13-04-15, 08:54 PM
I did a welding course at night school many years ago for stick welding and then gas (oxy/acetylene) welding. It didn't cost much but even then it got stopped because of cost to the college. Things are now a whole lot worse so I'm not surprised there are no cheap courses.
Stick welding is good for thicker stuff, say 3mm plus, but requires more practice and (for me at least) is difficult when you get down to 1.5mm or less. And while practicing you will invariably end up with arc eye to some extent. Like having sand in your eye for eight to twenty four hours depending on how big a flash you get without the mask.
I have a 150 amp Mig gas welder which is much better and a lot easier for thinner stuff like car body work and can still make a decent weld at 3mm and with more skill, i.e. practice, do o.k. at 5 or 6mm. I am self taught, plus some reading etc. as suggested by others, with mig so I wouldn't like my 5mm welds to be something safety critical. An expert opinion on mig welding at 5mm plus would be good.
Hardly ever use my little oxy/acetylene apart from brazing.
I've never used a gasless mig which I think are more expensive to use due to the coated wire.
In short get yourself a mig welder and get going. Quite satisfying actually.
Top tip.Throw away the mask that comes with a hobby welder and get one that is arc activated. Less than £50 but leaves both hands free to steady the gun (with a leather welding glove) and means you should never get a flash in the eyes.
Aldi sometimes have Mig welders in I seem to remember.
Stick welding is good for thicker stuff, say 3mm plus, but requires more practice and (for me at least) is difficult when you get down to 1.5mm or less. And while practicing you will invariably end up with arc eye to some extent. Like having sand in your eye for eight to twenty four hours depending on how big a flash you get without the mask.
I have a 150 amp Mig gas welder which is much better and a lot easier for thinner stuff like car body work and can still make a decent weld at 3mm and with more skill, i.e. practice, do o.k. at 5 or 6mm. I am self taught, plus some reading etc. as suggested by others, with mig so I wouldn't like my 5mm welds to be something safety critical. An expert opinion on mig welding at 5mm plus would be good.
Hardly ever use my little oxy/acetylene apart from brazing.
I've never used a gasless mig which I think are more expensive to use due to the coated wire.
In short get yourself a mig welder and get going. Quite satisfying actually.
Top tip.Throw away the mask that comes with a hobby welder and get one that is arc activated. Less than £50 but leaves both hands free to steady the gun (with a leather welding glove) and means you should never get a flash in the eyes.
Aldi sometimes have Mig welders in I seem to remember.