How hard is welding?

[Fedorgasm]

Need to fix a metal gate and I'm wondering if I should hire someone or teach myself how to weld and fix it myself.

Welding seems like it would be a handy skill to have, but for some reason I feel like it would be hard to learn. Like there's welders apprenticeships, and any skill where you can be an apprentice sounds like it would take years to master.

Am I wrong? Is this something I can learn by watching a YouTube video? Or will I likely end up injuring myself?

 

[John Wang]

It isn't hard if you have done it for a while. Def get a mask because you do NOT want to look into the light when you're welding. I would practice on some random stuff for a while then move on to the real project.

 

[John Wang]

With that being said, might as well just hire someone unless you already have the equipment.

 

[ralphc1]

Welding takes some practice and the equipment can be expensive.

 

[MoparOrNoCar]

What kind of welding are you looking to do? I recently taught myself how to mig weld sheet metal and it's been going pretty well.

I wouldn't be welding a custom frame for a car or anything but fixing a gate doesn't take an apprenticeship. Just do all the research you can on the subject. I'd suspect if it's galvanized, you're going to need to brush up on how to safely weld without causing dangerous fumes. Get a couple pieces of scrap and practice getting the welder set up correctly for that thickness of metal. Shouldn't take too long to get going. There's plenty of info on youtube and other forums.

 

[Jermei]

Call around and get a few quotes. Stick to a price for the job and someone will do it. Welding a gate sounds super easy you could even ask a neighbor and just give him a beer.

 

[These Two Hands]

What kind of welding? There's a few different sorts, with quite a gradient curve to learning them.

For home repair and shit, arc welding, yeah you should be fine. But factor into account the fact that your welds will probably look like dog's bollocks to begin with.

 

[Daverisimo]

The job you have sounds pretty easy, but it would still be a lot cheaper to just hire someone rather than buy all the requisite equipment

 

[WorldofWarcraft]

Welding is pretty easy to learn and fun, but takes some practice.
Get a TIG welder. Most TIGs can also do stick.

You won't injure yourself. You just gotta wear the proper protective equipment like a welding mask, perferably an auto darkening one, and welding gloves.

The best part of TIG welding is that there's no sparks whatsoever, unlike stick or even MIG.No spatter and it's also the strongest type of weld because it's the cleanest one.

Look how easy and clean that looks.

 

[odog]

I tried it once. I couldn't see anything through the mask. I gave up pretty quick, but luckily it wasn't something I actually had to do.

 

[MoparOrNoCar]

I tried it once. I couldn't see anything through the mask. I gave up pretty quick, but luckily it wasn't something I actually had to do.

You need an auto darkening mask.

The passive masks are for boss welders. I am not one of them.

 

[Fedorgasm]

What kind of welding? There's a few different sorts, with quite a gradient curve to learning them.

For home repair and shit, arc welding, yeah you should be fine. But factor into account the fact that your welds will probably look like dog's bollocks to begin with.

The gate I need to fix is wrought iron.

 

[jefferz]

You need an auto darkening mask.

The passive masks are for boss welders. I am not one of them.

Yeah autos are great, until the battery dies. Then it's a week of rubbing salve in your eyes.

Go to your local Acme, Lincoln Dealer, etc and talk to them about what you want to do. They will help you pick out a product.
If you live in a bigger city, also check to see if someone around you offers night welding courses.

 

[Jayzer193]

Been welding for 30 years, everything from stick welding to titanium Tig welded parts on the space station.

If you have an interest in it, go for it. As another said, the equipment can get expensive, especially if you are looking to Tig Weld.

 

[Jayzer193]

The gate I need to fix is wrought iron.

Get a cheap mig Welder with a spool of mild steel rod, boom, your gate is fixed with a few beads.

 

[gigantalor]

Can he just use something like JB Weld?

(Yes, it's an epoxy, but it supposedly works well on metal.)

 

[steve38]

It's not hard at all.

dang it....beat me to it!

 

[jefferz]

Been welding for 30 years, everything from stick welding to titanium Tig welded parts on the space station.

If you have an interest in it, go for it. As another said, the equipment can get expensive, especially if you are looking to Tig Weld.

What part?

Can he just use something like JB Weld?

(Yes, it's an epoxy, but it supposedly works well on metal.)

It might work, but it would be better to just get it welded.


And how big of gate are we talking TS? Is this a gate to a garden or gate across your driveway? Another option is some places will rent you a welder, rent one for a day and mess around with it. If you like it, buy one.

 

[KONG-D'SNT-TAP]

If you work in an office Welding isn't a real job. So they prob think it's very easy.

 

[Jayzer193]

What part?



It might work, but it would be better to just get it welded.


And how big of gate are we talking TS? Is this a gate to a garden or gate across your driveway? Another option is some places will rent you a welder, rent one for a day and mess around with it. If you like it, buy one.

A bunch of parts, mostly titanium and inconel. Cooling system shit, interlocking flanges for tubing, etc. Why?