I posted this same question over in the new CafeRacerYpsi forum, but it looks like that site isn't getting much traffic yet so excuse me for the double post if you are one of the 10 or so people who visits that site.
A friend and I are looking to learn how to weld, but we don't know anybody who does and don't really know where to start. I'm not interested in building frames or doing anything structural for now, just the basics so I can build a new battery cage, add tab mounts for seats, etc. My friend isn't even into bikes (yet) so he just wants to be able to work on small projects around the house and do sculpture with metal.
We'd like to get some formal training so we get some idea what we're doing before spending money on a machine that isn't right or wasting a bunch of time doing things totally bassackward. I figured there would be weekend classes at the local community colleges like there are for motorcycle safety, basic bike mechanics and stuff, but I'm not finding any. Since we aren't looking to get jobs welding or anything, it doesn't make sense to spend the money and time on a whole semester certification type course.
So the question is this - does anybody know of a place in SE MI (we're in Ann Arbor but would probably drive an hour or so) that does classes like this? How did you all learn to weld? Formal training or just trial and error?
Thanks for any help!
A friend and I are looking to learn how to weld, but we don't know anybody who does and don't really know where to start. I'm not interested in building frames or doing anything structural for now, just the basics so I can build a new battery cage, add tab mounts for seats, etc. My friend isn't even into bikes (yet) so he just wants to be able to work on small projects around the house and do sculpture with metal.
We'd like to get some formal training so we get some idea what we're doing before spending money on a machine that isn't right or wasting a bunch of time doing things totally bassackward. I figured there would be weekend classes at the local community colleges like there are for motorcycle safety, basic bike mechanics and stuff, but I'm not finding any. Since we aren't looking to get jobs welding or anything, it doesn't make sense to spend the money and time on a whole semester certification type course.
So the question is this - does anybody know of a place in SE MI (we're in Ann Arbor but would probably drive an hour or so) that does classes like this? How did you all learn to weld? Formal training or just trial and error?
Thanks for any help!