Learning to Weld in SE MI

[dcwp]

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!

 

[VonYinzer]

Just buy a cheap welder from Cl or the classifieds and get some scrap steel... Learn by doing. Grab a how to book or even just you tube videos and get on it! Welding isnt difficult, it just takes lots of practice.

Should help: http://cgi.ebay.com/Welding-Welder-Mask-Arc-Tig-Training-Course-Manual-CD_W0QQitemZ200305199344QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUS_Texbook_Education?hash=item2ea31ec8f0

An example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaadSht3cNA

 

[stylzracing]

Just buy a cheap mig welder and go to town! I just learned some welding techniques on my recent hardtail cm build. Just takes practice, patience, and metal. Always use a test piece of same material to "dial" in the heat and speed of the welder. It's easier than you think !!! Good luck. If i finish my bobber soon we should have a DTT michigan ride out 8)

 

[dcwp]

Thanks for the advice. It sort of looks like this is the route we are going to end up going.

So mig is the best bet for light duty beginner projects? Is this what most folks start on or use for bike projects?

 

[50gary]

It doesn't sound as if you already have a welder? If you can afford one and really want to learn just shop around and buy a MIG unit. Make sure you have enough power in your garage and the wiring will handle the load? Trial and error and lots of practice. 30+ years ago I asked my older brother how to weld and he walked me over to this giant Hobart that seemed as big as a propane tank for a house turned on the power and handed me the electrode holder and said "there you go" then walked away. I just started literally from scratch. It's fun.
Now I do T.I.G . welding and that's really the nice way to go but more costly equipment.
Cheers, 50gary

 

[97rider]

Washtenaw Community College (Tel.: 734-973-3300) offers 2 courses: 1) Welding: This program prepares students for entry-level jobs involving gas welding, brazing, and various combinations of arc welding processes, where they work under the supervision of an experienced welding technician. The program also gives students a foundation for WCC’s Advanced Certificate in Welding Mechanics. 2) Welding Machanics: This program prepares students for jobs as a welding maintenance mechanic where students weld metal parts together according to layouts, blueprints, or work orders using gas welding or brazing and any combination of arc-welding processes. The credits in this program also may be applied toward an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Welding.

 

[dcwp]

Hey 97Rider,

Are those courses you're talking about regular term credit courses or weekend continuing-ed type courses? I was originally looking for a very short intro for hobbyists rather than something in-depth that would take a whole semester. Now I am almost convinced to bite the bullet and enroll in a semester course (it looks like there are a bunch offered in the summer), but if there is a smaller option available that would be great.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[97rider]

Don't know much about the classes at WCC, they most likely are part of a degree program. Another idea is to check with your local high school or community education organization and see if they offer any welding classes. I seem to remember someone telling me that they had taken some classes at Brighton High but I never followed up.

 

[dcwp]

Well I gave in and registered for a semester course at WCC. 60hrs of class/lab time should be enough to get me started! Hopefully I'll have some metal stuck together soon and some pictures of it to put in my build thread.

 

[kachunk]

Good luck with your class!
I took a welding class at Oakland Community College 2 yrs ago. It was decent. Instructor was good, an he gave us a lot of time to just weld on our own and figure things out. But at the same time he was also a wealth of knowledge.

 

[motoducati]

I am from Sarnia, canada about an hour from ann arbor.
I am a certified welder, pipe, alloys etc. for 35 years, i teach at the collegelevel and also the U.A.
Would be happy to help you out.
also a certified inspector.
Please be careful with welding anything on your frame that would be a safety issue. I have seen many good looking mig welds fail due to lack of fusion. You must set the wirespeed and voltage accordingly.
When i build trailers hitches and the like I NEVER use a mig welder. And i am a certified mig welder, having welded miles of pipe to xray specs.
I will be attending Washtenaw college in august for a one week course maybe you would like to get together, my evenings should be free. Don't know what hotel i will be at yet.
one thing that i love as much as welding is my xs 650 yamahas. always interested in considering another one. 1970,71,73,74,75 and 77
cheers

 

[dcwp]

Thanks for the note. I'd love to meet you when you're in town! Not sure if I'll still be here, currently commuting to Mount Pleasant 2.5 hours away and applying for a job in the Florida panhandle. Hit me up in August and I'll buy you a beer/coffee/whatever you drink here in town so we can talk about welding.

I appreciate the warnings about mig and strength. For now I'm not planning to weld anything that is necessary for safety. Just reshaping the battery cage and decorative bits. Once I start feeling confident maybe I'll move to more practical welds. If I like the class maybe I'll even take some upper level welding courses.

In case I don't see you, have a great time in Washtenaw county and don't forget to check out the Cafe Racer shop in Depot Town Ypsilanti.

Dan