Farmall Cub

Headed off to Florida in the next few days....Thought while I was their I'd get a stick welder and take some welding classes....I been goggleing it on the internet and can't find a thing in the Sarasota Venice area for instruction...Just a few classes etc would be better than nothing but searched to no avail...Anybody got any suggestions...Thought maybe if I bought a welder say at Lowes or something ( Lincoln) they might hold classes...No reply....Dave

No classes at Lowes. As a former employee, you wouldn't want anyone that works there teaching you to weld anyway.
Check the local vo-tech high schools or community colleges.

You should be able to find someone locally who could provide some welding lessons.

The local tech school Don mentioned. Local high school offering instruction in trades.

Neighbors. Lots of folks are proficient welders; farmers, employes at commercial establishments, construction companies.

If you go to a real welding supply company, they may be able to give you a lead (if not an actual class).

go to http://www.lincolnelectric.com and click on education. They have some pretty good training on line. Not as good as hands on with an instructor, but I learned most of my welding from the instruction section that came in my owners manual (welder was used, and manual ordered from Lincoln, long before the days of internet). One note, a 110V welder is pretty limited as to what it will do (1/8 inch metal is pretty much it's limit). You need a 220V rig to do any serious welding

pickerandsinger wrote:Thought maybe if I bought a welder say at Lowes.

Investigate local resources before purchasing a welder; consumables, supplies, service, knowledgeable personnel. In my case it's the local hardware store.

Stick welders are great, but for some welding a wire feed is a better choice. Also, wire feed welding might be easier to learn.

I agree with Lee about the DC. However, it does add considerably to the price. Puts it up there with a decent MIG welder, then you have another decision to make.

Thanks for the replies guys....I been to the hard knocks welding school, earned a lesser degree than most ....I got a MIG from Harbor Freight but never used the gas, just the flux wire...The duty cycle is small and instructions are vague....I definitely need an instructor but if all else fails, I'll do the Lincoln correspondence thing.. I think I'll hit a few welding shops down their and inquire also and I'll check where I live in the winter, they may be a weldor lurking in the shadows..Already checked all the schools etc I could find on line....Just thought I'd throw it out there...Be a good way to pass the time this winter waiting for spring plowing up here Dave

Lee_Petrie wrote: Have you ever tried the " High Frequency Arc Stablizer " , Rick !
Lee Petrie, Joliet, IL.[/b]

No I haven't. Been a long time since I welded with a stick. My welder of choice now is TIG. I don't have one at home but I have access to one.

Rick

Dave:

I know a couple welders up here that kinda teach on the side - hands on .. really practical with only a little of the theory with it. It will do to get you started if you can find a welder in the snowbird area that is amenable to that .. maybe a couple hours a week. It cost me $300.00Cdn for my 30 hour course so I would imagine a welder would/might be interested in some cash on the side... just a thought.

If you could find a local vocational tech or tech college that offers welding courses at night/weekends that would be the best ticket. I personally like the Tombstone style Lincoln's .. but get the AD/DC on if you can. Check your local craigslist/pennysaver etc., for a good used one .. that way a quality stick welder isn't way out of one's pocket book. That is where I got my Lincoln - my local Kijiji.

Just as a fer instance ... this is listed on my local Kijiji - Miller Model 400-SP Arc Welder $350.00

That's a real good idea ...I'll hit the welding shops when I get down there...( Got waylaid a bit, so I haven't left yet....)I'll send you a pm...Dave