Myself and why I want to weld

[Ben Bowen]

A fair introduction should consist of why I joined, of course. Here we go:

- Besides the time I used a spot-welder in a workshop class during highschool, I've never performed any welding.

- Welding sounds like a good-to-know skill. As a lover of knowledge and ability, I'm mostly geared towards computer science and mathematics. With all of this concentration in asbtract material, I figured that I should also learn how to build physical structure! Knowing how to design and engineer is useless without applicative practice and the conclusive developments (physical outcome). For now, I would rather make things happen myself than contracting for labor.

- This looks like a very top-notch community. So... I joined without hesitation.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[FranV8]

Welcome!

Any ideas on where you are going to start? Perhaps some ideas on simple projects you might want to do? Quite a few different techniques and processes under the heading welding.

 

[troppo]

Mate welcome to the madness
I like your thinking, your going to spend all day at a desk working in cyber space and then as a release you want to work with metal, real touchable things. You could do up cars, or create some wonderful art. Its a great place for questions and you`ll always get plenty of help and support.
Catch you around the boards
Troppo

 

[Shox Dr]

Welcome Ben. A clean plate eh. You've a lot to learn, and you're possibly in the best place to do just take. Fill yer boots.

 

[Ben Bowen]

In principle, before I can weld I need:

- Welding Equipment
- Some Place to Weld

Both of those factors really depend on the welding process I start with, right?

Welding Projects/Ideas
Of course, when I finally have everything I need to start welding, I'll practice a bit with scrap metal.

When I first thought of trying to weld, I was thinking about creating a metal frame designed to support a motor and a human-operator, while holding sturdy against the rigid stress as a Go-cart vehicle. However, that involves a lot of other work besides the integrity-demanding frame. So to start simple, I might try to make some metal furniture such as a workshop table or some shelves.

Indoor Welding
I've read that some welding processes are best done indoors. I don't really have a good indoor place for welding. But if I need to build one then so be it. I have the land at least.

Now what?
So what kind of welding process should I try first, and how do I obtain the equipment? I'm looking for equipment that is cheap enough (preferably under $500) for me to afford, but made with enough quality to keep me happy and engaged with my first welding projects.

Recommendations?