[lvoc]

Originally Posted by Sethro80

I don't know anything about welding classes or metal here, but I would agree in maybe at least talking to someone and or having someone show you the basics in person. I learned 20 years ago and welding has changed a lot since then. It's one of those things that you can learn on your own, and the Internet will help but it's hard to beat someone showing you the ropes to at least get started. Probably save quite a bit in materials too in the long run. Good luck.

And giving you a welder and a cubical is basically how the CSN program works. There is some direction but pretty mild. I have no problem with self learners...but it can be done much more effectively if you get some help.

[beachhead]

Originally Posted by EA

To not start another thread. Where is a steel supply yard? Google showed California and Arizona but nothing in Vegas. I KNOW there has to be a steel yard here.

Here's one place I found on google:

HIGHLAND Steel & Ornamental Supply | Las Vegas, NV 89109

It has similar products that I'm used to seeing at Pattons (so cal firm) I'm sure there are others, as there's lots of ornamental gates and fences around here!

[beachhead]

Originally Posted by lvoc

And giving you a welder and a cubical is basically how the CSN program works. There is some direction but pretty mild. I have no problem with self learners...but it can be done much more effectively if you get some help.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I think welding is both a science, and an art. It's one of those things that just because you know how it is supposed to work, it doesn't mean you can make it work. I can glob things together with a torch and a MIG, but I want to learn some of the finer things, as well as TIG. Like EA, I don't want a structured environment, but I would like to be able to get a starting point, and tips along the way from someone who can look at it and give guidance for improvement in a casual environment. This sounds like what I'll be looking into in a few months.

[EA]

That is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks. Google pulled up a bunch of scrap yards and out of state businesses.


In my experience with instruction, teachers like to box me into how they do things. If their particular works for me, it's good, but more often than not, the way I do it is completely different. Having them teach me their way is actually counterproductive.

I like to try many ways and find the most efficient way. As a result I tend to be the quickest at most things I do.

I'll be taking photographs and videos of the process. I'll post some.

[EA]

Small update. I got sick right after the welder came in, so didn't get much practice in until this afternoon. Tig is not easy, but waiting for things to cool down gives me lots of time for photography, so this hobby is win win for me.

[beachhead]

Is that steel? The black and white makes it hard to tell. Did you break it apart to see how much penetration you are getting?

[EA]

It's steel. That's a butt joint, so I flipped it over and could see the filler got nearly all the way through. I couldn't bend it at all.

[EA]

Started making a welding table today. First time I've actually made something. Started raining before I could attach the legs. Top is 36" x 18".

[EA]

Who needs a metal supply yard when you can make things out of trash?
There just happened to be a shopping cart in the road by my house today. Grabbed it. Going to use the wheels for my cart.
After that, I just need to paint it.

[beachhead]

Nice recycle project!