Welding Tips and Tricks

Student in Ontario here, about to test for CWB in few months. Never welded a thing until I took the course in college, and it's been a great experience, i'm absolutely loving it. SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, SMAW are all covered, as well as OAW, OFC, and currently doing air carbon arc gouging and will be learning plasma cutting as well. It was my hobby of distilling (thus my username) and building stills that sparked my interest in working with metal and gaining further skill (granted forming copper sheet and silver soldering are quite a bit different). A mid-life career change is hopefully the end result as well. Thanks for having me and i'm looking forward to reading and learning here!

Sounds like you'll have a lot of fun with it. Good luck , and welcome to the forums !

Welcome to the forum.

Thanks for the welcomes all. Off to browse and read and maybe find some little things to help me improve my skills!

Well, it's been months. I've watched tons of Jodi's videos during the school year, and continued to do so since, which have helped greatly . . . somebody else always has a little way of doing something that is helpful. Graduated with honors, and a perfect 4.0 for second semester. Damn, seems like you can teach an old dog new tricks. Even working full time while going school full time.

Found out I love welding. Even the aspects that people consider dry (ended up with a 96% in metallurgy). But that's partially due to my science background. I haven't landed a welding job yet, but haven't really been looking. Decided to enjoy summer since my full time job i work only 3 days a week (long shifts) after a year of full time school and work. I've kept in practice though, done some small side jobs, and did work for one company on a project and has asked me back for another (worked out since he was happy to work around my full-time job schedule).

My odd jobs welding have let me save up a few bucks and buy some tools, and my first welder (well, first I bought . . . had a mastercraft mig bought for me, good for small hobby, but not much more). After shopping around, talking to people in trades, reading reviews, contacting literally dozens of owners of the machine, I went with the Everlast PowerTig 250EX. Just came to my door today. Bought a bottle of argon, some tungsten, and some 3/32 7018 to try stick (I have an old boat trailer I am modifying a little, so figure i'll use the 7018 on that, just small mods so don't need 1/8). I'm just waiting for my electrician (family) to double check my work shed. The guy I bought my house had a welder and the plugs are all there for 220, but I always like to double check (it's free for me, maybe some trade in welding work or beer lol). Next on my list is an IdealArc 250 . . . used one while in school at end of the year (did scratch start tig with it root fills on mild steel then fill and cap with 7018) . . . and fell in love with how nice that arc was compared to inverters.

Next planning on taking a pipe course being offered. Which is another reason for not taking a job immediately (most work is out of town camp type jobs where I am).

I don't post much, but did plenty of reading here and watching videos. Just want to say thanks for all the knowledgeable advice from everybody which has helped me get this far, and loving it.

Welcome...

Mike wrote:Welcome...

Mike, you welcomed him on January 17th...

"Welcome back," perhaps?

Steve S

"Drunken Moose,"

You seem to have caught the bug. Welding can be addictive, but few addictions pay as well.

Share as you go, and we'll take the journey with you.

Steve S

Thanks all. Would have posted more but was concentrating on my school. Being a dad and working full time to support while going to school leaves you with no time . . . not even to sleep (which from what I've been told is also great welder training lol).

Some before and after pics of my tig welding. Hope this helps to some to show you DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED. Just keep practicing, time behind the hood, and don't keep doing the same thing expecting different results. Wish I took pics throughout the year, but we had a no phones in class policy (good policy anyways). I often stayed longer than others to get any extra time in, and during "my time", took these photos. Feel free to rip away and comment!

Drunken Moose wrote:Thanks all. Would have posted more but was concentrating on my school. Being a dad and working full time to support while going to school leaves you with no time . . . not even to sleep (which from what I've been told is also great welder training lol).

Some before and after pics of my tig welding. Hope this helps to some to show you DO NOT GET DISCOURAGED. Just keep practicing, time behind the hood, and don't keep doing the same thing expecting different results. Wish I took pics throughout the year, but we had a no phones in class policy (good policy anyways). I often stayed longer than others to get any extra time in, and during "my time", took these photos. Feel free to rip away and comment!

You've come a long way, looks great!

Thanks LtBadd. One of the best things I was told is that I had lacked confidence at first. I realized it to be true, and that made a big difference after I started putting more faith into what I was doing. Always been my own worse critic, and sometimes things take patience . . . which welding has definitely taught me.