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OT: I wanna learn how to weld

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/25/2004 : 10:02:54

First of all, I used the OT to signify that this is a non sailing topic, or Off Topic. When I was in the C22 association, we would use that so folks could skip over the subject easier.

But I would like to make some custom fabrications for my trailer. Previously I would make shop drawings and send them to my miscellaneous steel fabricator and then pick it up in a few days, worked great when I knew exactly what I wanted.

However, now I want to build a new trailer part. I don't know what you call the upright on the front of your trailer that the winch is attached to. I want a really tall one that I can mount a tray to carry the mast and furler when trailering, and also mount a block to run a line through when using an A-frame when raising/lowering the mast.

We have some really talented folks on this site so I figure I could get some good advice.
I see that Lowes sells a Miller 225 amp welding kit which includes a hood, and other toys to go with it. Is this the machine that I want.
One of my friends from my sailing club is a former machinist and he said that he could teach me how to use it. Or should I find some classes at the local Voc-tec school. I don't want to do this for a living though.

Suggestions?

Frank Gloss
Formerly 89WK/TR
85 Ericson 32-3 shoal draft "Molto Bene"

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 10:43:05

Frank,

Some folks ,even after years of trying, never learn to weld well. Of course you may be the exception, hopefully you will be. Still I hesitate to advise that your first project be an addition to your boat trailer. I say this with the vision of the boat that lay askew on the interstate, in a recent post, fresh in my mind. Let's not go there.

I'm a self taught welder with fourty something years experience and categorize myself as the person in the first sentence. Fortunately for those around me I didn't do it for a living,. I just like being able to do for myself.

Val on Calista # 3936
Patchogue, N.Y.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 11:29:43

arc welding is pretty easy. buy a bunch of scrap steel and start making some funky art

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 11:32:17

IMHO disclaimer.

Welding is fun... and a great skill to have. That said, carefully consider the following before you proceed.

Your safety and the safety of others will be depending on the quality of your welding job. I'd shudder to think of what could happen if the structure holding the boat on the trailer came apart on the highway.

You need to make a real committment to master the basics of welding before you take on a project like this. If you're unwilling to make the committment to become fully competent and make good welds... don't do this yourself, get an experienced fabricator to help you or perhaps design a bolted structure instead.

While you can probably learn the basics of welding from your buddy, it is likely that taking a class will give you a deeper and better understanding of what's going on. A class will cover rod selection, joint prep, heat selection, safety, different rod manipulation techniques etc. Either way, there's no substitute for having an experienced welder as an instructor.

Note that it is critically important to learn, understand and follow all the prescribed safety practices for welding... there are hazards from fire, burns, UV burns, hot slag in eyes or ears, inhaling fumes & etc. Lots can go wrong if you're not knowledgable and careful.

You'll also need some other tools... at a bare minimum, you'll need an angle grinder, a chipping hammer, and a wire brush... and of course, some way to cut your steel. (or have it custom cut)

You can PM me if you'd like more input.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 11:39:42

I think that you guys are right. I shouldn't do this trailer job myself. I would hate to lose my boat.

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uni_boy15
Deckhand

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6 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 15:01:01

hey something I can finally give my vue to. When I was 12 my dad started letting me play with our industrial size arc welder from the 1960's scence then he bought me a mig welder (Lincoln 135 plus). Something a little smaller I put in about 30 hours of welding some of the things include, wood burning stoves mini bikes, go carts things like that and my jeep. I have repaired body panels and the frame of my cj5. If you are looking for a welder I would look at Lincoln, Hobart and miller in that order. Too bad the only time ive used a miller was an arc welder and personally I would have used our old welder because of easy amp changing. In my opinion take a class before you trust your welding on something as important as your c22 I have had way too many of my welds break and damage something. If you have a welding shop around go talk to them about any upcoming welding demonstrations they might be having or know about. Welding is great talent to have if you can do it right. I hope any of this helps. louis

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Ben - FL
Admiral

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880 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2004 : 21:55:46

The last time I did any welding was on a barge while the Acosta Bridge was under construction. After one look they told me "never mind." When I want something welded I find a muffler shop about quiting time and show up with a cold twelve pack and a few dollars. They are usually quite accommodating.

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