Thread: Welder Reccomendations?
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06-17-2008 11:40 AM #1
Along with a welder, get some training at a local vo-tech. The instructors typically come from industry with years of field experience, and are able to impart their knowledge and experience via hands-on instruction. Procedural knowledge is absolutely necessary, but no amount of reading will beat making arcs and sparks. Another advantage of getting into a vo-tech is that the welding shops typically also have huge shears, press brakes, and a variety of materials. When you only need a 2" length of 1/2x6 to make a bracket, this comes in very handy.
I had taken training in SMAW (shielded metal arc - aka stick welding), GMAW (gas metal arc - aka MIG), and GTAW (gas tungsten - aka TIG), and thought I was good until I worked at a fabrication shop. My welds were both mediocre and slow compared to others, but after three months welding six hours per day, I am no longer an amateur. The job folded after nine months, but welding at that level is like riding a bicyle.
I have a 15 year old 130 amp L-Tec (Linde) 110/220v GTAW. I've made qualified one-pass welds in 5/16" carbon plate with .035 solid wire with this unit and the correct procedure. If I need anything larger, I take the project back to school (where I'm still friends with the instructor) and have access to 440v industrial welders in many flavors.Dorsey
There is no expedient to which man will not resort to evade the real labor of thinking.
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06-17-2008 05:31 PM #2
After today I would strongly agree with you! I'm trying to get into an adult education welding class in the fall!" "No matter where you go, there you are!" Steve.
John's ride to the cemetery, his beloved Billings OK bus, The Baby Elephant!! Traveling in style!! As his service was starting I couldn't figure out what the music was, heavy on a flute in a jaunty...
John Norton aka johnboy