CX500T

Do some research on what "certifications" you get. Some schools certify that you indeed went there. Others, you pass test for pipe, structural, etc. And you'll have to re-certify at any shop.

It's not impossible, but its like saying I have a CPL, now I can make money as a pilot.

You can take a decent course a most community colleges that will get you in the door for non certified jobs for less and start making cash right away.

-Guy who put himself through college as a Welder, ran a welding shop, and still has a lot of welding equipment.

Grumpyaviator

thanks for the info, my son’s in a welding program now and we’re going through the details. It is an ongoing process for sure.

coorsFlight

What does the money picture look like entering a shop out of a community college program? I did a course when I was a HS senior and enjoyed it, wondering if it's pursuing as a backup.

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CX500T

Granted this was 1995, so adjust for inflation.

Went to VoTech High School. Was a Senior, who was allowed on what we called "extended co-op" (I didn't have to go to school anymore after NewYears my senior year)

I was getting $13 an hour then. So $23-24 an hour in today's money.

I started doing a bunch of work out of my driveway reflooring dump trailers and such. I was making probably $300 a day after expenses but I worked my rear off to do it.

Still have my first set of torches and welder. I asked for torches for my birthday when I was 11. Got them. Got a stick welder for making honor roll in 9th grade.

coorsFlight

Thank you!

CX500T

Here is what you can set yourself up to make decent money fixing trailers, trucks, farm stuff.

Tapatalk is going to put these in a weird order but what I have.

AC/DC 225/125 stick welder. Will do sheetmetal in a pinch up to most any size steel found in trucks, farm equipment etc.
$695 MSRP. Can be found for less.
Had since 1990.

Hand carrryable 230V Mig welder.
Mine is WeldPak 155. Modern replacement would run about $750-1000
Use mostly for auto body and similar sheet metal or thin stuff. Can do aluminum and stainless steel but I use my TIG fir that.
Bought in 1997

Big heavy bastard TIG
Lincoln TIG300/300. Will go up to 400A on AC stick welding. I use it for TIG for doing brewery piping, and a lot of dirt bike repair and construction. Can weld any weldable metal with it. Modern equivalent is 1/10 the weight and 1/4 the size provided you dont need over 200A. Have had multiple of this model. I like the old transformer based machines for very thin stainless.

Torches. Had these since 1989.

If you want a gift that keeps on giving, get a new welder a GOOD auto darkening helmet.

I like the Lincoln Viking with C4 lens.

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CX500T

Torches and the aforementioned Helmet

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wankel7

I've wondered about the risk from fumes while welding....is it something you have to protect yourself from?

coorsFlight

Thank you for the setup outline, that's an awesome shop you've got there. What kind of breaker does that all run off of?

CX500T

Depends on what you are welding.

For stick welding, good ventilation is key.

For TIG, as little air motion as possible in the arc zone.

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