Welding Tips and Tricks

Okay, I've got a few months seat time under my belt. Watched Jody's video's for about a year before ever striking an arc...still refer back to them. I think i'm doing pretty good so far...but just like anything else that involves a high level of skill, you can only get so far with video's . Analogy: I've been playing guitar since the 80's , I also race dirt bikes . I've got a buddy that is/was a pro motocrosser ...30 minutes with the guy and he'll show me something small i'm doing wrong and maybe 1 or 2 new techniques, and my skill level improves . Same with the guitar ...I can play pretty decent , but I've had the opportunity to know a few world class players, had a few informal lessons. They can see something VERY small that you're doing and help you make a minor adjustment ...you just can't get that with a video. One thing I've learned long ago from all of them is that it is BAD to keep practicing over and over, unless you're practicing with correct technique.
That's how bad habits get engrained .

Over here in NE PA, no one I know knows a professional level tig welder ...to get just a few short lessons .
There is a class at the local community college, I know the guy that is over that dept ...he says it's tough just to get the guy to agree to teach the class . Working full time, I can't take a welding class, and i'm not looking to become a welder as a career, but I do enjoy fixing things and my TIG machine . I'd like to improve, I love practicing in the evening after work.

Anyone know a skilled TIG welder in northeast PA for a private lesson ? It wouldn't be a problem to pay them whatever they make ...and they just have to observe, critique and give a few pointers. I hold a professional license in an unrelated field...no riff raff here.
Sorry a little long winded . Thanks guys !

There have been quite a few welding web group meetups over the years. Zapster has done several clinics at his place. My east coast geography is terrible, but I don't think you are too far from him. Totally agree on the pro thing.an afternoon with Shovelon at his shop I probably learned as much as I would in a semester of college welding class. More important is you learn the tricks and stuff college doesn't teach.
THOSE USES ARE BOTH ON THE weldingweb.com FORUM BTW...

Where in North East PA? I'm in Southern PA, York County.

Scranton area . Coal country

30,000 lb of bananas country.

[quote="soutthpaw"]There have been quite a few welding web group meetups over the years. Zapster has done several clinics at his place. My east coast geography is terrible, but I don't think you are too far from him. quote]

Thanks much for that info. I contacted him , they are having the meetings/small seminars , unfortunately it's a 7 hour drive for me . They are up in Mass , just north of Providence RI ...kinda too far

Rick_H wrote:Where in North East PA? I'm in Southern PA, York County.

I didn't realize. I worked twice one county east of you, a job in Mt. Joy (at Herr & Sacco), and one in Leola, at Dart Container (also for Herr & Sacco). If we had met here before that, I wasn't aware of your location, or we could have had a (fine local) beer.

Steve S

starting to seem like a TIG "dead zone" up here in NEPA ...haha

subwayrocket wrote:starting to seem like a TIG "dead zone" up here in NEPA ...haha

For the membership size of our forum, we don't have a huge number of regularly active posting members. Most of the time, this is a good thing, as it keeps conversations easy to follow and mostly on-topic. When you're trying to find a local resource, however, it would help to have more active members to point you in the right direction.

6.5 of one, half a baker's dozen of the other, I suppose...


Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:

Rick_H wrote:Where in North East PA? I'm in Southern PA, York County.

I didn't realize. I worked twice one county east of you, a job in Mt. Joy (at Herr & Sacco), and one in Leola, at Dart Container (also for Herr & Sacco). If we had met here before that, I wasn't aware of your location, or we could have had a (fine local) beer.

Steve S

You were already down south by the time I finally joined here, but of you ever get up this way definitely look me up. Lots of great new brew pups popping up, and as matter of fact I made my own first batch of Amber ale last week. So in 3 weeks well find out of its drinkable... Lol

Rick_H wrote:

Otto Nobedder wrote:

Rick_H wrote:Where in North East PA? I'm in Southern PA, York County.

Steve S

as matter of fact I made my own first batch of Amber ale last week. So in 3 weeks well find out of its drinkable... Lol

You ever get up my way , hit me up . I like a good Celebrator Doppelbock or an nice IPA ...used to make them years back . Top fermenting ales are nice to make...Lagers a lot more work. Good times

Rick_H,

There's a possibility my company will send me to Lancaster for a specialized job that could last ten days or so...

We'll see. Nothing is ever promised here anymore.

Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:Rick_H,

There's a possibility my company will send me to Lancaster for a specialized job that could last ten days or so...

We'll see. Nothing is ever promised here anymore.

Steve S

You should go by way of Pittsburgh We'll drive you out there!

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