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How can I become a better welder?
I'm in 11th grade and I want to know how to be a good welder.
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5 answers

Jason Patterson, CMQ/OE
Inspector, Welding SME, Coatings SME, Materials SME, Quality Management
8
Answers
Downey, California
Updated
Jason’s Answer
Salvadore,
Becoming a better welder is a lifetime of practice and continuous education. You are fortunate in your geograpical location, welding is in demand in LA and TX area so you have a few good options to quickly become a professional welder. If your high school offers technical classes involving welding and fabrication you should enroll. There are welder training schools in your area that you can attend after high school, these are a great general knowledge enhancer and prpeapre you to begin an entry level career in welding for multiple industries. Ater the technical school welding classes I would encourage you to choose a field you would like ot work in and join the local Union hall that covers that field i.e. Pipe Fitters, Boiler Makers, IRon Workers etc. In the meantime, there are many videos on Youtube to watch and learn to enhance your technique. Join the American Welding Society, you will have access to the world of professionals in welding such as Certified Welding Inspectors and Welding Engineers. ASk questions and learn from others questions, you would be well served to find a mentor in the group. Good luck to you.
Becoming a better welder is a lifetime of practice and continuous education. You are fortunate in your geograpical location, welding is in demand in LA and TX area so you have a few good options to quickly become a professional welder. If your high school offers technical classes involving welding and fabrication you should enroll. There are welder training schools in your area that you can attend after high school, these are a great general knowledge enhancer and prpeapre you to begin an entry level career in welding for multiple industries. Ater the technical school welding classes I would encourage you to choose a field you would like ot work in and join the local Union hall that covers that field i.e. Pipe Fitters, Boiler Makers, IRon Workers etc. In the meantime, there are many videos on Youtube to watch and learn to enhance your technique. Join the American Welding Society, you will have access to the world of professionals in welding such as Certified Welding Inspectors and Welding Engineers. ASk questions and learn from others questions, you would be well served to find a mentor in the group. Good luck to you.

James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian-Nutritionist & Software Developer since 1972 🡆 Optimization Of Human Performance
7223
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Salvador!
How to Become a Better Welder
MY TAKE ON YOUR QUESTION:-
Have a look at my profile here's the address https://www.careervillage.org/users/179930/?next=
Go to the About James Constantine section it's a header.
Scroll down to the query entitled "in lay person terms what do you actually do at work?" I FIX SICK PEOPLE.
Here you find all the nutrients described. Also you'll be able to look up the food sources that they come from and what these substances do in the body. They increase human performance in the areas of psychological physical sports academic procedures. So you can get far more work done when you're properly nourished.
I was even studying nutrition in the 80s and I went to a naturopath-manufacturer's talk about his nutrition products. Robert Lucy was his name. He recounted Vitamin B3 deficiency causing reduced hand-eye coordination.
Housewives putting washed glasses back in the cupboard would accidentally hit the sliding glass doors with the glass. How does this relate to welding? Improved hand-eye coordination leads to more accurate weld join lines.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE'S OPINION:-
1. Understand the Basics of Welding
To become a proficient welder, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of welding. This includes knowing different welding processes such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), and Stick welding. Each method has its applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Familiarize yourself with the equipment used in each process, including welding machines, electrodes, and protective gear.
2. Get Hands-On Experience
Practical experience is essential in welding. Seek opportunities to practice welding in school workshops or local vocational training centers. If possible, find internships or apprenticeships with local businesses that specialize in metal fabrication or construction. The more you weld, the better you will understand how to manipulate materials and control your technique.
3. Focus on Safety Practices
Welding can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets with proper shading, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing. Learn about fire hazards and how to handle materials safely to prevent accidents.
4. Study Welding Techniques and Skills Development
Take time to study various welding techniques through books, online courses, or instructional videos. Focus on improving your hand-eye coordination and precision by practicing different joint types and positions (flat, horizontal, vertical). Consider enrolling in specialized classes that offer advanced training in specific techniques.
5. Join Welding Clubs or Organizations
Participating in clubs or organizations related to welding can provide networking opportunities and access to resources that can enhance your skills. Organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) offer workshops, competitions, and certifications that can help you gain recognition in the field.
6. Seek Feedback from Experienced Welders
Learning from experienced professionals is invaluable. Ask for feedback on your work from instructors or seasoned welders who can provide insights into areas for improvement. Constructive criticism will help you refine your technique and develop a better understanding of industry standards.
7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Technologies
The welding industry is continuously evolving with new technologies and methods being developed regularly. Stay informed about advancements by reading industry publications or following relevant online forums and social media groups dedicated to welding.
8. Consider Certification Programs
Obtaining certification can enhance your credibility as a welder and improve job prospects after graduation. Look into programs offered by organizations like AWS that provide certifications based on skill level and specialization.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining a passion for learning about welding techniques and safety practices, you will significantly improve your skills as a welder.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Welding Society (AWS): A leading organization providing resources for welders including training programs, certifications, safety guidelines, and industry standards.
Welding Journal: A publication offering articles on current trends in the welding industry along with technical information aimed at improving skills.
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER): An organization providing educational resources including curriculum development for vocational training programs focused on construction trades including welding.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
How to Become a Better Welder
MY TAKE ON YOUR QUESTION:-
Have a look at my profile here's the address https://www.careervillage.org/users/179930/?next=
Go to the About James Constantine section it's a header.
Scroll down to the query entitled "in lay person terms what do you actually do at work?" I FIX SICK PEOPLE.
