Course to Start Learning MIG for Car Bodywork?

[Bmouthboyo]

Hi Guys,

I am 28 from the Bournemouth area and currently own a T25 campervan in need of some welding / fabrication. Over the years I have learnt a great deal about mechanics and tackle most jobs on my own vehicles bar dropping engine or gearbox (mainly due to lack of space).

I would love to learn the black magic that is welding as I can see my hobby for fixing up old cars, campers etc lasting for many years.

I have no prior experience welding however am a fast learner.

I have asked at my place of work to have alittle initial play with a MIG welder and intend to go on an evening welding course at my local college.

My question is given that I only want to learn MIG welding for vehicals and my lack of experience which course should I enrol on?

http://www.thecollege.co.uk/course-search/results/welding

http://www.hotcourses.com/uk-courses/welding-courses-bournemouth-and-poole-college/16180339/0/6898/XE./Z,Y,Q,R,T,U,V,C/any/county/united+kingdom/all/list.htm

O have no idea why but the 2 sites prices seem to differ a lot with the actual college ones being more expensive?!?

anyway advice much appreciated, thanks.

 

[troppo]

I wouldnt know about the courses ( I`m on the wrong side of the world) but if you want to start repairing cars of any age one skill you need to pick up is metal-shaping. you either spend a fortune on bought replacement panels or make your own.Making your own can be simple or not so simple, search youtube as theres plenty of clips on there showing you the techniques you will need to make the tools and panels you`ll need. The most important thing you`ll need is practice, the more you do it the easier it will become.
Cheers
Troppo

 

[keith19]

Which MIG course are you looking at in the 2nd link?

The MIG Certificate course is the same price as the Basic Introduction course in the first link.

The Welding Skills Mig course is £320 because it is for people who have had a bit of experience, or been on a basic course:
"Participants should have a level 1 introductory welding skills or relevant experience is required."

 

[Bmouthboyo]

Which MIG course are you looking at in the 2nd link?

The MIG Certificate course is the same price as the Basic Introduction course in the first link.

The Welding Skills Mig course is £320 because it is for people who have had a bit of experience, or been on a basic course:
"Participants should have a level 1 introductory welding skills or relevant experience is required."

Well this course:
Introductory Welding Skills MIG

Seems to be the same as:

Welding Introductory Skills MIG

But the latter is £230 cheaper? Not really sure why.

Also I am not sure what I need as I only really need to learn Automotive specific skills so "be able to read basic engineering drawings related to the welding industry." seems a bit daunting.

 

[keith19]

Yes, both look to be for C&G 3268, as you say.

One place may be taking a much bigger profit than the other, or one place may be supplying all materials and cost of exams etc all in. It would be best to make further enquiries before committing to one or the other.

One course I went on in autobody repair, we had to bring in not only new metal of various thicknesses, but also old wings doors and panels from scrap cars to practice on! These had to be taken away with you after every session, so the college was not responsible for them.

But as a relative novice to welding, and considering that you will be restoring your own vehicle, a C&G course to start off with isn't really necessary.

One of the Introductory courses at £160 should be enough to teach you the basics and get you stated. If after having fun restoring your own vehicle you felt you wanted to go into welding as a job, you could then start on the C&G Introduction course, and work your way up the qualifications ladder over a period of time.

 

[Chickenjohn]

I wouldnt know about the courses ( I`m on the wrong side of the world) but if you want to start repairing cars of any age one skill you need to pick up is metal-shaping. you either spend a fortune on bought replacement panels or make your own.Making your own can be simple or not so simple, search youtube as theres plenty of clips on there showing you the techniques you will need to make the tools and panels you`ll need. The most important thing you`ll need is practice, the more you do it the easier it will become.
Cheers
Troppo

I'd go one further than this- don't go on a "Mig welding course", instead look for a "Vehicle restoration course". At one of these you will learn how to form your own repair panels , how to mig and gas weld and how to prep panels and paint them.

Ask around your local colleges and universities.

http://www.hotcourses.com/uk-course...B,Z,Y,U,C/town_city/SOUTHERN+ENGLAND/page.htm

I go to the course at Mid- Kent college and the facillites and instructors are brilliant!