Welding class

[stangcity]

I am looking into taking a welding class and wanted to ask which one would be more worthwhile to take for use on Mustang related repairs? They offer Arc, Gas, and Mig-Tig. I am very new to this area of repair but am interested to learn. Any help on where to begin will be appreciated.

[Maxum96]

MIG

MIG welders are the most common type of welder anymore. It's also about the most versatile welder around. TIG's are great, but more expensive and tougher to learn and use.

[ajzride]

Mig. It looks like that class is combined with Tig based on your descriptions. Tig is very nice too, especially for heavier stuff like frames and suspension.

[Israel]

MIG, which is gas, will be the most useful.

[stangcity]

Thanks for the imput! Looks like I am off to Mig-Tig class.

[WiseBeyondYears]

How did you find such classes? I am also interested in taking some sort of adult-ed beginers welding but I cant seem to find anything for someone out of high school. I also need something very hands on because thats how I learn best so one of those apprentice welder classes wouldnt really help.

[Maxum96]

Check with your local welding supply store.

[babyranger617]

You can find any welding classes at your local technical college. Mig and tig are the two best for welding. Mig welding would be a majority of your welding. Tig welding is great for exhaust or areas that would contain combusteable materials. Arc welding is dirty and is harder to use on lighter gauge material. I'm a journeyman sheet metal worker and a certified welder. I have experience in mig, tig, and arc including structural welding with stick, spray arc, pulse, and flux core. If you have any questions feel free to ask I am happy to help.

P.S. I also used to do quality control until I got fed up with politics and a majority of my time was spent teaching not only younger guys but also guys who had 20 years more experience welding than I have on proper welding techniques and procedures.

[09Frank65]

Originally Posted by Maxum96

MIG

MIG welders are the most common type of welder anymore. It's also about the most versatile welder around. TIG's are great, but more expensive and tougher to learn and use.

I find TIG to be easier, especially with sheet metal. You have MUCH more control. You are right, though the investment is higher.

To the OP, MIG/TIG is the only one of the classes you listed that will do you any good with your car. My guess (from experience) is that they will spend little time on sheet metal though! Get to know your instructor and ask him a lot of questions. If he is a good guy (or girl) they'll spend some time with you or at least give you some advice.

It is a great skill to learn. You'll become the neighborhood hero because you can now fix ANYTHING!

[Boom]

I too plan on finding and taking a class like this. Welding is an invaluable skill when working on old cars.

[dobrostang]

There is a lot of good information on Youtube.

[mike65]

You could also try your local coumunity or county college.

[vipex]

Originally Posted by dobrostang

There is a lot of good information on Youtube.

+1 Also look into private trade schools - if you don't need a certification work out a cash deal for what you want to learn.

[Maxum96]

Originally Posted by 09Frank65

I find TIG to be easier, especially with sheet metal. You have MUCH more control. You are right, though the investment is higher.

I agree it is easier to control the heat on TIG because you can use the foot pedal while you're actually welding versus MIG which you can't adjust while in the middle of welding. But you with TIG you have to feed wire in by hand and that takes a lot of practice whereas MIG you set the wire speed and pretty much forget it. Some day I hope to get the coin up for a TIG machine.

[Maxum96]

Originally Posted by babyranger617

Tig welding is great for exhaust

But no reason not to use MIG to do exhaust system work. I welded my entire exhaust system and some work on the headers with my MIG and it worked fine. But I will say I probably would have had somewhat better looking welds with a TIG and no splatter.