Anything welding

I am sure I still hold the record maybe 15 years or longer my Celica on Jack Stands just waiting on sticking in a clutch. That has been on the drivers seat .

Being a some what flat surface I can still see parts of the car.

 

This forum and community are awesome. I am in my 40’s and am thinking about a career change and welding has always interested me, however I know absolutely nothing about it. I am an asthmatic and worry about my lungs. Is this something I should be concerned about if I decide to take the leap?

 

Keep the garage door open.

I like to run a large fan from against the wall facing outward.

Also have a Lincoln respirator (for grinding, etc).

I'm 37 and only took the leap into welding what, 2 years ago? I don't know I forget...these guys have watched my progress though

 

As I've already covered... I'm definately not a pro. Completely self taught... more like I fumble around and end up making it look good.

I'm also a safety is probably in the list of top 10 things to worry about kind of approach.

So, take what I say with a grain of salt.

Run a fan in the garage (not pointed directly at the weld of course). Don't get your hood right down 2 inches away from where you're welding. Don't weld galvanized, and don't clean with brake cleaner.

And you mostly be good. (I think that covers most of it)

 

Just why welding ? Please be honest

What type of work do you do now?

I have a friend that is a very experienced auto tech in your age group who thought of changing careers . He went to welding school a good program at night while working full time.

The down side as an entry level welder his wage would have been reduced by 2/3`s from what he was then earning . Simple math it was decided to keep welding as a useful Hobby skill.

Add breathing issues they can be worked around but your luck would need to be outstanding as a new hire to find a company willing to spend thousands on a new hire .

Though it could happen.

Best of Luck! No matter how things play out.

 

Busted out the welder for the first time in probably a year. Tried my hand at some tab gusset mounts and a CMC. All this talk between @Kwikvette and @El Taco Diablo came up today. Lighting is essential. In tight quarters, I was actually holding a flashlight in one hand and torch in the other. Gotta be able to see. Also, welding on a bench vs under a vehicle are worlds apart. I was struggling to get good torch position today too. All about throwing down a "dry run" and testing torch and body position prior to pulling the trigger.

Was nice to put some minor adjustments into the machine and be able to have everything work for the first time in awhile though...

 

Welding out of position on dirty rusty vehicles in the northeast USA.

Is the most difficult I have ever had to do and make quality welds . So don`t sell yourself short.

I was certified under so many different codes over the years.

 

Thanks man! Trying to improve every time I weld.

 

My wife would love that! Lol

 

Are you using a thumb control ?? I forget.

 

Explain it would be less she has to clean!!

 

Foot pedal.

 

Lmfao followed by a flurry of punches haha

 

@GHOST SHIP
@Shmellmopwho

Sent JD squared an email; hoping they offer MIL discount to help soften the blow if I do go that route

 

Yesss!!

 

IF

 

Hard to justify buying another tool I'll rarely use for myself, and almost never for side work

 

They do. It’s like 10% for MIL/First responders IIRC.

 

I'd want to replicate something like this (just the wings, not the top hoop)



I'm sure it'll be a bit challenging for a first-timer too...

 

With how quickly you’ve picked things up and progressed with your welding and fab skills, you’ll be fine!