14 replies to this topic

[WeeTony]

So, as some may know, I want to undertake my first resto project - one thing I'll hterefore need to do is weld.

the nearest college offering welding classes is James Watt College, and only then in a full time course in car body repairs and respray.

Despite the fact this sounds like an AMAZING way to spend the next year, it's not feasible. So seriously, is it possible to teach yourself to weld? I don't know where to start....how much is a welder? what do i use? what do i practice on?

This is where my dad's voice saying "car restoration is not for you" comes in, but I am dedicated to proving him wrong.

Thoughts?

P.S. Sorry if this is in the wrong section - there are so many!

[Ethel]

Chech out http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

[blue redtop]

just get a mig welder and some scrap metal and go for it.
thats how i learnt.

just turn it up so it penetrates the metal and then figger out the wire speed.

[WeeTony]

thanks....

now engine reconditioning!

Just kidding!

One step at a time eh?

Tony

[koss]

You can teach yourself no problem. just make sure you buy the right welding set or bottles in the first place.
To weld rust you need oxy/accetaline (spelling). On decent metal you can use mig, tig or even stick mma.
I think I can weld to some respect and I tried one of them gasless mig sets on saturday gone. It was sh*** I think the wire had some stainless content in it to try and prevent oxidisation but the mild steel I was welding did not. So the result was pigieon sh***.
Buy a decent welder for the job and obtain lots of scrap steel sheet to practice on. When you can weld baked bean cans you know the time is right.

[SpaceframeGT]

If you are planning to weld on vehicles a few extra Safety items exist:

Welding circuit voltages can damage electronic components such as ECU's & Alternator diodes. Disconnect the vehicle battery before welding or use a "Surge protector" to prevent voltage spikes.

Be aware of flammable vapours which can cause explosion , ie around fuel lines ,tank, battery, etc.

Be aware of what is on the other side of the panel to which you are welding for the reason above.

A couple of good reference books on welding (as used on C&G welding courses) are "The Science and Practice of Welding" Volumes 1 & 2 by A.C. Davies

[blue redtop]

when im welding on cars i always have a water sprayer close because something always catches fire.
paint
waxoil
ect

Edited by blue redtop, 21 November 2007 - 11:12 PM.

[Guess-Works.com]

Water + electrics.. hmmm...

I have a C02 fire extinguisher handy...

But yes, basically how I did it, bought a Mig, and went to it... you soon get to understand how the thickness of the material affects the weld and also the speed at which you can weld...

[Bevan]

Im planning on taking out an evening corse in welding, just so I have the basics and then I can go from there.

[blue redtop]

[quote name='GuessWorks' date='Nov 22 2007, 07:45 AM' post='732233']
Water + electrics.. hmmm...

I have a C02 fire extinguisher handy...


u dont squirt the welder just the flames.

[ginger_monkey]

I bought a mig and just started playing around with it a few months ago. Like everyone has said just get some scrap metal and have a go. Do alot of reading up online and get some books. Also someone you know might be able to pop round and give you some pointers. It is a tricky art to get the hang of and yes I have set my car and myself on fire doing it

Good luck

[slide]

get a mig-but not the cheapest, as the better investment will have a smoother arc , and just be better generally...always clean up the area to be welded so that it is paint/rust free....an have a couple of settins ...a slightly higher one for tackin an turn it down 1 or2 notches for runs,...don;t have the wire speed too high - experiment on that one......the main problarmo that must be addressed is as the weld cools it will shrink that area and large amounts in one area can cause probs - top tip -tap the weld with a panel beating pointed hammer as it cools to undo the shrinking(small areas of weld shouldn;t need it)......but i tend to put some datum marks with sharpened chalk to keep checking it all keeps in line...try to spread the areas of heat about....every now an then stand back and eye it up

[Bass Man]

Im planning on taking out an evening corse in welding, just so I have the basics and then I can go from there.

Have you found a course near you, I am in SW London I would be interested is a evening course?

[Many Minis Make 1]

I'm looking to do a Level one welding course at central sussex college. (Crawley or Burgess Hill)
Its a 9 week course for £113.00 3 1/2 hrs once a week in the evening, hopefully starting in January.
And I'll probably be the only women in the class.....lucky me.

[dandaz]

just get a mig welder and some scrap metal and go for it.
thats how i learnt.

Me too ,but the scrap metal was a metro...


When I was working in a garage we had college machanics ,these were much slower than the backstreet machanics like myself ,but college I suppose teaches you the basics...

It is not just the welding ,you need to see shapes and profiles and know how to bend metal...

Experience...

Good luck...