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[JDX]

I'm looking to learn how to weld. Never done it before.
I don't really want to sign up for a college course because it'll be impossible to fit around my very demanding work.
(Demanding in the sense that they love to mess my hours & shifts around without notice.

The motivation is because I have purchased a motorbike & I want to redesign it which will involve cutting & welding a new part of the frame. The bike is an old Suzuki, with a steel frame.

Does anyone have the time or inclination to teach me a thing or two? 
Ideally, not a zillion miles from north Essex / Suffolk area.

Cheers, JD

[frostbite]

Do you have a preference?

mig or tig

I like stick welding, easy to learn and can be pretty tidy, no need for argon

[Bigron]

My son-in-law is a pretty good (amateur) welder, but there are two problems; firsly, he is a pretty busy teacher, living in Witham and travelling to the school in Dagenham, so his time is limited and secodly, he is building a pergola at his house in Turkey - so that's where his welding gear is!
Now, if you can't find anyone else to help and you aren't in a hurry, I will ask him if he is up for it?

Ron.

[JDX]

Do you have a preference?

mig or tig

I like stick welding, easy to learn and can be pretty tidy, no need for argon

I will have to get back to you on that one  I did say I was new to it ( ..or is that it to me! )

[JDX]

My son-in-law is a pretty good (amateur) welder, but there are two problems; firsly, he is a pretty busy teacher, living in Witham and travelling to the school in Dagenham, so his time is limited and secodly, he is building a pergola at his house in Turkey - so that's where his welding gear is!
Now, if you can't find anyone else to help and you aren't in a hurry, I will ask him if he is up for it?

Ron.

Much appreciated Ron, he is certainly close enough in Witham, not sure about Turkey though!
No, I'm not in such a hurry, probably best not to rush something like welding eh?
I will let you know if I manage to find someone in the meantime.

Cheers.... JD

[Strangechap]

I taught myself. Bought a MIG welder, a book about welding, some sheet metal and had a play.

Now I have a classic Yank car with fewer rust holes than when I started, and a new skill!

I'm not a master by any means, but can weld neatly and rather enjoy it.

Lots of help on youtube and forums too if you get stuck.

[TheBoy]

Clarke 135TE welder, lots of bits of old scrap metal, and just play. Then play. And play some more.  Cut through your welds to check penetration. And then play some more.

It will take an awful lot of practice to be anywhere good enough to consider doing the frame.


I am only confident doing fresh metal that's reasonably thick.  I'm still not confident enough to do, say, sills etc.

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

Welding a motorcycle frame is a job for an expert. A cracked weld some time in the future doesn't bear thinking about.
I have the welder mentioned above, and have sort of learned how to use it. Despite being only 2 miles from the op, I wouldn't touch the job with a barge pole.

[Olympia5776]

I have to agree with Albs .

I've been using a Mig for many years now and can only echo that a MC frame needs to be welded by someone who is very good .

[Webby the Bear]

And I have a Clarke 135TE going for sale if you want it 

[JDX]

Well, thanks to everyone for all the replies.
A lot to think about.....
I will do some more research.....

[omega2018]

do try and do a course if you can. i made my car ramps with a mig on my course and i trust my life to them.  they are greatly over spec'd for strength mind unlike a motorbike frame. 

now have a mig, tig, arc welder and plasma cutter, the last three being one machine. i only weld thick steel though wouldn't attempt a car panel

[Migv6 le Frog Fan]

What type of Suzuki have you got JD ?

[cam.in.head]

Hi. I agree to what everybody has said above,especialy the need to become realy confident in your abilities before welding items like motorcycle frames.best to do what probably most people on here have done.buy yourself a clarke mig welder and have a play. It does take time to master getting good flow and penetration with thick metal and also to master thin metal like bodywork or exhausts.a welding course would work but so would experimenting with stuff at home .watching a good few youtube videos wont go amiss either.

[b4ndit]

And I have a Clarke 135TE going for sale if you want it 

how much you looking for Webby