Learning to weld is something that just about anyone can do, but not everyone can do it well.
Is it hard to learn how to weld?
Welding can be hard to learn and comes with its challenges, but with proper training, practice, and patience it can be perfected.
It is important to realize that welding is something that takes skill. While some people may come by it more naturally than others, everyone who wants to weld has to start somewhere.
I have made a list below of a few things that make welding harder to learn.
Obstacles That Make Welding Harder to Learn
- Poor eyesight
- Poor depth perception
- Lack of motivation
- Lack of patience
- Inadequate or insufficient training
Some types of welding are easier to learn than others. Below is a table with some of the most common welding types and their difficulty level.
| Welding Type | Learning Difficulty Level |
| MIG Welding | Easy to Moderate |
| Stick Welding | Moderate to Advanced |
| TIG Welding | Advanced to Extremely Difficult |
It may be hard to learn how to weld, but if you follow my three tips, I am sure that you will be in a good position to learn!
Tip #1 – Get Training
The first important step in learning to weld is to attain the necessary training.
Going to a welding trade school is my best recommendation for anyone serious about a career as a welder.
Go to a Welding Trade School
My welding journey began when I enrolled in a welding trade school. My first time striking an arc was when I started my training at the welding school.
I was able to learn a variety of welding processes and techniques within just a few months.
There are many options to choose from when deciding where to learn to weld. Options range from dedicated welding trade schools to community college courses and training.
Should you go to a welding trade school?
If you are not interested in a welding career, then going to a welding trade school may not be the best idea. The time and cost involved are something that I would only recommend to someone serious about a career in the industry.
If you’re more interested in learning to weld for home use and taking on small projects, then it would be better to take the learning and training into your own hands. Some of the best ways to do this is to utilize publicly available resources online and learn from someone that you know.
Watch Welding How to Videos Online
Welding is a skill that needs hands-on practice, so it may seem odd that I would recommend watching how-to videos on welding. However, this is a great way to get an understanding of the concept, as well as pick up on tips and tricks that will improve your welding abilities.
Welding is a mixture of knowledge and skill. Watching videos will add to your knowledge bank, and will help you to more quickly understand the different types of welding.
There are many helpful videos online that improve your welding knowledge. Like this video:
Learn to Weld From Someone You Know
Chances are, you may already have a friend or acquaintance that knows how to weld.
Don’t be afraid to ask them if they would be willing to teach you what they know.
You might be surprised to find that they just might enjoy showing you what they know about welding. When you learn the basics of welding, then the next most important thing is to practice!
Tip #2 – Practice
One of the most important tips that I can give you is “Practice.”
Depending on your circumstances, you may have different options available to practice your newly attained welding skills.
Despite the rigorous training I received at the trade school, I didn’t feel like I had welding “nailed down” so to speak, until I had gotten a few months of practice and repetition down on the job.
Practice and patience go hand in hand. You may find that a grinder is your best friend when you are first learning how to weld. There are many different scenarios that you will need practice in.
Practice Welding at Home
If you have a welder in your garage or shop, then this is a great opportunity to practice!
Take some time regularly to challenge yourself in different areas that need improvement. Repeated practice will help you fine-tune your skills.
If you don’t own a welder, then don’t worry! I didn’t have a welder at home for many years. I learned at school and then was able to utilize opportunities at work to practice.
Practice Welding at Work
Work is one of the best places to practice your welding skills. If you’re on the job and welding, then you’re getting great practice while getting paid! That is a win-win.
If there are new things you would like to learn that you need practice with, then ask your employer if you can stay after hours and practice.
Some employers are glad to allow employees to practice after hours with their equipment. If your employer allows you to do this, then remember to be respectful of their equipment and workspaces. It doesn’t reflect well on you to leave your scraps and projects lying around in company work areas. Make sure to clean up after you’re done.
An added benefit to practicing at work is that you will become more familiar with the equipment that you will be using on the job.
Tip #3 – Be Patient
I’ve often said that patience is one of the most important traits for a teacher to have. People can be slow to learn new tricks and often make the same mistakes repeatedly. This can be very frustrating for a teacher who is an expert in their field. If the teacher is not patient with their student, then they won’t be able to get very far.
Patience is equally important for a student as it is for a teacher. Mistakes are going to happen, especially when you are learning and practicing your welding skills. If you don’t have patience, then your ability to fine-tune your skills will be much more difficult.
Conclusion
Learning to weld comes with many challenges that will be different for everyone. These challenges may seem a bit overwhelming at times, but if you get good training and practice, practice, practice, I am confident that you can learn how to weld.
To learn more about a career in welding, check out some more posts here.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post!
Please leave a comment if you have additional tips and tricks to share or if you found my writing helpful!