Welding books

[MikeB]

Looking for recommendations for a couple of welding books. The archives have plenty of threads on welders, but I couldn't find anything on books themselves. I have perused the Haynes book and also Finch's Perfomance Welding. Both seemed ok, but I would like to hear what others recommend.

And, yes, I plan on plenty of practice first with the MIG...

[Series900]

Find a skilled welder, grab a six pack, and let him teach ya, You will learn in two hours enough to not make bird doo doo welds.

[RickM]

Didi you receive a Video with your Welder? I did and it was a great teaching aid. I also have a good book at home...I'll look up the title when I get home and post tomorrow.

I found the library to have quite a few valuable books as well. True MIG welding has not changed for quite some time, therefore, older books are usefull as well.

[Bruce Huling]

There are plenty of good books out there that describe the basics along with some imprtant do's and dont's, but echoing other posts, there is no substitute for experience, or experience shared. Each material, weld position, and welder choice can require veyr different approaches. If you can take a clas at a community college (or local welder shop, offer to aprentice for free one or two days a week) you will go much further faster with better results. Despite what people may think about their welds using the tig welders that are now common and low priced, there is still alot to know about making a STRONG weld that will hold up under various stresses. So, if you intend to do more than hack along, which works for most of us, you are far better served to go educate yourself. Another place to look is an a/p mechanic who says he is certified to weld on flying machines. These guys are artists for the most part and are very precise. If you wan some guidance on welding barns, trailer hitches, and pipe I can help. But if it goes on your porsche, forget it. I would get an expert that comes with recommendations and pay your money and smile. Plenty of people weld, few are welders IMHO.

[RickM]

I'd also recommend getting your hands on some scrap steel and practicing all the various types of welds (Butt, lap, spot, angle etc). I'd encourage using identical and unmatched thicknesses for practice.
After doing some research and practricing for an afternoon I pretty much got the hang of it. It's not that hard and very rewarding.
Of course as you progress share your experience and ask your questions here.

[Series900]

Books are highly over-rated, learn by doing, rocket science and neuro surgery can be tough to demonstrate though, and finding donors to practice on has its difficulties

[RickM]

Mike,

Here are two books I own and would recommend for a beginner. I also have a Welders bible type book which is good for reference. Understanding the properties of the materials your joining and the method in which you're doing it are important.

http://www.sportsreading.com/Welders_Handbook_A_Complete_Guide_to_Mig_Tig_Arc_a nd_Oxyacetylene_Welding_1557882649.html

http://www.sportsreading.com/Metal_Fabricators_Handbook_0895868709.html

[ValveFloat]

This was recommended to me for a source of welding info:
https://ssl.lincolnelectric.com/foundation/