Here you find all the nutrients described. Also you'll be able to look up the food sources that they come from and what these substances do in the body. They increase human performance in the areas of psychological physical sports academic procedures. So you can get far more work done when you're properly nourished.
I was even studying nutrition in the 80s and I went to a naturopath-manufacturer's talk about his nutrition products. Robert Lucy was his name. He recounted Vitamin B3 deficiency causing reduced hand-eye coordination.
Housewives putting washed glasses back in the cupboard would accidentally hit the sliding glass doors with the glass. How does this relate to welding? Improved hand-eye coordination leads to more accurate weld join lines.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE'S OPINION:-
1. Understand the Basics of Welding
To become a proficient welder, it’s crucial to have a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of welding. This includes knowing different welding processes such as MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), and Stick welding. Each method has its applications, advantages, and disadvantages. Familiarize yourself with the equipment used in each process, including welding machines, electrodes, and protective gear.
2. Get Hands-On Experience
Practical experience is essential in welding. Seek opportunities to practice welding in school workshops or local vocational training centers. If possible, find internships or apprenticeships with local businesses that specialize in metal fabrication or construction. The more you weld, the better you will understand how to manipulate materials and control your technique.
3. Focus on Safety Practices
Welding can be hazardous if proper safety precautions are not taken. Always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets with proper shading, gloves, and flame-resistant clothing. Learn about fire hazards and how to handle materials safely to prevent accidents.
4. Study Welding Techniques and Skills Development
Take time to study various welding techniques through books, online courses, or instructional videos. Focus on improving your hand-eye coordination and precision by practicing different joint types and positions (flat, horizontal, vertical). Consider enrolling in specialized classes that offer advanced training in specific techniques.
5. Join Welding Clubs or Organizations
Participating in clubs or organizations related to welding can provide networking opportunities and access to resources that can enhance your skills. Organizations like the American Welding Society (AWS) offer workshops, competitions, and certifications that can help you gain recognition in the field.
6. Seek Feedback from Experienced Welders
Learning from experienced professionals is invaluable. Ask for feedback on your work from instructors or seasoned welders who can provide insights into areas for improvement. Constructive criticism will help you refine your technique and develop a better understanding of industry standards.
7. Stay Updated on Industry Trends and Technologies
The welding industry is continuously evolving with new technologies and methods being developed regularly. Stay informed about advancements by reading industry publications or following relevant online forums and social media groups dedicated to welding.
8. Consider Certification Programs
Obtaining certification can enhance your credibility as a welder and improve job prospects after graduation. Look into programs offered by organizations like AWS that provide certifications based on skill level and specialization.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining a passion for learning about welding techniques and safety practices, you will significantly improve your skills as a welder.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Welding Society (AWS): A leading organization providing resources for welders including training programs, certifications, safety guidelines, and industry standards.
Welding Journal: A publication offering articles on current trends in the welding industry along with technical information aimed at improving skills.
National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER): An organization providing educational resources including curriculum development for vocational training programs focused on construction trades including welding.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
|==========================God Bless You, Richly!==========================|
|===========================James Constantine===========================|
|=============THE LITTLE OLD AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK DIETITIAN==============|
|===================Programming For Your Nutrition Education=================|
|============================~ Since 1972!==============================|
✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯✯
Updated
Desmond’s Answer
There is no replacement for "time under the hood". Definitely read up on your course materials and study them in order to know the science behind what is going on metallurgically, and how voltage and amperage influence the behavior of the puddle. But like I said, keep practicing.
Think about it like painting with an arc, fire, and molten metal. People who are great painters get their skill from the amount of time they put into their craft.
Another piece of advice would be to learn what works for others and build off of that. For example, when I started off as a fabricator, I would make an effort to see who had the best looking welds and ask them what works for them. I would then watch them run a few beads and do my best to implement what I just learned. Focus on travel speed, travel angle, work angle.
One last piece of advice is don't weld with your face too close to the arc. You will get spatter and fumes all over your hood/ cover lens making it more difficult to see. I prefer to use an 11 shade when using FCAW-G. Sometimes a little darker when TIG welding.
If you have any specific questions please ask away.
Time under the hood.
Study course materials.
Practice consistency.
Don't be afraid to ask questions, the more questions you ask, the more you learn; The more you learn, the better you will be at whatever you are learning about.
Repeat.
Think about it like painting with an arc, fire, and molten metal. People who are great painters get their skill from the amount of time they put into their craft.
Another piece of advice would be to learn what works for others and build off of that. For example, when I started off as a fabricator, I would make an effort to see who had the best looking welds and ask them what works for them. I would then watch them run a few beads and do my best to implement what I just learned. Focus on travel speed, travel angle, work angle.
One last piece of advice is don't weld with your face too close to the arc. You will get spatter and fumes all over your hood/ cover lens making it more difficult to see. I prefer to use an 11 shade when using FCAW-G. Sometimes a little darker when TIG welding.
If you have any specific questions please ask away.
Desmond recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Fred’s Answer
Practice. That's really the best way to get better.
You may be able to find a class at a community college, or at a trade school, but they may require a high school diploma or equivalent before you can register.
Then, maybe buy your own welder and practice as much as you can.
Please note: I am not a welder, although I did some welding in college. This is just my best guess.
You may be able to find a class at a community college, or at a trade school, but they may require a high school diploma or equivalent before you can register.
Then, maybe buy your own welder and practice as much as you can.
Please note: I am not a welder, although I did some welding in college. This is just my best guess.
Updated
Trevor’s Answer
Practice! More practice! Ask tons of questions and take advantage of all of the resources people are willing to offer. Weather that be lessons, pointers, certifications from your a school. Anything you can possibly get!