The use of welding to join metals goes back to the Bronze Age and Ancient Egypt. Using the process to make metal tools were instrumental in the progress of civilization. Today, welding is critical to many manufacturing processes and is used for a wide variety of purposes. If you are considering learning to weld, here are a few of the pros and cons you should know about this ancient technique.
Pros of Learning To Weld
Welding is both a useful skill and a satisfying hobby. If you want help deciding if it is the right step for you, then here are some pros that many consider why you should learn to weld.
- It can help individuals more fully perform other activities, such as auto repair or home improvement projects.
- Welding offers many techniques and processes to keep you interested and learning new things.
- There are always job opportunities for welders.
- For artistic individuals, working with metal can offer many opportunities to express oneself in a solid, substantial medium that lasts for many years.
- Materials for metalwork can be found inexpensively at metal recycling facilities and can be reworked in many creative ways for both practical and artistic projects. Additionally, recycled metal materials are a very popular medium for high-end sculptures, if that is the way you want to go.
Cons of Learning To Weld
Welding requires specialized equipment and skills, which may make it seem less accessible and possibly intimidating. If you aren’t sure if you want to weld, then it’s important to consider what many professionals consider makes welding less desirable to learn.
- Depending on the type of welding you want to do, you will need welding machines, tools, forges, helmets, goggles, gloves, aprons, sleeves, and miscellaneous items.
- Metal materials for your welding can be expensive.
- Some types of welding may require an upgrade to the electrical system in your garage or shop area.
- Safety is an important concern in the welding community. Welding can cause burns to the skin, damage to the corneas of the eyes, fire hazards, and electrical shock hazards. Formal training in welding can teach you to minimize these hazards.
Where Can You Receive Welding Training?
Although many types of manufacturing welding have been mechanized and digitized, you can still find a number of places to learn how to weld. Your local community college or technical institute may offer welding classes. Professional welding organizations may offer courses, either online or at a facility. You can also learn to weld on your own, but you should pay special attention to the safety measures involved in learning the techniques.
Welding is an ancient skill that has facilitated the use of a wide variety of metals for practical use, as well as for artistic use. It is relatively easy to learn but requires a certain amount of equipment and safety training. Those who know how to weld find that they can use this unique skill for a wide range of projects and activities.