[Andy A.]

I strongly urge you to ask around the community in order to find an experienced welder who would be willing to do critical welds for you and also share as much experience as he/she can. Most welders enjoy what they do, and I've never had any trouble getting them to donate some time or getting them to talk.

I've learned a bit about welding from written guides, a lot from watching and talking with an experienced welder and the most from just sneaking in an hour here and there in the welding shop messing around on scrap. The more time you spend looking at puddles, listing to the arc and getting a feel for heat the more natural welding becomes. There really is no replacement for making mistakes when it comes to learning a new skill.

So, ask around at a welding supply store for any welders that might be interested in helping out your team. You might offer to pay for con$umables, and he might offer to supply equipment. You might get those pretty TIG welds yet!

-Andy