Welding course?

[bokdrol]

Can anyone recommend a short welding course in Pretoria? I tried SAWI but their courses are like months long fulltime. I don't want to build a water tower, I just want to be able to do simple welding for small art projects. Also it seems there are different types of welding (arc, oxy-acetylene etc): which one would be suitable for my purposes (low cost, minimal equipment and small projects)? Any advice would be appreciated. I have been asking an oom to do my welding for me but he doesn't always understand what I want.

 

[envo]

Can anyone recommend a short welding course in Pretoria? I tried SAWI but their courses are like months long fulltime. I don't want to build a water tower, I just want to be able to do simple welding for small art projects. Also it seems there are different types of welding (arc, oxy-acetylene etc): which one would be suitable for my purposes (low cost, minimal equipment and small projects)? Any advice would be appreciated. I have been asking an oom to do my welding for me but he doesn't always understand what I want.

Do the full time course and get it over with. They will tell you exactly what you need to know (which one should I use?!) as the type of welding you do depends on the metals used and the detail you need for the project. Considering this is for art, you would need to be knowledgeable enough in the field to not **** up your potential master piece.

There's a reason why it's a few months long and full time. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

 

[AstroTurf]

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=welding+for+beginners

 

[GhostSixFour]

Do the full time course and get it over with. They will tell you exactly what you need to know (which one should I use?!) as the type of welding you do depends on the metals used and the detail you need for the project. Considering this is for art, you would need to be knowledgeable enough in the field to not **** up your potential master piece.

There's a reason why it's a few months long and full time. If it was easy, everyone would do it.

That's really terrible advice..

Like someone asking how to please their GF and you advising them to become a gigolo for a couple of months to learn..

@OP try this:
http://www.sol-tech.co.za/en/

 

[Sonic2k]

I taught myself to weld.... ruined a few pieces of good steel but now.... good work.

 

[AstroTurf]

I taught myself to weld.... ruined a few pieces of good steel but now.... good work.

Yep, ditto.
Just welded a bunch of scrap metal together till I got to the point where there was no more "hoenderkak" and things actually stuck together

 

[bokdrol]

I am afraid I will blow up the garage if I try to teach myself, though. My Dad (now long dead) used to weld a lot and I watched him, but I can't remember how exactly, and I know it can be very dangerous for a novice.

 

[Sonic2k]

Yep, ditto.
Just welded a bunch of scrap metal together till I got to the point where there was no more "hoenderkak" and things actually stuck together

Hahahahahahahahahahahah ROFLMAO.......... farkit dude I spat all my coffee out... Awesome comment

 

[Sonic2k]

I am afraid I will blow up the garage if I try to teach myself, though. My Dad (now long dead) used to weld a lot and I watched him, but I can't remember how exactly, and I know it can be very dangerous for a novice.

The danger is burns, and eye damage/arc-eyes. And setting flammable liquids alight. Many a Makro has burned down thanks to welding and ignoring safety

 

[Noob-Noob]

I am afraid I will blow up the garage if I try to teach myself, though. My Dad (now long dead) used to weld a lot and I watched him, but I can't remember how exactly, and I know it can be very dangerous for a novice.

If i can weld, anyone can weld. its extremely easy, watch the youtube vids, wear gloves with a helmet and you will be fine. The acetylene systems are awesome, but yeah here you risk blowing something up
Dont think you can blow anything up with a normal electric welding machine.

 

[AstroTurf]

I am afraid I will blow up the garage if I try to teach myself, though. My Dad (now long dead) used to weld a lot and I watched him, but I can't remember how exactly, and I know it can be very dangerous for a novice.

Put the rod into the thing that holds the rod.
Put the thing on the other wire onto the thing you want to weld using the screw or clamp or whatever the thing is to tighten it.
turn the welder on.
touch the rod to the metal that you want to weld.
spend a few seconds trying to get it loose again.
repeat, this time less pressure
get it loose again.
carry on till you get that rod to not stick and then make toothpaste type lines with it across the metal.

you can now weld.
Try something different.

 

[AstroTurf]

Hahahahahahahahahahahah ROFLMAO.......... farkit dude I spat all my coffee out... Awesome comment

I clearly remember ou toppies with brannewyn and coke in one hand giving directions and advice to people with welding rod in hand and mumbling that description like a mantra to the gods of metal.

 

[bokdrol]

Thanks. I think I will watch the vids as suggested and see if it is something I could do and take it from there.

 

[AstroTurf]

Thanks. I think I will watch the vids as suggested and see if it is something I could do and take it from there.

If you can get toothpaste onto your toothbrush you can weld.

 

[Sonic2k]

I used to have a problem with the welding rod getting "spot-welded" tightly to the material.
Watched one or two Youtube videos and repaired the dining room chair successfully

 

[AstroTurf]

I used to have a problem with the welding rod getting "spot-welded" tightly to the material.
Watched one or two Youtube videos and repaired the dining room chair successfully

Thinnest I have ever welded was the piping they make uno fire chairs out of.
Had to weld the inner frame back together after it snapped off in a few places.

Fun times :/

 

[ponder]

I have a mate that does exactly what you need but unfortunately for you he's based in the kzn midlands.

 

[bokdrol]

I checked out some of the vids and some previous threads....looks blimmin dangerous to me.....
Gas explosions
Electrocution
Burns
ARC eyes

 

[envo]

That's really terrible advice..

Like someone asking how to please their GF and you advising them to become a gigolo for a couple of months to learn..

@OP try this:
http://www.sol-tech.co.za/en/

Well, you either immerse yourself in it to fully grasp everything and get a TEACHER to teach you how, or if your GF isn't stuck up and willing to communicate with you and accept that you need to learn, you can do it through trial and error. Setting aside the stupid analogy;

The OP sounded like he has no clue, and when it comes to welding, I'd recommend a professional course, because I can just see the headlines "Man burns down house, loses arms, welding accident". It's also a skill that can come in handy and can be used anywhere (OP loses job, needs to get something in a different field, etc)

You can either do it the easy way, or the right way. So if it's terrible advice pointing out that a complete n00b that doesn't even know the difference between arc and oxy-acetylene and when to use it, then sure, go for it. Darwin needs some new participants I guess?

I know it sounds harsh. But go do the course. Just being able to weld stuff and not have "hoenderkak" doesn't mean you know the safety procedures in place to protect you or when to use what and how etc

 

[envo]

I checked out some of the vids and some previous threads....looks blimmin dangerous to me.....
Gas explosions
Electrocution
Burns
ARC eyes

Exactly why I recommend going on the course instead, every single thing on that list can be avoided if you're trained properly. BUT, follow the advice of others here and learn by trial and error. I'll keep an eye on News24 for the headline