Rob0115 1,105 Posted August 28, 2016 Is there any tech schools or community college classes? I'd like to learn how to weld, tig, because I'm very curious about the process and skill involved. If anyone is a welder and wants to give lessons, and are reasonably close by, I'd be happy to pay appropriately. I've been googling and watching videos but I think this is something that might require hands-on interaction. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted August 28, 2016 I've been down this road. All I can say is good luck. Very few do it and even less have the time to teach. It's not super hard. I have a Tig welder if you want to try your hand at it. I know just enough to get myself into trouble. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob0115 1,105 Posted August 28, 2016 I see Essex county vo-tech has a class. I may call them. I've done MiG welding in the past. I may just practice and follow all the online resources that I see. Which welder did you buy? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oneshot 45 Posted August 28, 2016 Adult learning schools sometimes offer them. To really learn you would have to go to a vocational school and it would be costly . watch some youtube and do research. ask questions . you will figure it out. There are tons of variations in welding. one size does not fit all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnut 2,358 Posted August 28, 2016 If you come across a welder but no one to show you the ropes let me know. I can Mig, Tig, and Gas weld but I don't have any welders at the moment and no place to weld at my house. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bully 749 Posted August 28, 2016 I have a "Real Gear" 200amp TIG machine. Chinese and sold by Welco. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bhunted 887 Posted August 28, 2016 Harbor Freight has some cheap ones good for home projects. I'd go that route to see if its something you'd want to get serious about. I am considering one myself. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted August 28, 2016 Is this for work or pleasure? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnut 2,358 Posted August 28, 2016 Harbor Freight has some cheap ones good for home projects. I'd go that route to see if its something you'd want to get serious about. I am considering one myself. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I second this. Get a cheap one or a used one and then if you want to continue get a Miller. Miller is to welding as Dillon is to reloading. Make sure that you get a model with a foot control not a "scratch to start" type. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted August 28, 2016 The HF mig welders are good enough for small projects around the house as well as some gunsmithing. I've used mine to weld floorplates into a Jeep and pin muzzle brakes on ARs. MIG is cheaper to get into than TIG. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GRIZ 3,365 Posted August 28, 2016 MIG is pretty easy to teach yourself. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Purple Patrick 638 Posted August 28, 2016 I took welding 101 at Raritan Valley. It was a pretty good class, I still need to take the 2nd one.... this signature exceeds the 15 character capacity count Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob0115 1,105 Posted August 28, 2016 Is this for work or pleasure? Definitely pleasure, work is nearly a thing of the past for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob0115 1,105 Posted August 28, 2016 If you come across a welder but no one to show you the ropes let me know. I can Mig, Tig, and Gas weld but I don't have any welders at the moment and no place to weld at my house. I'm going to buy a starter TiG and happy to pay you for your time (not looking to insult anyone and not looking to be presumptuous either). I'll look you up once I get one if I can't find a class. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
carl_g 568 Posted August 29, 2016 I think the Morris County votech in Denville offers adult welding classes. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnnyB 4,289 Posted August 29, 2016 If you get a HF welder, I would suggest DC vs AC. You can buy the wire feed 90 amp 110V AC welder and convert it to DC very cheaply! Other than that, you will need 220VAC so not as portable. DC splatters much less than AC. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mipafox 438 Posted August 29, 2016 Definitely pleasure, work is nearly a thing of the past for me. OK, in that case I have nothing to add. Except good luck and have fun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnut 2,358 Posted August 29, 2016 I'm going to buy a starter TiG and happy to pay you for your time (not looking to insult anyone and not looking to be presumptuous either). I'll look you up once I get one if I can't find a class.just provide some beer Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Heavyopp 167 Posted August 29, 2016 I would not suggest trying to learn to weld with anything from Harbor Freight -- You'll never know if your bad welds are you or the machine A skilled welder will have trouble making good welds with a HF machine -- If you still think you want a HF welder, do yourself a favor and don't buy their wire -- get Lincoln wire -- HD and lowes sells it for decent prices Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chris327 30 Posted August 29, 2016 Passaic county tech I believe has classes at night. A few years back I know someone who did a few classs. Was like 4 months 2 nights a week. And wasn't crazy money I think a few hundred each "semester". 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeerSlayer 241 Posted August 29, 2016 I think the Morris County votech in Denville offers adult welding classes.They do, I used to teach the plumbing apprenticeship course there. Herb Brown is the adult ed welding instructor. Really great guy, and a phenomenal welder. I took his class myself. Since I worked at the school I could take any classes in wanted to for free. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
T Bill 649 Posted August 29, 2016 Bought an Everlast 3 years ago, performs flawlessly. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnut 2,358 Posted August 29, 2016 I would not suggest trying to learn to weld with anything from Harbor Freight -- You'll never know if your bad welds are you or the machine A skilled welder will have trouble making good welds with a HF machine -- If you still think you want a HF welder, do yourself a favor and don't buy their wire -- get Lincoln wire -- HD and lowes sells it for decent prices no wire with Tig 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Displaced Texan 11,653 Posted August 29, 2016 It used to be (back growing up in Texas) that high schools/community colleges taught these type of courses at a reasonable cost, mostly on weekend for us working folks. I cannot find anything in my area that isn't a tech/trade school full blown course for several thousand dollars a semester. Hell, all I want to do is learn some basic welding and fabrication, so I can be a little more self sufficient out at the ranch. Like to be able to weld up repairs on a tractor implement, or fabricate somethings without having to hire someone from town. Anyone know of something in Camden County that isn't crazy money/time investment? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rob0115 1,105 Posted August 29, 2016 just provide some beer Lol, everything I do involves having some beer! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handyman 5,682 Posted August 29, 2016 Welding is for sissies. Real men use duct tape. 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted August 29, 2016 Someone mentioned the Lincoln wire for the HF welder. I second that. The wire that comes with their mig machine is hot garbage. Sent from my Z812 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnut 2,358 Posted August 29, 2016 Someone mentioned the Lincoln wire for the HF welder. I second that. The wire that comes with their mig machine is hot garbage. Sent from my Z812 using Tapatalk is it flux core wire? Or are the HF welders gas shielded? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikeyjones 88 Posted August 29, 2016 is it flux core wire? Or are the HF welders gas shielded?Flux core Sent from my Z812 using Tapatalk Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
fishnut 2,358 Posted August 29, 2016 Flux core Sent from my Z812 using Tapatalk that why the welds look shitty. Flux core sucks. I only use it if I have to weld in wind. Shielding gas is the way to go 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites