Topic: Learning how to weld

[Bane8186]

Hi guys! Newbie here, wanting to be able to fabricate my own tire rack. I am going to enroll into some welding classes at a community college. I was wondering if there are specifice courses I could take first/you reccommend I take first,  to speed up the process so I can start sooner rather than later? I don't wanna go through all the welding blue print reading and welding math since its more for hobby than career. I understand those classes are important, I don't want to offend anyone but I was hoping if you guys knew if there are classes that I can hop right into?

Thanks Guys!!

 

[OOPS]

I took just the basic welding course when I did it years ago. There were no pre-requisite to take it. This was before wire feed was the big so it was oxy/ace and stick welding.


I know there are no pre-requisite for the welding class at my local community college but it is a very hard class to get into, They teach oxy/ace, TIG and MIG.

[Bane8186 [OP]]

Oh really?! So like a all in one?? That would be great! I am hoping to save a lot of dough by doing my own work. Plus it will be so much more gratifying to be able to build a custom tail gate/tire rack, instead of dishing out 800-1000 bucks. Thanks for the info, I will look for a similar class out here in NM!

 

[BadnewsBob]

You don't have to have classes to learn, If you have a friend who can weld see if he will let you practice on some scrap pieces. That is how I learned how. I own two welders and a plasma cutter now and make most things I want.

That being said classes are good and you will learn things I still don't know. I hope to take a class soon just to get better.

[TacoRunner]

In the off road world, its MIG and TIG. None of the others matter. Start with which ever one you decided to purchase for your use. Most of the time that's MIG.

[BadnewsBob]

In the off road world, its MIG and TIG. None of the others matter. Start with which ever one you decided to purchase for your use. Most of the time that's MIG.

I agree, But I think MIG is prolly the more prevalent one.  That being said, aren't most onboard trail type welders stick? I am not to sure but I know I would like to have an underhood welder.

[Wainiha]

Has anyone here used the dual battery and jumper cable method to weld stick?

[jrock]

Often

[junya92toy]

Take some classes, focus on mig. Learn what a good weld looks like, and why its a good weld, learn what a bad weld is, how to fix it, learn how to make certain weld joints stronger then just welding them. Even a good looking weld, can be weak or not even a weld at all

[Bane8186 [OP]]

Thank you all for all of your advice, I will put it to good use. Going to take a class in the fall and buy one soon after to start practicing and hopefully I can make some good additions to my yota! Very excited! Thanks again!