Learning to Weld

[austinsailor]

Check with your community collages in the area. They often have classes at very reasonable prices. You'll most likely use more materials than the course costs. You can also take a class that is basically "building your project". You furnish the sheet or pipe, they furnish the rod, welders, gas and electric. All with an experienced welder for an instructor to help you out. I did this and made quite a few projects in a 6 week semester.

[SaltyMonkey]

I learned welding from an art collective. They had a ton of classes in various welding and metalworking techniques from non-artist professionals. Also, a very large shop of equipment for just about anything you might want to build.

Another option for you,

[perchance]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

OK, I'll bite: Why do you keep 316L electrodes in the fridge?

To keep them from absorbing moisture out of the air. A 60 watt light bulb in the old fridge helps.

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by S/V Alchemy

OK, I'll bite: Why do you keep 316L electrodes in the fridge?

Lol i've always kept all our electrodes in an old fridge with 40watt light bulb in to keep the moisture out of them......

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by perchance

To keep them from absorbing moisture out of the air. A 60 watt light bulb in the old fridge helps.

SNAP!!!!!

[micah719]

Is there any application in the boating world for thermite welding? Such used for joining traintracks.

Was thinking it might be useful for emergency repairs when electrics are not working or too dangerous. Also crossed my mind as a surefire way of cutting thick metal free, such as if my unstayed steel masts get bent by a pitchpole or rollover and are endangering the boat.

[Lagoon4us]

In a word NO.....

[Cheechako]

Good welding is hard, requires a lot of experience because things weld different depending on external conditions etc. Sure you can learn to stick things together at home. Doing a good job is something else. Also, it's a trade that has had a glut of people available in recent years as the work has gone alot overseas. However, there is always work for a great welder. Welding aluminum takes diferent equipment than welding stainless, takes diff equiptment than welding steel.....

[reiner]

I am in the middle of modifying my Targa frame and making it wider to become part of the railing. A friend who is pretty good at tig welding got me started and after that I got lots of off-cuts to learn on. I am getting better at it but can tell it takes a lot of practise. I know how to mig and stick weld so that helps. Patients is the trick. Mig welding is much more forgiving. I notice with tig welding you have to make sure your joins are perfect, glasses and helm need to be very clean. Get a comfortable position while welding .
I used to dial up to much power on the TIG but since I slowed down it is getting better.
More welding today and after the Targa frame is finished I make a new Bimini frame.
I like doing it and I think that makes all the difference. If you don't enjoy it get somebody else to do it for you.
Cheers
Reiner

[Starring_James]

Originally Posted by ohdrinkboy

So reading all the posts on the costs of fabricating stainless or aluminum pulpits, biminis, etc, it occurs to me that welding might be a good skill to learn.

OK welders, talk to me. How hard is it to do a passable job? Not beautiful, but functional. I'd be happy with a chevy quality job because I'll be sailing a chevy quality boat.

You will be able to do a lot on your boat if you know how to weld. I took welding classes last year and I it was worth it. I was able to do customize my baby. Just think of it as an additional skill you can flaunt.