1. Registration trouble? Please use the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right corner of the page and your issue will be resolved.
    Dismiss Notice

Where did you learn how to weld?

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by manden68, Aug 20, 2004.

  1. Aug 20, 2004
    manden68

    manden68 Member

    O Fries Country
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2003
    Messages:
    214
    Just out of curiosity where did you guys learn how to weld? In Tampa they was a MIG welding class that was taught at a local tech school in the evenings. I haven't looked here but it would be something I'd consider. I welded up my front bumper with my friend's Lincoln Electric weld pac. I mostly stumbled around and he pointed out a couple of things when ever he was near by. But he taught himself mostly.
     
  2. Aug 20, 2004
    quaggy

    quaggy Gem-pie.

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2002
    Messages:
    37
    At home. Bought a welder. Bought a book. Started to weld. Did my tire carrier and bumper project with it first. Turned out real nice. ;)
     
  3. Aug 20, 2004
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    High school. Gas only though - could have tried stick welding, but it wasn't required.
     
  4. Aug 20, 2004
    Jeepenstein

    Jeepenstein Me like Jeep..

    North Central FL
    Joined:
    Jun 15, 2003
    Messages:
    2,132
    I'm with Quaggy...
     
  5. Aug 20, 2004
    mb82

    mb82 I feel great!

    Charlottesville Va
    Joined:
    Mar 17, 2003
    Messages:
    2,706
    same here. but i did not buy a book i just built my body :shock:
     
  6. Aug 20, 2004
    plunkinberry

    plunkinberry Member

    Canonsburg, PA
    Joined:
    Nov 22, 2002
    Messages:
    102
    Everyone I talk to says you should take a class just for the knowledge and safty aspects... there's a lot to be said for on the fly training and just doing it, but apparently, the classes are very helpful. I keep waiting for a semester than wifey doesn't have class and I can take one through the local community college.
     
  7. Aug 20, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    I just stumbled through it...the welder came with a video that I watched. Burned up the roll of flux core wire on scrap stuff...

    Still no expert, but stuff seems to be holding together.
     
  8. Aug 20, 2004
    DoubleK

    DoubleK New Member

    Lubbock, TX
    Joined:
    May 4, 2004
    Messages:
    41
    My Dad taught me how to strike an arc as a kid, then a little later sold me the welder so I could build an antenna tower when I was about 15. Kinda scary test welds by climbing up that 40 ft tower to mount my Moonraker 4 :shock: . I've gotten better but would recommend more formal training. I had a co-worker at a CPA firm who took a class after I welded on his cj6 for him and he's quite a bit better than I now. IMHO education trumps experience most of the time and really they're best used in combination.
     
  9. Aug 20, 2004
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    842
    Self taught, much like Mike, Scott, and Quaggy. My buddy's welder came with a video. We watched it, then started burning up the wire! My father was a welder all his life, so I got some pointers from him too.

    Also, like the others, I wouldn't mind taking a class. If you just teach yourself, you'll have a hard time welding with anything except your own welder, in your own environment. The education side of it will allow you to learn how to set any machine, steel prep, and all the other in's and out's that you wouldn't pick up from just experience.
     
  10. Aug 20, 2004
    Boyink

    Boyink Super Moderator Staff Member

    Tulsa, OK
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    6,193
    I wouldn't mind taking a class...if they had one more for "handyman welding". All the classes offered around here are on the "certified welder" track...and just too much time investment for what I want to do.
     
  11. Aug 20, 2004
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
    Self taught ;)
     
  12. Aug 20, 2004
    Mcruff

    Mcruff Earlycj5 Machinist

    Albertville, AL
    Joined:
    Sep 22, 2002
    Messages:
    5,349
    School of hard knocks!!
    That and 2 of the best welders I've ever seen one of them I work with now the other used to work for my father, still good friends and when I need pointers on something I call one of them, if I still can't do it the way I want, well you know I just call them and say man this crap is impossible come show me, followed by Wow!! you made that look so easy! :D
     
  13. Aug 20, 2004
    timgr

    timgr We stand on the shoulders of giants. 2022 Sponsor

    Medford Mass USA
    Joined:
    Aug 10, 2003
    Messages:
    23,596
    If you were resourceful, I'd bet you could find somebody that would teach you. Of course, you'd have to pay them - not free like Community College or Adult Education, but less than a certification course. Ask at the local Airco store or other welding specialty places.
     
  14. Aug 20, 2004
    BlueFlu

    BlueFlu past owner of some ecj5's

    Hermitage, TN
    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2004
    Messages:
    1,552
    HS shop class 2 years worth. ;)
    Started out as good way to kill an hour at school :rofl: , ended up enjoying myself. 8)
     
  15. Aug 20, 2004
    speedbuggy

    speedbuggy Looking for a Jeep now

    Living the Good...
    Joined:
    Jul 1, 2004
    Messages:
    1,270
    Self taught. Grew up on a farm.

    The 'handy man welding course' that Mike suggested would be a good idea. Most of us will only ever use a mig or arc. Just being good with those would make projects a lot easier...
     
  16. Aug 20, 2004
    blevisay

    blevisay Oh Noooooooooooooooo! Staff Member

    Portland Tn.
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    4,348
    Self taught here!
    Had to take a gas welding class for my A&P (I started with gas) cut a deal with the instructor to let me take the final the first day so I could play with the tig they had he did and I did!!!!

    Marc come by the house and I'll teach you!
     
  17. Aug 20, 2004
    Project71-5

    Project71-5 BACON

    Gypsum, CO
    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2002
    Messages:
    897
    Billy, did you ever get that combo machine?
     
  18. Aug 20, 2004
    jd7

    jd7 Sponsor

    Nacogdoches,Texas
    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2004
    Messages:
    1,745
    Worked as a helper as a teenager , when the old guy said "let see what you can do." After the laughter subsided he taught me a lot. Learned a lot from other welders, 'be surprised what you can learn just wearing a helmet and watching a friend that's good. Oh yeah bought and checked out some books that also helped me get the concept. Most community college offer classes that are taught by welder that are "in the business" (their own shop) or have tested cetfied.
     
  19. Aug 20, 2004
    manden68

    manden68 Member

    O Fries Country
    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2003
    Messages:
    214
    Yeah Billy I think I'll take you up on that. I've budgeted approx $600 for a welder and accessories (or buy a set of 32X11.50BFGs.) A couple of big tips that I've picked up from here is 1. Make sure the wind is calm and 2. Galvanizing/paint when welded is nasty.
     
  20. Aug 20, 2004
    Warloch

    Warloch Did you say Flattie??? Staff Member

    Falcon, CO
    Joined:
    Mar 4, 2003
    Messages:
    5,466
    Started at home (grew up on a Ranch) - Grad HS as a Cert welder - used welding and the Army to get through College.

    Now it's just for fun - bought my first MIG last fall. Till then it was all gas and stick.

    :stout:
     
New Posts