250 euro for a mig welding course - worth it or not?

[future_jack]

250 is a nice bit and could buy me a nice drill.

Is it really worthwhile - It's 10 weeks at one night a week I think and at least one or two may be about safety which I know is very important and everything but.....

Just wondering if I'll learn much really. I would be very interested in hearing from people that have done one and if they can let me know what they learned. What was the most important thing you took away from the course etc.?

The self learning isn't progressing all that well at the moment but I planned on going at it again in the next few weeks anyway. Going at it again would have required me to at least invest in a grinder which could turn out to be a waste of money if the welding thing doesn't work out.

Thanks very much!

 

[jrmig]

Obviously can't comment on what your course provider may or may not do but I've just completed my second 10 week course at our local college doing C&G levels 1 & 2 on mig. On the whole have enjoyed the experience. The first course (9 weeks of 3.5 hrs) cost £115 but the fees went up in Sept to £150 for 10 weeks which personally I thought a bit steep. But 250 euros sounds bl*@dy high (considering the exchange rate at the mo).

Were my courses worth it?

Yes I think they were, It disciplined me to practise regularly and get immediate feedback on my efforts. I learnt on a number of good pro machines (murex etc) and had access to loads of metal I had the chance to try welding different materials and used a spool gun for the first time. After completing the second course I also know that my welds don't just look good, but are structurally sound as that course involved destructive testing.

I would have liked more one to one instruction but I've learnt to be a pain to the instructor and get his attention as much as I need.

Why not go and see if they would let you have a look around the workshop - preferably on a course night so you can see what you will be buying into. Or alternatively is there anyone local to you who can give you some pointers on you welding.

Oh - but be careful it can be addictive - now I'm doing a Tig course

jrmig

 

[future_jack]

Obviously can't comment on what your course provider may or may not do but I've just completed my second 10 week course at our local college doing C&G levels 1 & 2 on mig. On the whole have enjoyed the experience. The first course (9 weeks of 3.5 hrs) cost £115 but the fees went up in Sept to £150 for 10 weeks which personally I thought a bit steep. But 250 euros sounds bl*@dy high (considering the exchange rate at the mo).

Were my courses worth it?

Yes I think they were, It disciplined me to practise regularly and get immediate feedback on my efforts. I learnt on a number of good pro machines (murex etc) and had access to loads of metal I had the chance to try welding different materials and used a spool gun for the first time. After completing the second course I also know that my welds don't just look good, but are structurally sound as that course involved destructive testing.

I would have liked more one to one instruction but I've learnt to be a pain to the instructor and get his attention as much as I need.

Why not go and see if they would let you have a look around the workshop - preferably on a course night so you can see what you will be buying into. Or alternatively is there anyone local to you who can give you some pointers on you welding.

Oh - but be careful it can be addictive - now I'm doing a Tig course

jrmig

Thanks for that. It's coming up shortly now and I would really like to do it I think.

 

[jrmig]

If you do go for it, I hope that it goes really well for you. Post back sometime soon and let everyone know how its going and if its met your expectations.

Oh - and have a great New Year!

jrmig

 

[irondarren]

250 euros seems even more expensive now. future jack i bet your to far away form the border? otherwise you could have taken good advantage of the exchange rate.

 

[future_jack]

250 euros seems even more expensive now. future jack i bet your to far away form the border? otherwise you could have taken good advantage of the exchange rate.

Too far away from the border I'm afraid.

 

[chunkolini]

Is it worth it?
about 8 years ago I did a 12 week gas/arc welding course aimed at novices. I was sent on my by wifetobe to get me out of her hair.

It ruined my life!!

I got a bit obsessive about it, started selling what I was making.

My boss queried my priorities as I was getting more involved in the sculpture stuff. Bang goes a twenty year career as a care worker as in the end I told him where to put his job.

Now I spend all my time with a bucket on my head talking to myself and self harming. Just like some of the guys I used to look after. And I have never been happier.

Was it worth it?

You bet!! 250 euro thingy's sounds a bit steep though.

What are you after? a trade qualification or something to do? Sounds as though you are where I was at the start, curious and interested.

There are lots of basic intro courses usually around the £150.00 mark, which would enable to you to make your mind up but research carefully before you shell out your wonga. I started a 'Mig/Tig' course last year, I can Mig weld competently but figured I would brush up on that and then stick to the Tig, they took my money and did not do any Tig welding. I eventually got my money back but I had to get stroppy with them.

Just done blame anybody here is you find yourself talking to yourself with a bucket on your head.

Good luck, Chunko'.

 

[JayRS4]

Funny you should say about that Chunko, i was about to ask having seen your post on the "just curious" thread, PM on it`s way to you soon.