Hey I'm new to this

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Hey everyone I'm completely new to the idea of Welding. I'd like to learn it as a hobby. There are a few things I'd like to build out off metal because they would otherwise be too flimsy or bulky in wood or anything else. So I have some questions if you don't mind.1. How different is welding from soldering? I'm currently under the impression it's just the grown up version of soldering.2. What equipment is needed to start out with? Decent but cheap.3. How fast can you learn this kind of skill? Is it something that is difficult and takes alot of time to learn and master or is it something that is quick to learn but takes time to master?4. Is it any more or less difficult to weld objects of different sizes? Aside from time issues.I may have more questions like these pop up but for the time being this will have to do.I'd basically like to learn welding as a hobby and perhaps even for the necessity of it. As I said above there are a few things I could use it for. My current project of trying to build and exoskeleton for my video camera would be one of them. Then other artisic reasons may pop up. Whatever might come to mind that I think would be cool to build. Should I decided I like it, it might be handy as a job skill being as I live in the Motor City with industry all around me. But that's some far ahead of me if at all. Right now I'm just interested in a starters guide.ThanksLast edited by roxics; 01-30-2004 at 03:31 AM.
Reply:Let's try to get these in order, one at a time.....1) solder is a lot like glue, where welding fuses the base material.2) depends on what you want to do.3) depends on talent level and what you want to do.4) not really, but it will take some practice.Many of us weld as a hobby.  Be advised it is an addictive and expensive hobby.    Glad to you aboard.
Reply:these message boards are a great resourse,and so is a welding class, take a class so you can get your feet wet and try mig tig and stick welding and also learn the proper saftey procedures. its money well spent.
Reply:Hi Roxics.If you get a AC/DC stick welder, there isn't much you can't do.  In time you'll want a Mig, and that will go along nicely with the stick.  I use O/A alot for cutting and bending, heating.  On all of the above I would say to buy name brand equipment.  I like the Stickmate's for the stick welders.  You can get a new Stickmate AC/DC for the mid to lower $300. if you look around and have a Tractor Supply nearby.  There are tons of opinions about which Mig to get, and to tell you the truth, all of them are correct, but in my thinking, I wouldn't be afraid to get another Clarke Mig.  I have a too small Clarke 95 fluxcore only but to be honest, for what I use it for, it's all I need.  When it becomes too old or breaks down, I would get  the Clarke 130 and use it for fluxcore as well.  You could also use it for gas,  but I don't have that need at this time, but it would be nice for me in the future.Sure the Millers and Hoberts are better, but I like stick welding more and what I do Mig, the Clarke's work just fine.For O/A torches, I have Smith MC.  Lifetime warranty.  Nice light torch and tips change quickly.  With a big cutting tip you can cut up to 6".  I use that bigger tip  (#5) for preheating because it's a lot cheaper then a rosebud, plus I could cut with it if I need.  I cut with a (#1) and it works very nice on anything up to 1".Also if you get a stick and learn to weld with it,  Mig is a simple change over.  Guys that really know about welding,  (Franz, Fla Jim, and so many others, will tell you the best way to learn to weld is with A/O.  I agree, but it takes a long time to learn and may drive you nuts.  With a stick at least you can make welds right away and (feel) like you can weld a little, gets your mind in gear about what fun all this is.And that is the true bottom line, Have fun and enjoy your newly developing skills.
Reply:Roxics;Stop at a book store and get Richard Finches book on welding. He a little full of  himself, but he gives a good basic overview of the different procedures. It's good light reading for a long winter night.The cheapest way to start with good equipment is a Hobart stickmate ac. You can get one for around 200. It a pretty well made machine, and will probably last forever with some care. Using 6011 or 6013 rod you can do heavy duty work. If you learn to weld with AC, When you get to DC or mig (GMAW) will be a piece of cake.
Reply:I've got a new chart on my [url=]WEBSITE[/url] that is the AWS Master Chart of Welding and Allied Processes which shows you which process falls into what catagory.  Also I have run across a site that shows you how to weld(with pictures even), from the beginer to the more avanced student at: [url=]Intergrated Publishing[/url]Common sense in an uncommon degree is what the world calls wisdom.
Reply:It looks to me like "Intergrated publishing has copied the old Navy training manuals.There's a lot of good information there, although some is a little dated.
Reply:happy b'day Roxics !