Welding is an essential component in almost all industries. It is a chemical process of creating a permanent connection by melting metals. Without this form of metalwork, many things, including towers, electric poles, factories, bridges, buildings, fences, a lot of small household items, vehicles, airplanes, pipelines, would not exist.
A welded joint is considered the most reliable and durable. And although there is a widespread belief that welding is difficult and unsafe, it continues to maintain its importance and role. In this article, you can find some helpful tips on how to start learning to weld. It is enough to understand the nuances, practice your skills and you can safely proceed to the welding process.
Welding is used everywhere. In our daily lives, the need to connect parts by welding regularly arises at a summer cottage, in a garage, with a small repair of your own car, etc. Moreover, the welding process is so exciting and attractive that very often, after welding a garage, you want to make an outdoor fence or do more serious welding work. But as simple as it may seem at first glance, welding is a very physically demanding and challenging job.
How to start and where?
In order to learn how to start welding, you should at least understand what equipment is needed for welding, when it should be used and how to work with them, what are the welding process, and other welding secrets. It is worth reading the relevant literature on this subject. There are a lot of professional books on welding that you can download freely on the internet. You can also choose articles like “How to Learn to Weld Metal? “, “Tips for Beginner welders.” etc. However, how to carry out welding work correctly will also help an experienced welders who point out possible mistakes and give tips on how to fix them. In the absence of such experience, you will have to undergo training in welding from scratch.
Video lessons
The next valuable way for beginners is watching video lessons, which detail the entire welding process step by step.
Such as visual lessons and master classes on metal welding will help you not only quickly figure out how to weld, but also take advantage of the advice of different professionals in this field, see the best examples of international experience, etc. Moreover, video lessons allow you to watch more difficult actions several times, slow them down, zoom in, etc. But you should remember that welding is a hands-on skill that requires more than just reading or watching, it takes years of practice and hardworking on top of learning how to do it.
Welding courses
Welding can be mastered in special courses: from beginners to the more experienced. These courses are not only for those for whom welding is a hobby but also for those who have made the hobby a main job, a source of income, who desire to enhance their practical skills or learn new welding techniques and methods. As welding is not a purely mechanical job, it requires mathematical knowledge to make accurate measurements and calculations, strong knowledge of metals and their properties, welders must know the functions of the necessary equipment and their applicability, safety rules, in addition, the welder must be detail-oriented, logical thinking, to have hand-eye coordination, time-management skills, etc. Vocational programs, courses, certified schools develop these skills to make graduates more competitive in the job market.
In professional courses, students study more detailed and in-depth techniques related to the art of heating and shaping metals to form permanent bonds. They are trained in such practical methods and techniques as arc welding, soldering, brazing, casting, and bronzing. Classes include advanced mathematics, design, blueprint and drawing reading, machinery repairing, and hands-on welding practicums. These skills are essential for various industries, including construction and the creation of steel buildings.
Formal courses can be individual or group can take from a few weeks to a few years to complete depending on the depth of skills and knowledge.
What do you need to purchase for welding?
Now that we know where to start, the next question is, of course, what is needed to take practical steps? Of course, we are talking about tools and equipment! Below you will find a list of them that will help you take the first steps in the exciting world of welding:
- Welding machine
- A set of electrodes
- Transformer – used to convert DC to AC. Instead of a transformer and rectifier, you can use an inverter.
- Hammer required for churning slag (vitreous material)
- Seam cleaning brush
- Welding Magnets
- Framing Jig
- Speed Square
- Sheet Metal Gauge
- Metal File
- Welding Clamps
- MIG Pliers
- Soapstone
- Angle Grinder
- C Clamps
- Portable Band Saw
- Oxy-Acetylene Setup
Before starting welding work, you need to remove rust from the surfaces by treating it with a grinder, or sandpaper. It is also worth remembering that welding is a dangerous job, therefore, when working with it, you need special equipment and protective measures: an auto-darkening welding helmet or a mask with a darkened filter, long sleeve rubber gloves, thick clothing.
Everything is ready! Now you know where and how to start learning to weld.