Questions on learning to fabricate

[Nazarethk5]

I am very interested in learning to fabricate basic things like bumpers etc but my dad never got into this stuff as a kid and cant teach much more than he already has. Can anyone recommend a book about fab that can get me started?
Thanks

 

[Pookster]

thats a tough one. HAve an imagination.

 

[Nazarethk5]

my problem isnt creativity its building the things I think of

 

[ryoken]

i would say it isn't so much a book, but the tools... good welder (and lots of practice), bender, plasma, chopsaw, decent compressor and assorted tools of destruction, etc...

 

[dhcomp]

Pickup a used lincoln stick welder, a grinder, some scrap, and a bunch of cutoff wheels.

Hit up a local community college for a basic welding class....and start burning some rod.

 

[shady]

i would say it isn't so much a book, but the tools... good welder (and lots of practice), bender, plasma, chopsaw, decent compressor and assorted tools of destruction, etc...

yeah , once you know how to use the tools and what they'll do. it'll be easy to make the things you think of.

 

[ktmoutfront]

Covell DVD's are worth the money. Also look into your comunity college. They should have a welding program. A lot of times, once you get into the class, let the instructor know what you want to do. They can usually hook you up with an apprenticeship.

 

[blazinzuk]

I learned alot from asking other guys if I could help them. Just learning and watching.

 

[79bonanza]

i think the best way is to just go out and try to build something and then improve it or just keep tryin to build what you need. all in all you just have to be creative with it

 

[jekquistk5]

acquire tools first. Welder, chop saw, good grinder(no hf stuff) then just practice. Or find a buddy that has this stuff and give him beer to use said stuff.

 

[blazinzuk]

I am of the firm belief that you can build just about anything you need with a welder a sawzall a grinder and a drill.

Sometimes it can suck using just those tools but you will learn many things.

first thing first though you will need a welder

 

[Nazarethk5]

Thanks for the help, I have a welder grinder torch and air compressor. I guess I'd need a tube bender and notcher then to build some bumpers.

 

[boz42]

Pickup a used lincoln stick welder, a grinder, some scrap, and a bunch of cutoff wheels.

Hit up a local community college for a basic welding class....and start burning some rod.

I learned alot from asking other guys if I could help them. Just learning and watching.

I second what these two are saying.

There really is no substitute for hands on learning when it comes to welding. You can read all the books you want, they are full of good info. But welding & fabricating are a lot like riding a bike. You have to learn the feel of it. There is only one way to do that.

If you want something to read while you are on the crapper I can recommend two books for you.

New Lessons in Arc Welding by Lincoln Electric
https://ssl.lincolnelectric.com/lincoln/apdirect/item.asp?prodnum=L
That is the cheapest I have found it.

Metal Fabricator's Handbook by Ron Fournier
Free Download, I haven't tried it so do at your own risk:
http://www.ebook3000.com/Race-and-Custom-Car-Metal-Fabricator-s-Handbook_85336.html

This is the newest revision on Amazon for $5-8.00
http://www.amazon.com/Metal-Fabricators-Handbook-Ron-Fournier/dp/0895868709

 

[Pookster]

Thanks for the help, I have a welder grinder torch and air compressor. I guess I'd need a tube bender and notcher then to build some bumpers.

stick welders are not ideal for most work, unless your only doing frames and bumpers. For most everything else, you need to get a decent mig. I got my Lincoln 130 (tap 230v) and that thing pours out the power like no tmorrow. Its an older machine (1995?), but it was in mint condition, came with bottle, gloves, bandanna, and a full face shield.

I got a miller synchrowave too, but it gets almost no use compared to the mig- its really the out of place welding that makes it annoying.

Plus, my skill sucks.

 

[Swampy79]

I am of the firm belief that you can build just about anything you need with a welder a sawzall a grinder and a drill.

Sometimes it can suck using just those tools but you will learn many things.

first thing first though you will need a welder

x2, and do not cheap on the welder, i would suggest a 230-240 right from the start

As long as you take some welding classes or spend weeks upon weeks perfecting your welding skills (making sure you're laying solid/sturdy beads, notice I didn't say pretty, i said solid) before you start creating things to go on your truck.

Just remember don't get discouraged, its going to take time, patience, and a drive to create. The beauty of metal is if you make it, and you think it looks like ****, you can usually cut it apart and start over.

I started out just like you are, 7 years later I'm not phased by much and have no problem diving into just about every project that comes my way.

Be aware, tools collections tend to multiply quickly when you start having this kind of fun though...

 

[NorCal_Chris]

http://www.thefabschool.com/

awesome program.

 

[magik235]

Thanks for the help, I have a welder grinder torch and air compressor. I guess I'd need a tube bender and notcher then to build some bumpers.

Post some drawings / pictures of what you want to build. I am sure the responses will walk you through the process.