1 answer
Mason
Student
Haven, KS
1
Question
Asked
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Anyone who started welding specifically for small DIY or art projects, what setup would you recommend?
I’ve been thinking about getting into welding, mostly for small creative projects rather than anything serious or structural.
I’d like to make things like simple lawn art, garden decorations, small flowers, animals, signs, and other decorative pieces from scrap metal. I’ve seen some really cool metal art made from old horseshoes, tools, pipes, and other pieces of steel.
The problem is I’ve never actually welded before, so I’m wondering where a complete beginner should start.
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1 answer
Dave Buchanan
AWS CWI/CWE
9
Answers
Lapeer, Michigan
Updated
Dave’s Answer
Hello Mason!
I've been in welding for over 25 years now and my home shop setup is a Vulcan MIG machine from Harbor Freight and a YesWelder TIG machine. Both great machines for anything you'd do at the house. I can run the MIG machine hard on a 15amp, 115 volt circuit and never pop the breaker.
As far as your other question, visit a local steel fabrication shop. Tell them you're trying to teach yourself to weld and ask if they'd be willing to give you some scrap or cut drops to learn/practice on. Watch some YouTube videos, hit the garage, and weld. Make note of your amp/volt settings per weld, make your weld, then test it. Put it in a vise and beat the snot out of it with a hammer. If it survives that, most likely the flamingo you weld up for the elderly lady down the road will hold up just fine!
-Dave
I've been in welding for over 25 years now and my home shop setup is a Vulcan MIG machine from Harbor Freight and a YesWelder TIG machine. Both great machines for anything you'd do at the house. I can run the MIG machine hard on a 15amp, 115 volt circuit and never pop the breaker.
As far as your other question, visit a local steel fabrication shop. Tell them you're trying to teach yourself to weld and ask if they'd be willing to give you some scrap or cut drops to learn/practice on. Watch some YouTube videos, hit the garage, and weld. Make note of your amp/volt settings per weld, make your weld, then test it. Put it in a vise and beat the snot out of it with a hammer. If it survives that, most likely the flamingo you weld up for the elderly lady down the road will hold up just fine!
-Dave