Can anyone suggest a good welding DVD that is affordable for the DIYer automotive guru? I know theirs a few names out there. But wonder if anyone has input on the best ones which helped them. I want to up my game for my next project. Thank you!
Best way by far to "up your game" as far as welding goes is to enroll in a cl*** at your local community college. Better than any video you will ever watch.
lincoln had a video they used to include with their welders from the big box stores that was ok for a quick intro
I applied for an evening cl***, but it was recently cancelled due to lack of interest. Its a shame since this is the 2nd time it has been cancelled. I'm looking to learn mig, such as rust repair and building front suspension. Weld penetration, ability to build my air ride truck frame. Eventually tig but I cannot afford that at this point. I have a millermatic 211 I just purchased a few months back and I've been playing around with you tube videos. Bit all are not complete enough for me.
Too bad the course keeps getting cancelled. Mig welding "correctly" is more than meets the eye. Most backyard welders think you just pull the trigger and go. The most common problem with mig welding is lack of fusion because it's a cold start, it is imperative that you stay on the leading edge of the puddle. Rust repair is one thing but if you plan on doing anything structural with mig I wouldn't until you have been trained by a professional, my 6 year old son can run decent beads with mig already but he doesn't understand what he is looking at. My point is that mig welding doesn't take much to learn to run a bead but it takes a trained eye to identify puddle reaction and understand what is going on. Something you won't get from a DVD. Hopefully they will run the course sooner than later. I would wait until you get one on one time with a pro before attempting anything structural. Remember, with welding, just because a bead looks nice doesn't necessarily make it strong!!
I have been welding since I was 13 (46 now) my dad was a welder in the Navy Yard but never taught me I learned on my own. Took a cl*** 4 years ago It helped a lot. Hope one opens for you soon. Jim Ford (55willys)
I'd skip the dvd... put that money towards a helmet and find a shop that will let you watch. I was lucky enough when I was younger to find a muffler shop who let me watch a couple afternoons. I stayed out of the way and just watched the guys weld some. From there, I was able to get access to a friends little 110 and figure out how to stick two pieces together. After I had enough (I thought) experience on other people's machines, I bought one and taught myself. I'm no expert, but I think I do well enough with no formal training.
True that... I took a TIG cl*** at our local Community College. For about $350 I got 6 cl***es, with all the Material, Gas and Filler Rod you need + a very knowledgable instructor that gives you pointers and proves there's nothing wrong with the welder you're using. Best part: they have industrial water cooled welders that gives you 3-4 hours in a row. (My ESAB at home is much cheaper and it 's not designed for that.) I took the cl*** again to get moore seat time! You can get tips/ideas from a video, But It's imposible to learn how to weld from it. HOURS AND HOURS! of practice...(It's like learning how to play guitar.) T
Find out who the instructor was supposed to be and see if he/she will do a one-on-one cl***, perhaps in your garage with your equipment. .
Thanks everyone for your opinions. The problem I run into is that I am 50minutes from the college and the teacher is another 25 miles on the other side. I was thinking about placing an ad on craigslist to see what that would get me. Maybe I can get an old school retired teacher.
You're less than 2 hours from me. Come on over some weekend and I'll get you squared away in a day. Seriously.
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