SteveB wrote:
[about how cheap welding classes are relative to the material supplied
(rods, steel, beveled material, pipe, aluminum, stainless) and the
machines available]

Put yourself in Tim's shoes (he's the OP). He's having trouble
affording a sub-$100 stick machine. I don't think aluminum, stainless,
MIG, or TIG are in his foreseeable future. All that stuff is nice, but
it's really off-thread.

Tim will be _really_ happy being able to weld 1/16 - 1/4 mild steel,
horizontal. He has a friend to show him that.

I can buy scrap from a local fabricator for $.05 a pound. 6013 is,
what, $2/lb? For $25 Tim can buy 50lb of scrap and 5lb each of 3/32 and
1/8 6013 and be practicing. Add the price of a 6-pack for his buddy.

Maybe someday Tim will be another Ernie and classes would certainly be
involved. Right now Tim just wants to make things.

Just do it, Tim. BTW - I hope that I didn't put too many words in your
mouth. :-)

Bob