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Fri Jan 20, 2017 5:28 am

fla2smoker wrote: so I took an autobody class at the local technical center, I will be taking a TIG welding class next. .

Been contemplating this myself. Out of curiosity, how has your experience been going and taking these types of courses? I would probably enjoy learning how to do things properly, but at almost 50, I figure I'll be the oldest guy in the class....

Fri Jan 20, 2017 5:39 am

Sharp64 wrote: fla2smoker wrote: so I took an autobody class at the local technical center, I will be taking a TIG welding class next. .

Been contemplating this myself. Out of curiosity, how has your experience been going and taking these types of courses? I would probably enjoy learning how to do things properly, but at almost 50, I figure I'll be the oldest guy in the class....

I'm 48 and was one of the younger people in the class. It was ok, but really did not focus on what I had hoped. I was thinking old school metal shaping and repair with patch panels. They were more "use filler for small dents", "if too big for filler replace it" mentality. But I did get to spend some quality time sanding and prepping metal for paint and then painting in a booth and that was invaluable. I really was not sure when to stop sanding even with a guide coat and with a seasoned instructor looking over my shoulder what I thought was enough normally was. So it was worth it in that aspect. I have a feeling the welding class will be more of the same (Not too much thin sheet metal) but I like asking questions and then have an expert critique how I do things and tell me what they see wrong.

Fri Jan 20, 2017 5:57 am

fla2smoker wrote: Sharp64 wrote: fla2smoker wrote: so I took an autobody class at the local technical center, I will be taking a TIG welding class next. .

Been contemplating this myself. Out of curiosity, how has your experience been going and taking these types of courses? I would probably enjoy learning how to do things properly, but at almost 50, I figure I'll be the oldest guy in the class....

I'm 48 and was one of the younger people in the class. It was ok, but really did not focus on what I had hoped. I was thinking old school metal shaping and repair with patch panels. They were more "use filler for small dents", "if too big for filler replace it" mentality. But I did get to spend some quality time sanding and prepping metal for paint and then painting in a booth and that was invaluable. I really was not sure when to stop sanding even with a guide coat and with a seasoned instructor looking over my shoulder what I thought was enough normally was. So it was worth it in that aspect. I have a feeling the welding class will be more of the same (Not too much thin sheet metal) but I like asking questions and then have an expert critique how I do things and tell me what they see wrong.

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you go to? I am looking at some around me and most have horrendous reviews. I welded a little bit in high school shop class with oxyacetaline, but would love to learn how to TIG weld and as you say, get some real knowledge or instruction on painting/bodywork. I work flexible hours so have considered seeing if a local shop would let me hang out and observe or put in a couple of hours a week for free.

Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:09 am

Sharp64 wrote: fla2smoker wrote: Sharp64 wrote: fla2smoker wrote: so I took an autobody class at the local technical center, I will be taking a TIG welding class next. .

Been contemplating this myself. Out of curiosity, how has your experience been going and taking these types of courses? I would probably enjoy learning how to do things properly, but at almost 50, I figure I'll be the oldest guy in the class....

I'm 48 and was one of the younger people in the class. It was ok, but really did not focus on what I had hoped. I was thinking old school metal shaping and repair with patch panels. They were more "use filler for small dents", "if too big for filler replace it" mentality. But I did get to spend some quality time sanding and prepping metal for paint and then painting in a booth and that was invaluable. I really was not sure when to stop sanding even with a guide coat and with a seasoned instructor looking over my shoulder what I thought was enough normally was. So it was worth it in that aspect. I have a feeling the welding class will be more of the same (Not too much thin sheet metal) but I like asking questions and then have an expert critique how I do things and tell me what they see wrong.

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you go to? I am looking at some around me and most have horrendous reviews. I welded a little bit in high school shop class with oxyacetaline, but would love to learn how to TIG weld and as you say, get some real knowledge or instruction on painting/bodywork.

I live in Manatee County and the courses are held at the local Manatee County Technical College. One class a week for 3 1/2 hours starting at 4pm. the course was 7 weeks long and the price was only $100.

Fri Jan 20, 2017 9:39 am

I know an " old guy " in St. Petersburg that gives " free " basic welding classes to Samba members...
" free " except for cost of Pizza :twisted:

You might have seen some of my work in a Sedan Delivery thread
or " Replacing a roof car rolled over " thread...

Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:44 am

fla2smoker wrote: Sharp64 wrote: fla2smoker wrote: Sharp64 wrote: fla2smoker wrote: so I took an autobody class at the local technical center, I will be taking a TIG welding class next. .

Been contemplating this myself. Out of curiosity, how has your experience been going and taking these types of courses? I would probably enjoy learning how to do things properly, but at almost 50, I figure I'll be the oldest guy in the class....

I'm 48 and was one of the younger people in the class. It was ok, but really did not focus on what I had hoped. I was thinking old school metal shaping and repair with patch panels. They were more "use filler for small dents", "if too big for filler replace it" mentality. But I did get to spend some quality time sanding and prepping metal for paint and then painting in a booth and that was invaluable. I really was not sure when to stop sanding even with a guide coat and with a seasoned instructor looking over my shoulder what I thought was enough normally was. So it was worth it in that aspect. I have a feeling the welding class will be more of the same (Not too much thin sheet metal) but I like asking questions and then have an expert critique how I do things and tell me what they see wrong.

If you don't mind me asking, what school did you go to? I am looking at some around me and most have horrendous reviews. I welded a little bit in high school shop class with oxyacetaline, but would love to learn how to TIG weld and as you say, get some real knowledge or instruction on painting/bodywork.

I live in Manatee County and the courses are held at the local Manatee County Technical College. One class a week for 3 1/2 hours starting at 4pm. the course was 7 weeks long and the price was only $100.

I wish the local schools did that here in Orange County.

I think we both got rust buckets, ha.

Fri Jan 20, 2017 12:27 pm

grandpa pete wrote: I know an " old guy " in St. Petersburg that gives " free " basic welding classes to Samba members...
" free " except for cost of Pizza :twisted:

Free lessons AND you provide pizza? Might have to consider that!!

Fri Jan 20, 2017 1:16 pm

Valencia may offer welding but doubt it's a $100 course. Seminole State looks to only have degree seeking courses.

Fri Jan 20, 2017 1:31 pm

Distance is the problem.

My only other option is a makerspace in longwood I am a member of. I haven't seen a welding class pop up yet but those that do the class aren't welders by trade so it wouldnt be as good.

I'll probably just go figure out how to use the mig this weekend

Sat Jan 21, 2017 7:57 am

MIG is pretty easy, most of the welding units have a general guide on the wire cove for suggested heat & feed speed. Get some scrap bits of the metal that you intend on welding & start sticking them together. Thinner metal will require that you weld in spots to limit burn through & warping as much.

& YouTube has instructions on how to do just about anything.

Fri Jun 02, 2017 5:20 pm

Looking good! Progress is progress... no matter how long it takes!