Welders
 

I want to learn how to weld.

What classes, workshops, or programs did you do to learn? If you didnt pay or take a class, how did you get you're skill?

Im looking to focus on building, repairing trailers with cages and eventually doing some artsy stuff.

Im looking at mesa community but wanted to ask first before i take a class.

Thanks in advance

Paul Aka "Angry Marmota" will probably chime in, he rags on his welding yet it looked good and held up whenever I saw it in use.

Ive only ever assisted in welding gussets on my quads frame, those did last over 4 years of racing though... ugly but strong!

Dedspool is the best I know. I would trust him with my ITR

Back when I was in school there was a place in Tempe or Mesa called "evit" that offered welding

I totally spaced that paul welds

el pollo guey

I just looked it up online thanks man i will give them a call

simon guey

Mcc is a good choice if they still have a good program?

I'm in the self taught group.

check out weldingtipsandtricks on YouTube, theres a couple decent welding forums left, pirate4x4.com is always good for new ideas.

Get an idea of the machine that will fit your needs and buy one size bigger, practice practice practice.

I used my GI Bill to attend AAI's welding program. That place is a degree mill, but whatevs cause I got paid to go there and didn't spend a dime out of pocket on tuition. Good welding program, but I'm sure you could get the same info out of a community college program. Only difference is AAI's larger budget gives you far more practice time, and alumni can go in whenever and use all the materials and welding equipment for life.

Thanks for all the info fellas really appreciate it.
My pops has a rig, im not sure what kind but he is going to let me borrow it. Anybody know where i can find some supply to practice?

I already told you. DEDSPOOL

Assume you want steel to practice on by supplies?

Find a steel yard by you with a rem section. Can also get small sizes and quantities of steel from lowes or hd(kinda expensive for the grade), just make sure you get plain steel.

Industrial Metal Supply
located in Phoenix, south of the intersection of 48th St. and Broadway
They have tons of stuff (alum, mild steel, stainless, etc.) there, new and rem, for cheap

IMS ftw!

Where you located. I always have a ton of scrap.

I want some scrap. My friend is learning aluminum. I'll take some if you have some to spare. I'm on the west.

If only you weren't in Phoenix.....I've been sharing my knowledge with a few people down here and letting them practice on stuff that will be buried anyhow. Shoot me a pm and I can put you in touch with my teacher who moved up to that area several years ago if your interested.

So I can attest to MCC from 2001. I had already taken classes in high school prior, but MCC really gave me more to work with. Both in the classroom and in the shop. Great place to meet others who are there to progress like yourself. It's having the welding forums right in front of you. It's so worth taking welding classes. You don't have to by a welder, gear and every tool it takes to prep your material. What ever gaps were left after being done taking classes, I just learned on the job. Not sure how that place is run now a days, but I recommend it.

i'm learning through youtube, but mostly by doing it. I'm starting to lay down a decent bead; occasionally I burn a hole in the metal, but I just turn down the heat and re-patch it.

Just practice and with time, you'll become ok.