[Matt VDW]

What's the best way to learn how to weld? (I'm talking about small scale welding for gunsmithing purposes, not I beam welding for construction purposes.)

 

[Peter Zahn]

Matt,

This is a tough one. Now days TIG (tungsten inert gas) is probably better than any other method for welding gun parts. It's also one of the more demanding welding techniques.

Go to a welding supply house and ask for a book or a video on the subject. Read them to find out if you want to tackle it.

Simple DC semi-hobbie units are available, maybe 100 or max 200 amps for little gun work. The 200 is really overkill. If you don't intend to weld aluminum, the DC is fine,if you plan to weld aluminum you will need an AC/DC machine. Be aware you will also need a Argon gas bottle for this welding. Thats the shielding gas for the puddle, filler metal and tungsten electrode.

The down side? It takes a hell of a lot of practise to get really good at welding small parts. You also need to know the basics of heat sinks and bit of metallurgy to get satisfactory results.

The up side? It is a very very interesting skill to learn. Amazing things can be done with a Tig welder. Heat input control is unparalled, and precision of the weld can be unbelievable. IT is also a darn good looking weld when done right.

 

[Matt VDW]

Peter,

Thanks for the info.

I'll do a little research into TIG welding and post again when I have more questions.

 

[Chad Ward]

Try your local community college or vo-tech. The ones around here frequently have classes in welding, machine shop stuff, etc. Might be worth a try.

Chad

 

[stealthmode]

i went to my community college and learned how to weld, it was cheap and easy. there were two types of classes, one where you learned how to weld to become a welder professionally and another one that gives you a general background on different processes and practice. i took the general one since i am not going into the profession and just wanted to learn about another skill.