Learning TIG in NY...

[metalman181]

Hi everyone.
I have been following posts on this message board for the past month or so and finally decided to register to become part of this wonderful board. I do not have any formal welding training...

I am interested in getting into TIG welding and wanted to know if there were any other experienced TIG welders in the Orange County, NY region that would be willing to share some knowledge. I am sure I can simply jump into by help of this board and by trial and error on my own, but it is always nicer to learn from someone experienced.
I hope to gain some experience before purchasing a TIG welder.

I'll greatly appreciate any assistance.

Thanks,
~Jason

[Tanner]

Long shot, but try calling OCC!

[Tanker John]

Start with the local community colleges. BOCES there in Orange County may also offer training at night. Books are good, this board is good but there is no substitute for being walked through and shown.

[ASKANDY]

Welcome metalman!!

Cool name!

I have to agree with Tank on at least being able to see someone else doing it or like I do with trainees is I get behind them and work their hand for them to get the rhythm and off they go. Also if you have a trainer who can view your work and give you some suggestions right ion the spot without having to post pictures, which may not show everything, to get input.
MILLER puts out a real nice book called "Gas Tungsten Arc Welding". It has some great info in it but is still no substitute for a real person. I'm sure you can find others in your area that share you interest in TIG. Try your local distributor to see if they may know of some job shop that could be wiling to give a few pointers. May cost something but at least you could get a jump on practicing

Good luck,

Andy

[Wheat]

If you can't find a tutor, the book from Miller on tig welding is an excellent reference. Also tigdepot.com you can purchase a "how to" video on tig welding. Don't know the quality of the video, anybody seen this video???

[trackwelder]

Metalman,There is a welding school north of you located in schenectady,ny.They offer hobby courses in tig.The school name is modern welding.I believe its about $200.00 for a ten hour course.

[Paul Seaman]

Our technical depatment of our high school does evening classes for continuing education students. You might contact your local tech school. Many of these will put the money they charge back into the program for supplies and equipment, so it might cost a bit but it'll be well worth it.
I agree with Andy cool name and welcome aboard,

[Steved]

As a cost compare:

I have just signed up for a 30 hour beginner TIG class at our college for $450 (CDN)

So about $346 (USD) for 30 hours or $11.50 (USD) per hour.

I am looking forward to it although it starts in November. Hopefully I will not have taught myself a whole bunch of bad techniques by that time!!

Good luck and happy welding!

Steve

[arcdawg]

what ever you do stay away from OCC !!! you cant learn in the e.r.

dawg

[metalman181]

Originally posted by arcdawg
what ever you do stay away from OCC !!! you cant learn in the e.r.

dawg

LOL, I have been there before... infact even go a pretty nice tour since I was close with someone working there.

What you see on TV is pretty much made for TV. It seemed pretty safe when I was there. The ironworks shop (which is a seperate entity from OCC) has some really good workers turning out quality work.

I am with you arcdawg, safety first.

[metalman181]

Thanks for all the responses so far. I see this message board becoming a great resource to use for my projects and learning. I am more than willing to take a course at a local college or Boces but as of now, neither are offering any courses for the next semester. Unfortunately my local supplier (Air-Gas) had a great welder/employee that used to offer classes (so, I was told) but he was promoted and no longer in my area. I will continue searching and probably end up purchasing my TIG machine in the next 2 months.



~Jason

[BCarlucci]

Metalman181,

There is a boces right up the road from you in New Paltz, and also one over in Poughkeepsie, just depends on where you are in Orange county, I go over that way all the time and am a distributor of welding supplies and gases, as well as a welder myself for my fathers shop at night. As far as i know i currently don't know anyone over that way who might be able to show you how to tig weld. Another option having your supplier/ or possible new supplier bring out a tig machine for you, doesn't matter which one it is, it doesn't take to long to set up and demo. If air gas doesn't help you out, let me know and i'll hook up a demo for you and we can run some welds.

BC
Danbury, CT

[metalman181]

Originally posted by BCarlucci
Metalman181,

There is a boces right up the road from you in New Paltz, and also one over in Poughkeepsie, just depends on where you are in Orange county, I go over that way all the time and am a distributor of welding supplies and gases, as well as a welder myself for my fathers shop at night. As far as i know i currently don't know anyone over that way who might be able to show you how to tig weld. Another option having your supplier/ or possible new supplier bring out a tig machine for you, doesn't matter which one it is, it doesn't take to long to set up and demo. If air gas doesn't help you out, let me know and i'll hook up a demo for you and we can run some welds.

BC
Danbury, CT

Thanks for the offer... I would be willing to take a trip to Danbury, CT to have a chance to try out a TIG welder. I signed up for and plan to visit to the Miller Welding and Productivity Expo in Swedesboro, NJ later in the month. I believe they will have most of their products out for demo. Depending if I can get someone to go with me I will make the trip there. (It's about 2.5 - 3 hour drive each way).

[BCarlucci]

Metalman181,

The miller expo is the best place to try out all their machines, it'll be a lot better then me bringing you one or you coming over here, i hope you find someone to go with you, by bosses wanted me to go but unfortunately i'm unable to. When your down there, a great guy to talk to is Charles Minnich (if i spelled it right) he's there instructor when they give classes to us distributors, he's a great guy very easy to talk to and knows what's he's talking about. So seek him out and have a good time welding down there. Let me know how it works out and if you still need to see one, i'll be glad to show one to you.

BC