Another Newbie in need of help

[Droopy]

I'm new to the forum and, like so many others, would like to try and take on the father and son go kart build project. Also like many others lack of experience in welding presents the biggest challenge. How can I find someone willing to teach me the basics without spending a fortune taking courses? Or should I forget that option and try and find a frame on Craigslist?

 

[Poboy kartman]

Craigslist is going to be the easiest route. Either way is doable though. I'm still learning how to weld myself or I would help you out. Last time I looked there were a few good deals on Craigslist, especially now that Gran_Pann has quit buying up everything.

to the forum neighbor!

 

[firemanjim]

Welcome! You can actually teach yourself to weld if you watch All the videos on the net and read up on it. You actually have some members in your "area" and might be willing to learn you a thing or 2..... That is if you really want to learn....
It would obviously be easier to buy a beater kart and refurb it with your son. It's all up to you what route you take.....

 

[rocketkart]

welding itself is not that hard, it's the steadying & positioning strategy that's hard, anyone can weld with some good practice. I taught my kid's how to weld, one at age 12 now 15 and is welding like a pro and the other at age 9 now welding like a pro at age 13. I encourage anyone to go out and weld and build somthing and have some fun cus i personally love it. that being seid give it a try and be safe and don't give up!!!

 

[OzFab]

To me, the hardest part is getting the settings just right because there's two variables: Different machines are set differently so, getting to know your machine is important but, the other variable is personal experience. IMO, no one can walk up to a machine they've never seen before & just weld, they need to do a few practice runs & "get to know" the machine first...

Having said that, welding is a handy & useful skill to have, anyone can do it, not everyone can do it well...

Ask around your friends, neighbours, work collegues, someone will know someone who can teach you, you just need to know how & who to ask

However, if you're looking for a project you & your son can enjoy next summer, head for craigslist, find something you can fix up & both enjoy then, before next winter, learn to weld so you can build a second kart...

 

[Droopy]

Thanks to all of you for the informative responses! One last question if I may. Is there a decent welder that can be had for less than $300 for this type of project or am I just dreaming? Forgive me if this question has been asked a 100 times over on this forum.

 

[OzFab]

It's very doable; some of the locals should chime in soon to give you ideas, it's pointless me saying anything because everything is different over here...

 

[Poboy kartman]

More than doable. Especially if you consider used welders.

EDIT: I have a full spool of wire and plenty of scrap if you want to make the trip and get your feet wet before you make the plunge. ...PM me if interested.

 

[rocketkart]

i had got my kids the Hobart Handler 125 welder that was $369.99 \but if your on a buget you can go wrong with the Northern Industrial Welder Flux Core 125 115V Flux Cored Welder — 125 Amp Output. @ $139.99 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200403263_200403263 http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200447703_200447703
it is a welder to make a kart frame with.

 

[bad12jr]

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html

Eastwood sells a nice looking mig. Has the gas reg and all but your looking at another couple hundred for the gas and tank. Much cleaner welds then flux core if your willing to spend the extra.

Both will do the job very will for what your doing budget being the the deciding factor.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk 2

 

[Poboy kartman]

HF also sells a mig. I had a coupon in my hand and was getting ready to buy one and bumped into my next door neighbor. I showed him the coupon and he told me he owned that welder. So I just bought the cheapie flux core to learn with because I can always borrow his. It's worked out well so far and if I decide to upgrade, I can just get the gas and try before I buy. ......