How many of you can weld, and how did you learn?

[don58van]

YouTube videos vary considerably in their usefulness to the DYI Minor restorer. I have watched probably hundreds over the last 5 years or so. The ones that I think would be a great resource for the Minor restorer are those by Fitzee's Restorations. Fitzee takes a very different approach to most restorers. He is a professional, but takes an approach that is particularly helpful to DYIers. For one thing, most of the equipment he uses is basic items that most DIYers would have in their garage. He only ever uses one sheet metal hammer. The more specialised tools (which he uses only occasionally, such as his panbrake, sheet metal curve former and english wheel) he made himself. His approach to fabricating bodywork repairs--especially complex shapes--is different and clever. I found his lessons on welding sheet metal more useful than just about anything I have seen. His approach to making butt joins in sheet metal is unique (he calls it cut and butt). An overall theme to his work is keeping costs down.
So, well worth a look. Try his videos on rust repair--of which there are many.

I have had lessons at night college, but I think that Fitzee's videos are more useful.

Don

[Vancam70]

I can mig weld , sometimes better than others . Taught by my dad by him telling me how crap my welds were .buying cars that need welded gives plenty of practice.
His favourite saying was "that's not bloody clean enough to weld ,get the grinder at it " wise words indeed .

[dp]

Most welding is actually measuring, cutting, preparing, measuring again and grinding.

[The Scotmoose]

Self taught to use an arc welder back in the 1970s and 80s - well sort of. Rusty Minis, Minors and Escorts gave me plenty of practice back in the day. My welding is not exactly pretty, but they are strong and MOT passable. Arc welders are not expensive and do not take up to much space, which can often be a problem if you don't have a garage or just have a small garage or shed.

[BaritoneUke]

Third week of tig welding, total newbie. Chose tig as it's a bit like gas which i got to try at school, and there's no splatter like mig. Did my first weld this week which was tidy enough not to need grinding down afterwards

[stuupnorth]

Have been welding since leaving the RAF about 35+ years ago
mostly off shore (based in Aberdeen) equipment normal mig and flux core and some tig in the past

[Maria1959morris]

Managed get good.guy.to weld.it looking.good now

[radioactiveman]

Well, I got a mig set for my birthday (an r-tech 180). Gotta get gas and few other bits. but should be giving it a try pretty soon

[paul 300358]

I have two r-tech machines, mig and a tig set, both are excellent.