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Daniel Parrott wrote:
> Intro. to Welding Tech
> Gas Metal Arc Welding, 1, 2, 3 and 4 levels
> Shielded Metal Arc Welding
>
> OK. I want to learn how to weld. However, I think that I need to a little
> night school first. These six courses are offered at the local trade
> school. What's the difference between "Gas Metal Arc" and "Shielded Metal
> Arc" welding as it relates to a 120-volt home MIG welder?
>
De-lurking after a long spell...
In my experience, MIG (AKA GMAW) is the easiest form of welding,
and if I were to have just one welding technology, that would be
it. The $350-$500 120v home machines will do pretty much everything
a car enthusiast needs. I encourage you to get a proper argon or CO2
setup with it, rather than just using flux core wire.
I have a Miller in that catagory, and it is completely satisfactory.
The advantage of oxy-acetelyne is that you also get the option
of cutting and brazing. On the flip side, it is significantly
harder to make good structural welds without affecting the
surrounding material.
If you are going to do any significant amount of metalworking, you
will want both.
Stick welding is pretty much for heavy stuff. TIG is for people
with lots of money.
At my local community college, the welding courses were pretty
open, especially to the people who took it for general interest
rather than certification. The first few classes were safty and
introduction to equipment, and after that you could do pretty
much whatever you wanted, using any of the available technologies,
getting advice from the instructor as required. If your school
is anything like that, there is no reason you couldn't build your
trailer in class. YMMV.
If you know an experienced welder who can show you the ropes, I
wouldn't say that taking any sort of course is required.
Otherwise, I would strongly recommend it, especially if you intend
to weld things that peoples lives are going to depend on.
Good luck with your trailer project, it is a very cool concept.
--
Email: rfm(at)collectivecomputing.com or rfm(at)portalofevil.com
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