Teach me

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Hello allI am currently attending University of Minnesota Duluth and am graduating in the spring. However I am becoming increasingly sure that I would rather spend my life creating things with my hands instead of submitting research papers to biological journals. I am an avid ice fishermen and have built two (wooden) ice houses in the past and its time for an upgrade. I have aspirations of possibly making a small business out of my hobby. This is much more of a dream then a reality right now considering I have not welded since H.S. metal shop. I have looked into schools and classes, but they seem to be more expensive and broad then what I am looking for at this time. I am looking for someone who would be willing to teach me the basics of aluminum TIG and or MIG welding, just to learn some basic fundamentals that will give me a foundation to build off of as i continue to learn/practice, to hopefully get one step closer to my dream. If anyone in the greater Duluth or Twin Cities MN area would be able to help me out, I could throw a couple bucks your way, clean up a shop, or whatever, in exchange for some knowledge/practice time. Just send me a PM. Also if anyone knows of a school/class that they would recommend, or a better way to get my feet wet I am open for suggestions. Thanks!
Reply:Originally Posted by sam10basefishAlso if anyone knows of a school/class that they would recommend, or a better way to get my feet wet I am open for suggestions. Thanks!
Reply:I am currently giving mig clinics in my area for steel. But if you are willing to make the trip to SoCal, you are welcome to stop by the shop and we will set you up for alum tig and mig for a few   hours for some one on one. However my methods of teaching are a bit harsh if you can take it.I think what you are looking for is some exposure to see if the processes are for you? Would be nice if you could incorporate alum fabrication engineering with your degree.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonHowever my methods of teaching are a bit harsh if you can take it.
Reply:Originally Posted by keithwinsI can't resist: what do you mean by "a bit harsh"? Has anyone ever survived?
Reply:I can tell you that a few community colleges have some great shops. You can sign up for a welding 101 class and when you get into the class just explain to the instructor what it is that you are after. I petitioned my instructors and was able to go to class and take 101 and 201 simultaneously. I took everything from oxy fuel to aluminum tig. I went to Fullerton College in SoCal. Great program there. Usually there is a lot of room in their class structure to be flexible enough to get what you want. And I can tell you that getting an offer from shovelon is quite valuable.Learning from someone in a shop that is actually making money is a great place to learn some hands on stuff. I had a guy help me in a shop and I will never forget that. And his help led me to make money doing that job later on. Imagine someone teaching you how to be their competitor! Who does that?Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:Originally Posted by keithwinsI can't resist: what do you mean by "a bit harsh"? Has anyone ever survived?
Reply:Originally Posted by shovelonYes, they survived.I sit them down at a bench, and scream instructions thru my hood during the weld. Some are scared of the arc and won't get thier face up into the joint. They just pull away gradually and I force them to tighten up the arc and shove their face in there. This can go on for hours.
Reply:I graduated from UMD 2 years ago next spring. My brother is going there in the business school! I actually have family in Elk River and several friends.Small world isnt it.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWAnd you enjoy every minute of it...  Were you a Marine drill instructor perhaps in the past?