I'm almost definitely going to be car-less after this summer for at least a year. In a year or two I plan on having someplace with a garage and getting an old Alfa GTV or BMW 2002 and doing a resto. In the interim I'm going to try to learn some new skills, including welding. A few local community colleges offer classes, but I'd like to do a little reading beforehand so I understand the concepts behind the practice. Any books anyone (Pat) can recommend on the subject?

 

check out lincoln's website

Knowledge / Training | Lincoln Electric

there's a lot of info on the web, but the class will be key for hands-on learning.

 

American Welding Society - Home Page

 

Check out your local library. Best advice evar.

I read 10 different welding books from my local library before I ever tried to weld. I read 3 different books specific to MIG welding and I didn't even own a MIG. Fast forward 5 years to this summer I picked up a MIG and I was butt welding .040" pipe in no time with perfect pen. Knowing what you're doing and knowing what to change when X, Y, or Z happens helps a TON. Our local library has probably 80 books on welding. I only read a few of them.

 

You know what's really sad. I work at a public library and I didn't even consider to look there... Thanks for the info guys.

 

lolol

 

Meh, I think I can do worse.

The first time I went to the library after an extended(like 5 years) hiatus, I came up to the clerk to check out books and asked how much I owe him. Was totally surprised when he said the library is free.

 

I'm about to buy a mig. Some will call my work garbage...I'll call it "abstract welding art."

 

Good luck! Always good to have a skill that can actually reap you some trade and barter leverage when you get proficient.
I love being able to justify the phrase "It is going to cost you $20 bucks just to turn it on....."
Practice, practice, practice.....get some scrap metal, nuts, bolts, and anything else you want to play with. Learn how to cold weld, and brazing too. This will really open the door for endless quick fixes and money saving options.....
*** Edit *** I have a welder's handbook at the house, I will get the title for ya. Or just send to you...... I haven't opened it quite some time now.

 

That would be awesome! I ordered some through the library but they seem to all be pre-1985. Anything I'd be missing that a newer book would have?

 

A lot of older books are still good. Depends what you're doing, but it's all good info and most of the theory/technique will be the same. Our library can get books from other sister-libraries within 3 counties, so really I could get hundreds of books on welding if I wanted.

 

I don't need luck when I have beer and BBQ, a mig, and machismo.

 

You will find your best lessons at the community college. Nothing teaches better than hands on, and welding class is 75% hands on. I took a course once just so I could use there tig welder. When my project was done I dropped out of class LOL.

Hustler you will find the mig welder to be the easiest most forgiving welder on the market. Are you going to buy a bottle and regulator also, or use self shielding wire?

 

I've played with a mig before...and its not great but nothing a grinder and paint won't fix. I'll use self-shielding wire...and a grinder. I really want to take a welding class, and probably will when I get the desk-job again.

 

This is a great site!

How to MIG Weld - Tutorial

 

Grinders are for Hacks......Flap discs are your friend!

 

Last semester I had to take a joining and casting class for my mfg eng major. We had one quarter of doing projects using every type of welding/brazing, and one quarter making aluminum castings. Probably the most fun class I've had so far. I've definitely had more luck learning by doing, and would recommend taking a class for sure.

 

smartflix.com has all kinds of technical diy dvds for rent