| Learning how to weld is really not that difficult. | | | | break it free and try again. If it continues to stick, |
| Most welders learn arc welding first. The easiest | | | | turn the amps up. |
| way to start welding is simply by practicing. You | | | | Once you have an arc going you will need to feed |
| can pickup a cheap arc welder from somewhere | | | | the electrode into it to maintain the arc. You want |
| like harborfreight tools. It will cost you under $120. | | | | it about 1/4 of an inch from the metal. When it is |
| You will also need a welding helmet, welding | | | | at the right distance it will make a crackling noise. |
| gloves, a heavy jacket and some welding rods. | | | | If it is too far away it will be more of a popping |
| Take my advice, spend the extra money and get | | | | noise, with sparks and metal flying in all directions. |
| an auto darkening helmet. It will make learning so | | | | If it is too close, it will stick to the metal. |
| much easier. You will also want to get a supply of | | | | The first thing you want to practice is simply |
| scrap steel to practice on. This can be picked up | | | | laying a bead on a single piece of metal. Once you |
| at a scrap yard. | | | | have that down, you can move on to connecting |
| Now that you have all the supplies, its time to | | | | two pieces of metal together. |
| weld. Find an appropriate area, somewhere | | | | Remember, when learning how to weld safety |
| outdoors, without anything flammable around. | | | | comes first! You can instantly cause permament |
| Secure your scrap steel to some kind of table at | | | | eye damage from looking at the arc without a |
| a comfortable working height. Attach the ground | | | | helmet on. Also welding fumes are highly toxic. Be |
| to the steel. Place the welding rod in the other | | | | sure any bystanders are aware of this. |
| clamp. Put on your heavy jacket, gloves, helmet | | | | If you are interested in learning welding as a |
| and thick pants. Turn on the welder, set it at | | | | career or a hobby, "The Welding |
| somewhere around 80 amps to start with. | | | | Bible" is an excellent resource. It explains in detail |
| To start the arc you want to jab the electrode | | | | everything you need to go from beginner to pro. |
| at the steel, then slightly pull back. If it sticks, | | | | |