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Inhaling the noxious fumes from certain welding machines is dangerous and unhealthy. Open windows and doors to make sure that the room is well-ventilated. In addition, make sure to wear all safety gear before you start welding. If you took a course or class, then you should stick with the welding technique and machine that you've already used. If you've practiced using a variety of methods, choose the method you like best. The 2 most common methods for beginners are gas metal arc welding (MIG) and arc welding, also referred to as stick welding. Stick and MIG welding equipment is cheaper and easier to learn than other methods. TIG welding, otherwise known as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and flux-cored welding, are more complex forms of welding that should be avoided if you're a beginner. Practice creating "beads" or welds on pieces of scrap metal before trying to weld 2 pieces of metal together for an actual project. This will get you more acclimated to using the welding machine and will help you achieve straighter welds. Search online or on your local community's or art center's website to see if there are any introductory welding classes available. These courses will already have a workshop and equipment set up for you, so you don't have to purchase it yourself, and will provide introductory instruction that can help you get started on your welding hobby. These courses can range anywhere from a day of training to 2-3 months of training. Ask for a class schedule before you sign up for the classes. Many community colleges, vocational schools, and some universities offer welding classes as part of their curriculum. If you are going to school or plan on going to school, search on the school's website to see if they offer welding classes. Then, sign up for the class during your class registration period. You don't have to be a student to take a welding-specific class at certain community colleges and vocational schools. Call the college and ask them to find out. If no community centers or schools offer welding classes, or you can't afford them, local welders may be willing to show you the ropes. Search for welding or metal fabrication companies near you and then call them and tell them that you're interested in touring their workshop. Arrange a time and date to visit them, then express your interest while taking the tour. Welding and metal fabrication companies will often offer tours for free. If you want to learn how to weld, ask metal fabricators if you can apprentice or work as a fellow under them Seeing welding in person will give you a better idea of whether it's the hobby for you. You can use YouTube to provide supplemental knowledge for the classes that you're taking or to learn different welding techniques. Because welding can be dangerous, you should practice under the supervision of an experienced welder before you start doing it yourself. and books on how to weld. You can visit the American Welding Society's website to read articles and publications on welding. Popular welding books include Welding: Principles and Applications by Larry Jeffus, Audel Welding Pocket Reference by James E. Brumbaugh and Rex Miller, and Welding Essentials by William L. Galvery Jr. and Frank B. Marlow, just to name a few. If you want to enhance your knowledge of different welding practices and techniques, read these books and articles.
Work in a well-ventilated area and wear safety gear. Decide on which style of welding you want to do. Practice welding on scrap metal before you work on a real project. Look for welding classes at community and art centers. Contact a community college to see if they offer welding classes. Speak to local welders in your area if you can't sign up for a class. Watch video tutorials online to learn common welding techniques. Read articles