Thread: New Skill TIG welding

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Well,
I was working on a car project for a buddy and I finally got the chance to TIG weld.

I LIKEY!!!! a little cleaner, faster set-up with our machine, smaller for finer projects. My welds are strong but not pretty yet but they'll get there.

I have a few projects in mind that this will come in handy for.
Just thought I'd share

-PB

Thats awesome PB. TIG welding is a controled and precise weld that can be useful in making haunt projects.

So, say a certain haunter who just learned how to solder pretty good wants to get into welding (yes, me) Would this be the entry way to go and is it expensive?

I would go with a MIG welder Terra, only due to it being less expensive and like a hot glue gun shooting out molten metal. However, TIG is amazing and almost leaves you with a loss of words when you get to use one. I can't afford one and own a MIG, but use a TIG at school almost every other day. So basically it is a better weld, can weld aluminum easily, cleaner weld, but more expensive and harder to learn than MIG. However if you do want to spend the money, go ahead and get the TIG.

Originally Posted by Terra

So, say a certain haunter who just learned how to solder pretty good wants to get into welding (yes, me) Would this be the entry way to go and is it expensive?

No and yes!!
If I were trying to get into welding I would look at an adult education course at a local school. There are a lot of ways to weld ,but to do it right you really need someone who knows the ins and outs of welding to show you. I learned how to weld through a trade school 30 + years ago. It really isn't that difficult, but there is a lot to know if you want to do it correctly and it takes practice as Propboy is finding out!!

all good advice above.
Our TIG welder was $3K so that is a bit pricey.
You can get small knock off cheaper welders for under $200ish but they don't have the adjustability which if you are just doing some small Halloween props would serve you well.

$250 but 240 volt too



$100 and 110 volt



$180 gas welder little cleaner less flux mess or splatter



Just for some ideas

I like the idea of a class but sometimes just getting some steel and welding them together will give you enough knowledge to get by, as time for professional training is sometimes hard to make. With home lives, work, etc....

My dad tought me, I'm not great but good enough. My laid down nickel beads aren't the best but wont come apart either

-PB

Thanks so much for all the info and the MIG welder sounds like the way to go for me. I love the hot glue-like ease.

A class sounds like fun. Wait til the guys meet me!

I agree with propboy , but my point that I was trying to make is that with the advent of the 110 volt mig welders at less than $100.00 it makes anyone who can use a glue gun is now a "welder", that simply isn't so. Yes you can try to teach yourself, but if youdon't know what to do ,how do you know if it is right? There are videos to help out also............Just my opinion!!

I just picked up a 110v lincoln mig to work on my new old Jeep. I haven't welded much before, so there's a big learning curve. Definately found the wire fed welders alot easier to use than stick or TIG. TIG welds are the best looking, most professional that I have seen. And it looks a little intimidating. I will say that I am happy that I got an actual name brand welder. I find that it is much easier to use than my buddy's cheap one, but that's just me. Any welder should work for most props. It's a whole 'nother world when you can melt metal.

Welding doesn't have to be pretty, just has to be strong and hold together!