Teach me to weld

[Pgopinath]

I am looking for someone to teach me to weld. I did some basic stick welding back in engineering school over 40 years ago. That was all of two shop sessions and, unfortunately, my focus was more on my lab partner :)

I would like to learn stick and MIG/TIG welding. I will pay for materials, time, and your expertise. I don't currently own any safety gear.

My wife and I are planning a multi-month off road trip next year and I would like to be somewhat self-sufficient and have on-board welding capability.

Please email me directly at pgopinath At comcast DOT net or call me at Six On Two 81 Six 7853.

I live in N Boulder off of Olde Stage road.

Thank you
Prabha

[Java]

If you have the time a real class is, IMO, the way to go. A few years ago Brad (a member here) and I took a mig class at club workshop http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?17239-Club-Workshop it was worth every penny, they had great equipment and a solid structure to the class. We spent more time on safety and prep than welding, and the instructor was an engineer and really knew his stuff. I've been doing all my own fabrication ever since with no problems and a great deal of overconfidence that I blame on good instruction. :thumb: Club workshop is closed now, but there are places like this: https://bouldervalley.augusoft.net/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&int_class_id=16392.

[FINOCJ]

I also took a class through club workshop - although my experience was not as great as Paul's - it did teach me enough to know about MIG equipment I wanted to buy, the basics of what I could practice, and enough background info that I can read instruction manuals and teach myself (probably not as fast as continued in person instruction, but it suits my schedule). Without a doubt, get some basic instruction - then get a bunch of scrap metal and start making stuff. I am not the most naturally inclined when it come to welding and other trade skills, but welding is something I have been making slow steady progress getting better on my own. But I am also considering going to another course, I think it would expedite my progress with some more intermediate skills I am trying to develop....and possibly get some intro to stick welding - seems like every shop should have a lincoln buzz box.

[newracer]

Welding supply shops, Airgas and General Air, host weekend classes fairly often.

[Pgopinath]

Thanks everyone for the responses and the pointers. I agree that nothing beats good formal classroom learning but i couldn't find anything that fit my schedule when I searched. I will check with the welding supply shops for their weekend classes.

In the meantime, if anyone would be interested in taking me on as a student please contact me by email or phone.

Regards
Prabha

[dieseldoc]

Agree on the classes. Air gas and the supply shops have them.

[JandDGreens]

I would think there would be a tech school up in boulder. I went to the one
on Buckley and 6th ave when I was a kid.

[Tom]

I would think there would be a tech school up in boulder. I went to the one
on Buckley and 6th ave when I was a kid.
If not I bet FRCC in Longmont has a class. They do a bunch of tech courses.

[Paramud]

Look around at Maker Spaces. I took a class in California with my Dad on welding on the weekend.

I have a tig, but don't have free time to teach with a 7 month old.