David,
I've been giving the same advice for years, now and you're the first guy to
report a lack of available vo-tech classes. I've had plenty of positive
feedback from Porsche 356 guys who've taken the vo-tech approach to their
welding needs. But, as I haven't been to Chicago in over 20 years, maybe
things are changing.
However, as long as steel must be fused with steel, I don't see welding as a
dying industry. Quite the opposite, actually. I stand by my recommendation
to aspiring welders, and for good reason. There are a whole lot of mistakes
you will be drawn into making, if you try to teach yourself. I understand
that there is at least one, good, instructional video for the auto restorer
wishing to learn to weld properly. Also, the Lincoln Electric Company
(makers of Lincoln welders) has an extensive library of welding text books,
available for reasonable prices.
As far as product durability; the small, 110v welders from Lincoln, Miller
and Hobart are made for the hobby welder, as well as for autobody shop use.
In order for them to compete with the cheap imports, the price must be kept
low. Therefore, don't expect the same kind of durability that one of the
larger, 220v, industrial grade units delivers. However, with proper care
(keep the dust out, don't exceed the duty cycle specs) and use, they should
serve you well for many years. After all, if you're running a weld for more
than about 5 seconds, with enough "juice" to give you full penetration,
you're going to be warping the steel, on a Spridget.
Bud Osbourne
-----Original Message-----
From David Lieb [mailto:dbl at chicagolandmgclub.com]
Sent: Monday, September 08, 2003 8:21 AM
To: Bud Osbourne; Frank Clarici; spridgets
Subject: Re: Welder choice
> If you are a self-taught, or "body shop" trained welder; do yourself a
favor
> and take some classes from your local vocational-technical school. A MIG
> welder is not a glue gun, although most novices seem to use it like one.
> Such a course will be well worth the cost and will allow you to
> practice/make mistakes/learn correctly for a whole lot less than you'd
spend
> by rushing out and buying a cheapie, imported welder and practicing on
your
> poor Spridget.
Strangely enough, that is just what I thought. I went out to the local high
schools and looked for vo-tech schools. They have gone to teaching computer
classes instead. I asked you guys and others, and I kept hearing "Buy the
welder, practise on scrap metal, teach yourself". I live in the northwest
suburbs of Chicago, you would think there would be lots of stuff, but I have
not been able to find anything that a guy working 9 to 5 can attend. Easy
advice to give, hard advice to use.
David Lieb
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