time. Wait, now that I think about it, maybe I have weeks and decades mixed up, naw couldn't be.
Reply:Originally Posted by SlobYou take care of the welding and teaching, and I'll keep you straight on time. I'm a learning too.Thanks,
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWHonestly I've never seen a video that showed what I see while welding. Most videos just show a bright blob where the puddle is. The few that do show the puddle don't look anything at all like what I see, and most are usually slowed way down. If others can manage to actually see the puddle well in videos, I think that's great.Problem I have with youtube videos is for maybe every one done by a decent welder or some one who actually knows what they are doing, there's probably more than 1000 done by guys with no clue. Even some of the better known names who do videos, I don't often agree with how they try to teach. That guys manage to get something useful from them is great, but some of what they say I believe is either just spam to push the product they are getting paid to endorse without the viewer knowing, or simply BS.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI've helped several members here, and other sites who come to my shop for help. They all say the same thing, how much it helps when I reach around them while they are welding and grab their hand, and actually make the weld for them.
Reply:I'll agree 100% having someone who knows what they are doing work one on one with someone is a huge help. I've haven't quite mastered holding the rod holder with someone else and making a good bead. ( I'm better with mig on this than stick. ) Most times I find them fighting me for where I want to rod to go, but I've seen enough guys who can do this well to know it works. I seem to be good at watching and telling people what they are doing wrong and describing what they need to change in a way they understand. Probably why so many guys here are amazed that I can look at picts and tell them with little or no other info exactly what they were doing when they did the weld. It's just a different style of teaching and it works for some, but not everyone.I've said it many times before. Many schools offer night classes designed to get people started. When you sit down and add up what it would cost you in rod, electric, materials and so on, Not to mention the instruction, a class is stupid cheap. there's really no substitute for a good instructor if you want to learn fast the right way.I understand that this isn't available for everyone for one reason or another. Doing it yourself is hit or miss and will take a lot longer and cost a lot more in the long run. It is doable, but the results aren't as predictable..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI've had the same experience - literally "holding their hand" is faster than explaining.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWMost times I find them fighting me for where I want to rod to go
Reply:I've found the official Mr. TIG videos.  Why can't I find Mr. Stick videos?  Last edited by sacherjj; 01-06-2015 at 08:04 AM.AHP AlphaTIG 200DX (2nd Gen)Lincoln WeldPak 3200HD Bird Poop GeneratorLotos LTP5000D Plasma Cutter
Reply:Originally Posted by sacherjjI've found the official Mr. TIG videos.  Why can't I find Mr. Stick videos?
Reply:Originally Posted by sacherjjI've found the official Mr. TIG videos.  Why can't I find Mr. Stick videos?
Reply:I've taken the initiative to teach myself MIG, SMAW, and TIG (really working hard at that last one). Stick was tricky to be sure, but with the profusion of videos on YouTube (check out ChuckE2009's channel, it's awesome!) the Internet goes a long way towards demystifying the process.Now, to be sure, there's still a ton I don't know. However, I'm at least competent and my welds hold and a cross-section cut reveals good depth and fill.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveWhy?  Do you want to watch someone screw those up too?
Reply:I am completely self taught when it comes to stick and MIG. Not saying I am great, but I think I meet your definition of understanding it, and I can complete projects, stick stuff together. I did have some TIG tutoring courtesy of Zap and his TIG clinic. Having someone show you is for sure easier. That said, get the Steve Bleile arc welding videos, they are the very best to help you see what the puddle should look like. The old GE/Schenectady Museum of Invention and technology videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37...L2-ZBh-6OW0cLQ) really show the puddle quite well as well. I also like Jody's videos, but his puddle shots are not quite as good and he is not oriented to brand new beginners the way Steve Bleile is.What I did was start off with my dad's old AC225 and some 6013. That was a mess, and I don't recommend it. I bought a hobart stickmate and some 7014 and that was a lot easier. When I first started, I learned stick first, and I was put off by the noise, the sparks, the smoke, etc., and thought for sure I was going to electrocute myself or catch the house on fire. With the 7014 rod an DC, the arc is smoother and quieter, it is pretty hard to stick the rod, and you don't have to focus on arc length at all, just let the rod drag lightly on the plate. 7014 may not be deemed useful by many here who favor 7018, but it is absolutely easier to start learning on.  because you don't have to focus on arc length, you can focus more on moving your hands closer to the work as the rod is consumed, rod angle and speed of progression. Once you get comfortable with all of that, going to a 6011 or other rod, and adding back arc gap as a variable becomes a lot easier.Start with 7014 on DC, work on your arc strikes first. Fill up a 12x12 plate with repetitive arc stikes...small little beads. Just strike the arc, make a quick circle about 1/2 inch to 1 inch in diameter and break off the arc. Just fill up the plate with these. Once you can do that, start running some beads on a plate. Not looking for a pad of beads yet, just get the hang of running beads. Once you can do that, then start padding beads. Jody and Lanse both have great videos on this. Once you can pad beads, its time to start on some joints.  and so on. There's lots of great videos on the internet. I am not sure I could have taught myself without that resource.BTW, I have only been doing this since 2011. I started with oxyfuel before I ever went into arc welding. I started arc welding in 2012. I think I have done pretty well teaching myself in just a couple of years. Now I have too many welders.  ;-)Last edited by Louie1961; 01-06-2015 at 10:18 AM.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:One other thing I will say is that laying beads and sticking metal together is only half the battle. Learning how to make things square, dealing with warpage and draw, and generally learning how to fabricate can be harder than actually learning to lay a good bead in a joint. I am nowhere near proficient enough in my fabricating skills. I think that's the real art.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Originally Posted by sacherjjto be honest, i was hoping to pay a $200 premium on a black tombstone buzz box with better leads.
Reply:In the 160's my neighbor was self taught with a little instruction from his Dad and conversations with Welder/Maintenance guys at work. He had a Lincoln 225 AC that he welded stuff for the neighbor kids and such. He got better over time but for years, his welds were Hit or Miss.My older brother learned some as a Fix-It on the local Farms, learned more in AG class for Arc & Gas welding, when older, he asked his Pipe-Liner neighbor for more info. Me?In the 1970's the neighbor with the 225, then AG class for Arc & Gas welding, then my older brother critiqued. Really didn't get good at it till previous Job paid for Classes at local College, then asked a Pipe-Fitter a million questions. Patience to get it done right the first time, making it perfect is what really upped the skill enough to start asking to get paid for welds made!This was ALL before the Internet was invented!
Reply:Yes, it can be done. I'm mostly self taught(on stick), though I'll say I've learned more from a professional welder spending 30 seconds telling me what I did wrong than an hour burning rod. Even though I've done a lot of things "wrong" when welding, I've rarely had a weld fail. It's melting metal together, not rocket science or neurosurgery.
Reply:Originally Posted by brandonsmashI've taken the initiative to teach myself MIG, SMAW, and TIG (really working hard at that last one). Stick was tricky to be sure, but with the profusion of videos on YouTube (check out ChuckE2009's channel, it's awesome!) the Internet goes a long way towards demystifying the process.Now, to be sure, there's still a ton I don't know. However, I'm at least competent and my welds hold and a cross-section cut reveals good depth and fill.