learning how to weld

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Originally Posted by Ewen

anyone here got any tips for learning how to weld? am keen to just be able to do small jobs, make my own brackets etc.

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These might help:
[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3Qb9I03FCk]How to Mig Weld - Down and Dirty Tips - YouTube[/ame]

He has a web site that is full of great info if you want detailed stuff:
Mig Welding Videos

thanks guys.. i think i'll have a go first before signing up for any classes..

Ewen
I am originally a boiler maker by trade
so as with some of the other suggestions here
a can only recommend that you join a TAFE class and
save yourself time and money
and HEARTACHE from some dismal failures
and as they have said get some tricks from an old bloke.:D
Paul.

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Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Find an adult education class at TAFE if your state's TAFE still does this. They will start you off on gas welding and progress to electric. You will probably find it boring because they will have you doing lots of practice pieces (coupons) in the basic procedures. Practice and technique are the keys to good welding. No subsitute.

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I did arc and tig that way. Great way to get going. Then heaps of practice.

Cheers

I agree, learn properly first. I did a two year tech course. That way you'll be better equipped to buy the sort of welder that suits what you'll be doing.
don

If you want to have a go first, I recommend you have a look at this MIG:

Lincoln Electric

Gas and gasless, 180Amp, 15A. Compact and versatile. Not expensive and you will be able to get parts for it (unlike the chinese "stuff"). Easy to use.

Hello,

Here's a link with a few good tips.

MMA welding (welding institute) video guide - YouTube

Hope it helps.

Cheers,

Jason

I taught myself. It was VERY HARD, and I had a few moments when I threw something across the shed. So I'd recommend a course if you can find one. Otherwise, you'll just have to practise and practise and practise until you get it right.

With a course, you'll still need a lot of practise, but at least you'll have someone to help. I always liken learning to weld to learning to write. It takes a lot of time to learn that fine hand control. It's well worth it, though, definitely.

Another vote for TAFE. I am a reasonably proficient welder on oxy and stick having done it at TAFE after I left school. With my acquisition of a series Land Rover I decided I wanted to weld Aluminium and signed up for a year of the trade course doing the TIG and OXY cutting modules (oxy was compulsory). Money well spent as I gained skills that assisted with my purchase choice of welder as well.

Regards,
Tote

I learned some off Dad then did a lot of practice.
I got what I thought was pretty damn good then I thought I'd give TAFE a go to learn TIG.
I learned bloody well and decided while there to do the others too, and I learned absolutely HEAPS and found out I wasn't as good as I thought.

Go to TAFE, you really won't regret it and you will get taught the fundamentals properly and have a good base to practice from.