Welding is really easy to pick up. I took it in high school and i was laying down good beads in 2 days. I took a welding class at a trade school later on and it was alot harder because they teach you so much more. TIG welding is the hardest part to learn. When i took the class you didnt have to have it to be certified, but the Ironworkers hall wants us to have it. Learning to weld is really fairly easy. Welding is not hard it is the situations that welders have to work in sometimes.
I took welding in artschool, and I loved it. I imagine that the welding in trade school is a lot more technically, but it can still be fun . It kinda felt very powerful.
Do you mean you have to be certified to weld now? Or you just have to have it because of the ironworkers hall?
For the ironworkers hall you have to be certified. It is getting now that most companies want some kind of certification. There are still many companys that care if your certified or not.
I took welding in high school, didn't really weld that much though, spent most of the time smoking in the welding booths, we had a really good ventilation system
you'll need a face mask that is clear when the arc is off and then becomes darkened when the arc is struck (a sensor reacts to the arc). with this kind of face mask it allows you to see exactly where you are placing the welding piece (i've only done stick welding no tig or mig) you'll need a good filter mask over your nose and mouth to stop particulate matter clogging your lungs. the place you are welding should be well ventilated normally with a huge extraction fan. do it - learn welding, it's a trade that will allow you to earn your keep for many years to come. ideally you should see if you can work somewhere to practice this skill whilst learning
you probably have these problems to a degree with almost every trade. In know for Germany, they have Rules of how you are allowed to be exposed to these things for 8 hours a day, 6 days a weekfor your worklife, without being harmed, I think they have similar things in the US. You always have danger, no matter what you do. You always have to be careful, but if you are, and if you listen to the instructions, you won't get hurt.
you get metal particles in your lungs if you breath in the fumes. wear a mask and ventilate the area.
