Boosted1G GSX Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'm in a little situation and wondering how I should approach it, and hoping to get some input. I just graduated college in May from Ohio Wesleyan University with a degree in Economic management. My dad owns his own shop in Columbus (not trying to promote, just stating) and I plan on becoming an ASE certified tech next year. I really want to start welding, and I'm just trying to decide the best way to go about it. We have a MIG welder at the shop, but in all honesty it doesn't get used much. I want to start TIG welding so I can start building my own parts. I know very little, so pretty much I'm starting from scratch. Some ideas that have crossed my mind: - Take a welding class at CSCC - Trying to intern at a shop, which would be difficult working full time and also coaching basketball, nevertheless doable. - Going to buy a welder and seeing how it goes. Doesn't seem realistic because I don't have any type of guidance. So any input would be greatly appreciated! Cliffs: how would you start welding with no experience and little knowledge, while also balancing a full time and part time job? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tractor Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I built my own welder for about $100 bucks and learned myself. I have since gotten a MIG and can do a decent job of sticking pieces of metal together though I'm sure I'm far from a "good" professional. I probably had about 40hrs with my home made stick welder before I was burning sticks pretty well. The MIG is stupid easy by comparison and I can actually do thin "to me" stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cordell Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I would start with a MIG, sounds like you have access to one, and it's a great basis to get the concept down. Then move on to a TIG, get someone to give some pointers to get you started and then practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-Alex- Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Definitely start with MIG, they're easier to play around with. Get a pile of scrap metal, casually ask a couple guys for some pointers, and spend a few hours researching on the internet and dive in. You should get comfortable within a couple weeks and have a basic understanding, then go after the TIG. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'm sure there a couple people on here that are experienced with a tug that wouldn't mind helping you learn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gillbot Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'm going to go against the grain and say get a stick welder. If you can get good at that, the rest should come easy. I learned on stick and once I got decent at that, mig was a cake walk and tig wasn't so bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KillJoy Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Take a course @ Tolls Tech (or similar) and go from there? KillJoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Otis Nice Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 I'm sure there a couple people on here that are experienced with a tug... Lot of people on CR experienced in this field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Bastard Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Lot of people on CR experienced in this field. Damn auto correct. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
copperhead Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Not trying to be a dick, but why did you go to the trouble of getting a degree in economic management if you want to become a welder? You could have taken classes at the county career center for that instead of spending 4 or more years and thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on a degree that you don't seem to have any intent of using. I'd say get a job in your field, unless there aren't any out there, and weld in your spare time for fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boosted1G GSX Posted November 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 Take a course @ Tolls Tech (or similar) and go from there? KillJoy Tolls Tech? Not trying to be a dick, but why did you go to the trouble of getting a degree in economic management if you want to become a welder? You could have taken classes at the county career center for that instead of spending 4 or more years and thousands or tens of thousands of dollars on a degree that you don't seem to have any intent of using. I'd say get a job in your field, unless there aren't any out there, and weld in your spare time for fun. I don't want to be a welder, I just want to be able to weld. I went to OWU to play basketball and get a top tier education. I plan on being a business owner. Having the education I obtained and a few other skills will only help me be more successful in the future. I see what you're trying to say though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boosted1G GSX Posted November 22, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 based on the responses it seems like I need to put the MIG welder to use. I know I can google "how to use a MIG" welder and get a million sources, but does anyone have any good sources they've used first hand and know to be good? Thanks for all your inputs guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPL_Josh Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 If he wants to tig why is everyone saying mig welding. Fuck arc would be a better substitute than mig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ImUrOBGYN Posted November 22, 2013 Report Share Posted November 22, 2013 based on the responses it seems like I need to put the MIG welder to use. I know I can google "how to use a MIG" welder and get a million sources, but does anyone have any good sources they've used first hand and know to be good? Thanks for all your inputs guys Youtube has some great channels. Can't remember specific channels since it's been awhile. There are a couple good ones I utilized when I was in welding class. I also have an excellent welding book (I won't part with it but have no problems making copies.) I don't know how far you live from me - I'm off of Clime near SW Cbus - so I don't know how viable that is for you. I'd practice with the MIG, too since that's what's currently available to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.