I learned how to MIG weld today!

I had seen this ad on Craig's List a few times for a 3-hour semi-private MIG welding class for beginners, and MIG welding had been something I'd been wanting to learn for absolutely ages. So, being as I've got some welding projects coming up and I had to head down that neck of the woods anyway, I decided on the spur of the moment Friday afternoon to give the guy a call and see if I could get in on the Saturday morning class.

Well I was able to, and when I arrived at the guy's place the other two guys he had scheduled for the class had both cancelled so I got 3 hours of private instruction for $100! Not too shabby.

I got some time on both a 110v gas rig and on a 220v rig with flux core. From my experience today, I can't imagine the home hobbyist (especially for auto-body sheet metal) ever needing more than the 110v gas rig. I can now lay down a pretty good bead with both (although I like the cleaner welds with the gas) and have some inkling of how to gauge the way things are going based on the sound the weld is making and how the puddle looks.

Of course I still need tons of practice time on my own rig, but a pretty cool introduction! SO glad I finally did this.

You'll come to love your mig-welder. I love mine.

BTW, a 220V welder will give you more options later on in life. Think ahead. They don't cost much more than a 110.

I take it you already have a welder. If not, consider major brands such as Lincoln, Miller, and its subsidiary Hobart.

Bob

Good to hear you are having fun learning to weld. The art/skill of welding is very rewarding. MIG is by far the easiest welding method to learn and a great way to start. I learned how to gas weld in aircraft mechanic school nearly 40 years ago and it's been a nice talent to have. All welding methods have one thing in common - practice, practice, practice. It help to have someone show you the basics and help with setup, but after that, practice, practice, practice.

I got my first MIG welder when starting restoration of my Sprite. It was a Century brand welder from Costco my wife gave me for Christmas. It worked okay, but when I tried thin sheet metal, I had lots of problems. Not knowing if it was the learning curve or the equipment, I tried and tried, but finally went to a local welding supply where they set me up with a 'good' machine and it was MUCH easier. My message here is that the quality of the power supply in welders is very critical for good results, especially with thinner materials. You probably will never need the power of a 220V machine for auto restoration work, but you WILL need a high quality machine to be successful. Stick with the name brands an if possible, test the machine before buying. I have a 110V Lincoln and it's been a good investment.

The instructor recommended the same rig he taught me with. It was a Lincoln SP-135T. I guess the current model equivalent is the SP-140T? He told me to look for the one with an "automatic something" to do with the gas flow. Gas Compensation maybe? I guess I'll have to give him a call today to remind me.