[rees2001]

If you are serious about tig welding I would suggest teaming up with a local welding supply company and see if they can help with training and supplies. Our longest current sponsor is our local welding supply company. They have been an awesome partner. They provide us argon re-fills, tungsten, welding rod, and collets. See if there is a local company that also teaches classes. Every couple of years we team up with other local teams and teach a welding class there. It has worked out for the welding company, our sponsor purchased 2 welders from them and we have had other teams that have attended the trainings buy welding machines. We also do buy some things every couple of years. We purchased a second small tank for argon because you don't want to be welding on a Saturday night and have your tank run out. Welding helmets do need replacing after many years of use. We have had our Miller welder since 2004 and it still runs great.

It has been a nice relationship because I have helped send many qualified welders thier way to work in the shop and help teach thier welding classes. They like cheap young employees and the kids like the work.

As for the difficulty in tig welding... For some people practice makes perfect, classes help. For some (very few) it just comes naturally, I just discovered a sophomore on our team who is a natural. For many, you will never be a great welder, no big deal I'm sure you are good a something.