Arc welding is a skilled and often intricate task, requiring an eye for detail and dedication to perfection. When one decides to learn to arc weld, whether professionally or for his choice of hobby, it requires hours of practice, persistence, and in the case of a professional; training and possible apprenticeship.
To begin to learn to arc weld, it is important to have the proper welder and of course, something that needs to be welded. Many ark welders learn the task by practicing on their own over and over again until it can be done properly with no imperfections in the weld. Others may apprentice under an experienced arc welder.
To find someone to apprentice under, look for arc welders in the phone book and call around. Apprenticeships may be paid “assistant” opportunities or unpaid internships in which the apprentice acts as an student. Sometimes these unpaid positions lead to employment in the future, other times it is the job of the arc welder in training to find work for himself after he’s learned the ropes.
Another way to learn to arc weld is through a local technical or community college. Many times they will offer specialized classes for students to learn to arc weld either as a career certification program or as workshops or classes.
Perhaps the easiest way to learn to arc weld is to visit someone who already knows how. Friends and family members with this skill are a great way to learn the ropes and practice without the pressures of a class or internship. One can learn to arc weld at a slower or faster pace using this method, as there are no strict rules and regulations to adhere to.
One word of caution for those who choose to learn with a friend or family member: make sure the person has all proper welding tools and safety equipment. Although it is not necessary to learn to arc weld at a school or potential employer’s place of business, adhering to safety rules and standards is still highly important in order to prevent injury. This means using gloves, protective eye gear, and any other equipment mandated by each task.
The most important factor in learning to arc weld is willingness to practice. One must learn to recognize even small imperfections in a weld, be able to sand it down and then re-weld so that all joints are smooth. Practicing alone or with someone more experienced will ensure that any student can become a professional grade arc welder.