drguitarum2005

I am going to be taking a welding class at my local community college this summer. coming from no experience with it whatsoever, i have the option to take Introduction to Welding Fundamentals which covers basic techniques for oxy-fuel and arc welding, basic metal cutting, machine rigging, safety etc, OR I can take intro to Gas Metal Arc Mig Welding which covers basically that technique and using the tools required and making different joints. I hear GMAW is nice and clean to do though should I do the intro class to get the cutting and safety and all?

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-David

2000 Taco TRD Access Cab
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snap-on

seems odd to break the classes up.

you would think you have an intro into welding and then an advanced corse in the various diffrent kinds.

as for what to take.... MIG (GMAW) is bar far the easyest/handiest for fab work. But they are all good to know how to do. (including TIG)

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drguitarum2005

yeah thats what i heard though i think im going to do intro because it covers some cutting as well and basic safety and all, think it might be worthwhile in the end

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-David

2000 Taco TRD Access Cab
v6 | 5spd | 33" BFG A/Ts | 33" PC Mud Terrains | OME 882's | Bilstein HD struts front | Rancho shocks rear | Chevy 63" leaf spring swap | Custom sliders | Custom front bumper |3" BL | U-Bolt flip | Flowmaster exhaust | Kenwood Speakers | Grey Wire Mod | Aux. Reverse Lights | Deckplate Mod | Lots of lights

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bike4miles

The basic class will teach you a lot of general info and the extra experience will make you an even better MIG welder and MIG is what you really need to know for most real world aplications. More is better!

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--Miles
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waskillywabbit

Start with the basics and get a good foundation and then the other stuff will just be that much easier.

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kyle_22r

start with gas, move on to stick, and THEN you can go play with mig. too many idiots out there that think they can weld because they can make a perty bead....

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1998 tacoma, 3RZ-FE, 5 speed, 30x9.5R15 M/Ts

past toys:
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wrenchmonster

I think you should start with a buzz box and move from there. But that is just how I learned. Once you can do it, the other techniques are gravy.

With any welding technique though... practice, practice, practice, practice, oh, and did I mention practice?

kyle_22r

the way i recommended starts you out nice and slow, with gas you get to learn how to move your bead and control the heat, stick lets you learn how to make a nice penetrating weld, and keep a steady hand.

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1998 tacoma, 3RZ-FE, 5 speed, 30x9.5R15 M/Ts

past toys:
1984 4x2
1979 4x4
1991 4x4

4runnermt

I started with stick myself and moved onto gas. I think most important is learning basic fundamentals of each method and then practicing each until you have a good grasp on them. Practice and patience are the only way.