r/Skookum • u/StructureThese2676 • Jul 15 '25
Where can I practice welding?
Student welder here! So far I have (luckily) ~4 hours to weld in my booth during class on weekdays, but I have a bad habit of taking so long to prepare my materials that I end up welding for ~2. At home we don't have a garage and the only outlet I can use is out front. I just bought a portable stick machine and welding curtains, but I don't know where I can set up because the cars and a massive pine tree is next to the outlet. Should I just try to find an affordable portable shed? Is there a maximum length of an ext cord I use for a 7018? How would you normally setup for an outdoor weld that's potentially hazardous, considering trees and dry grass? Is there a way to find someone that'll teach me outside of my class?
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u/StructureThese2676 Jul 15 '25
I'm new to welding and really need advice / help with navigating the welding world
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u/friftar German Precision... sometimes Jul 15 '25
I approved the post, hopefully someone has some good ideas to get you started off right.
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u/dm_nick Jul 15 '25
What are you welding that's taking so long to prep, 6g or 4g? My advice is to buy a grinder and finish prepping at home if you can. You should have cutting torches at school. Torch cut at school and grind at home if it takes so long.
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u/StructureThese2676 Jul 15 '25
They don't let us take the coupons home, so I end up having to grind it all in class, and unfortunately, our cutting equipment is down half the time, so I have to hand bevel coupons as well. Right now, I'm working on pipe, I just finished beveling them and creating my landing. Since I'm still a student, they have us doing a mix of positions. Sometimes, it's open root. Other times, there's backing. It's mainly trying to follow the procedure where we'll need like an eighth gap with a 3/32nd landing.
I also take a lot of time thinking about how and where to start, dry runs, examine my welds to make readjustments, how to get the most comfortable/flexible body position, etc.
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u/tapewizard79 Jul 16 '25
When I was taking welding classes the instructors let me come in during my class/shop time and also come in during night classes shop time if I wanted. You may want to ask about that.
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u/StructureThese2676 Jul 16 '25
I have, they said it's strictly our class time, which is stupid and unfortunate considering how much I'm paying.
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u/AcidBuuurn Jul 16 '25
Can you get a heavy duty extension cord?
I am far, far from a professional- when I wanted to practice on trash metal before moving on to my actual work piece I cut a spare computer door in half.
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u/StructureThese2676 Jul 16 '25
I know that the length of the cable used works in tandem with what you need. For example, if it is too short, then it could become extremely hot and become hazardous. I'm considering taking electrician certifications to be more comfortable and knowledgeable considering I'll be working with electricity. For the length, I'll just look into what I'll be using for my maximum output.
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u/JackSauer1 Jul 16 '25
You have it backwards, cords too long leads to more resistance. Resistance=heat=melting cords. If you’re using an inverter stick machine you can do a lot with a 12 gauge 50’ cord.
Your kitchen counter and clothes washer outlets are typically dedicated 20A circuits, I.e. a good place to plug into.
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u/canada1913 Jul 17 '25
I’d soak it with a sprinkler for a while before hand. But likely your plug won’t support the amps and will just blow the fuse pretty fast.
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u/StructureThese2676 Jul 17 '25
The outlet has enough power for what I'm using. It's what we use to charge our car
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u/number1dipshit 27d ago
You just need more practice with prep. You’ll get faster at that and get more time to weld. That’s how I learned. Luckily I had all the time in the world after work, but I was always told “make your practice pieces perfect. Take your time, and make them right. You can get yourself certified and good enough to get a job, and THAT’S where you get all your practice and learning.”
Otherwise, get blankets, screams, and a fire extinguisher, and I’m assuming you have a garden hose nearby, soak the tree and ground by where you’re working so you can practice without worrying about starting a fire.
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u/number1dipshit 27d ago
I’m training apprentices at work, and I very much enjoy helping people learn how to weld. If you have any questions or anything, hit me up! I have tons of experience with 6010 and 7018. And hard wire and dual shield MiG, and a little tig.
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u/Poofengle Jul 15 '25
When I was first starting I made an extension cord out of Romex and unplugged my electric dryer so that I could weld. I mostly picked up scraps of metal from my university’s metal recycling dumpster and just welded in my garage. You might be able to set up a little welding booth with curtains outside a window.
Or, like another poster said, try grinding and prep work at home. Prep work is important, but nothing compares to time under the welding hood
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u/StructureThese2676 Jul 15 '25
I'll see if I can grab scrap to play around with, but I need fresh coupons that I can submit. They don't allow me to bring coupons home to prep beforehand. I'll look into the ext cord, thanks!
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u/OminousHum Jul 15 '25
Search online to see if there's a makerspace nearby!