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Welding is an increasingly popular hobby, and for good reason. It can be used to fix a gate or repair a car, saving a bundle in the process. DIY welding projects can also include attractive fire pits or sculptures for the yard. High-quality welding equipment has never been easier to use, and it has become remarkably affordable.
Getting started is easier than many people think, and Bob Vila supports those who want to learn to weld with an extensive range of articles. We cover a number of topics, including welding terms, different types of welding, and practical tips on how to weld for fun or profit.
What Is Welding?
Welding is the process of permanently joining two or more pieces of metal together. A welding wire or filler rod is used to create an electrical circuit called an ‘arc’ that fuses the metal at very high temperatures. When formed correctly, good welds have tremendous strength and durability.
While welding can be used in anything from tin-can manufacturing to shipbuilding, in this article we’re focusing on how to weld at home. MIG (metal inert gas) is the most popular type of welding for beginners because it is easy to learn and the equipment is relatively inexpensive. However, there are several other types of welding, so those who start this fascinating hobby will never be short of new things to try.
FOR MORE ON GETTING STARTED:
➤ 4 Types of Welding Every DIYer Should Know
➤ MIG vs. TIG Welding: What’s the Difference?
Welding Projects for Beginners
The most popular welding projects for beginners are basic repairs to fences and gates, fixing auto bodywork or trailer damage, making small furniture items like stools and side tables, and developing sculptural pieces that allow welders to explore their creativity.
Each of these can be accomplished with minimal experience, and can save substantial amounts of money. Scrap welding projects are also popular, allowing beginner welders to practice at minimal expense. These could still result in impressive art pieces. Rust, dents, and scratches are an integral part of the industrial appeal of this type of work. Knowing which types of welds to use for different projects is key to welding success.
FOR MORE WELDING APPLICATIONS:
➤ 9 Types of Welds and When to Use Them
Essential Tools of the Trade
MIG welding is invariably recommended for beginners, and our top tool pick has been chosen to meet this need. The remainder of the tools and equipment can be used for all types of welding. They have been selected from leading manufacturers, and the extensive buyer’s guides written by Bob Vila researchers.
- Fourney Easy Weld 261: This powerful but easy-to-use machine comes from one of welding’s most trusted brands. Flux core welding is a variation on MIG that can be used indoors or out, and with a weight of just 19 pounds, the Fourney is very portable.
- Yeswelder Welding Helmet: A good welding helmet is a vital piece of safety equipment, but they can be quite expensive. This model is our ‘best bang for the buck’ selection, as it incorporates many high-end features at a competitive price.
- RAPICCA Welding Gloves: These tough but flexible welding gloves are fire- and heat- resistant, protecting wearers from painful burns. They can also be used with barbecues, wood burners, or hot pots from the oven.
- Lincoln Electric Welding Jacket: Although not an essential, a welding jacket will protect your clothes from burns and dirt. Few brands have a better reputation than Lincoln Electric, and this heavy-duty leather version should give years of service. Some welders prefer an apron, and we particularly like this highly rated option from QeeLink.
- Hobart Welding Hammer: Two tools are essential for cleaning up finished welds: a chipping hammer, and a wire brush. Hobart combines both in this clever design.
- Strong Hand MIG Welding Pliers: Welding pliers are versatile tools designed for a wide variety of welding-related tasks.
- Porter-Cable Chop Saw: Cutting metal with a handsaw is possible but it’s hard work, and it’s time consuming. A chop saw like the quality machine from Porter-Cable is an efficient alternative.
FOR MORE ON BUYING AND USING A WELDER:
➤ The Best Welders for Beginners
➤ How to Use a MIG Welder
Welding Tips and Tricks
Learning the basics of how to weld at home is not difficult, and with MIG welding in particular, beginners can achieve success relatively quickly. Nevertheless, being patient, and taking time with each welding project will invariably produce better results.
Preparation is a key element. Planning each task, and having everything at hand when you start allows full focus on the job being undertaken. Also, while it is possible to weld dirty or rusted metal, cleaning up the edges to be joined will help improve weld strength.
It’s also vital to consider safety. Never attempt to weld without a mask or gloves. Welding can produce unpleasant fumes, so adequate ventilation is important. When welding at home, make sure kids and pets are kept clear of the area. This is not only for their own safety but to prevent you from being distracted and injuring yourself.
Expand Your Welding Repertoire
While easy welding projects that can be found online are a great place to start, there is tremendous satisfaction to be gained from improving your skills, and expanding the type of welding you do. It often means work can be accomplished more quickly, and may reduce costs too. Some people take their welding further, and turn a hobby into a profitable side hustle.
There is no substitute for learning how to weld from someone with experience. It may be a friend who is a welder, and can act as a mentor, or it might be at local classes. If these aren’t available, then online welding courses are a viable alternative.
FOR MORE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
➤ The Best Online Welding Courses