DIY Welding

[XFSTag]

Haven't done any weldingfor years, but I was basically bought up in a machine shop as a kid/teenagerwhich had a sheet metal part as itwas my Dad's business at the time.I often used the various bits of kit to repair my cars from Milling machines to lathes and grinders. Also used the welding gearto stick a new wing on my Capri :Por fix up a mini etc etc.even lead loaded one motor rather than using p38 !! Many years ago I might add and nothing to do with what eventually went on to do for a living for the last 26 years! How I wish I had access to that now

So I have been thinking about going back to college on a night course and doing a Welding course.

I have just had the chap on the phone from the college and the course is a VRQ level 1 beginnerscourse for 10 weeks 2 hours a session. They are teaching use of MIG's initially not bodywork stuff but he said they would focus on this for me if I mentioned it and the chap running the course is well versed in this area.

Has any one else done this and found it worthwhile? I know I am going to need this at some stage in bringing the Stag up to standard and have always wanted to be able to handle these jobs myself rather than farming them out (at vast expense too:shock

Any pointers appreciated

[milothedog]

imported post

Hi, I arrange these sort of courses at work, basically it just a course to ensure you are safe to use the equipment and teach you the basic techniques. I would have thought that if, as suggested, you explain why you are there, and get them to teach you the sorts of joint and gauge of metal you would be working with then you'll get what you need from the course. Goodluck



Ian.

[XFSTag]

imported post

Cheers Ian

Many thanks

Glyn

[Dellsmp]

imported post

My dad used to teach sheet metal fabrication and welding at South Bristol tech, when he ran welding night classes it was full of guys wanting to learn specific techniques for their particular hobby, so they were encouraged to bring in, if possible, the items to be welded and hey presto job done, one year over the length of the course they managed to completely rebuild a mk1 escort front end. Lesson is to ask, the lecturer will probably be only too pleased to accomodate, it makes the course more interesting for him too
Some chaps viewed the cost of the course as cheaper than paying a garage to do the jobs in question!

[Peter Hills]

imported post

XFStag,

I think these courses could provide exactly what you need. However, I'd suggest trying to get some old, rusty car bodywork to try towards the end of your course. Welding rust isn't nearly as easy as welding new, bright steel!

FWIW

Peter

[XFSTag]

imported post

Thanks Chaps

I think I'll give it a go, just need to work my diary out to be around for the next 10 Tuesdays in a row! Typical isn't it I have a meeting 220 miles away on the second one, so that will be an interesting dash back up the country!

Will also discuss what's a decent bit of kit to buy for my home work

Need to source some "fireproof" overalls now......be handy when the Mother in law comes round I guess!



Cheers Glyn