Mr.G's Workshop

Question: What does a person learn in your "Welding 101" class?

Mr.G: Welding 101 gives a person with minimal experience, a chance learn how to weld with a teacher watching and guiding.  You will start from scratch with a stick welder, then moving over to a MIG welder.  This is the class I which I had back when I was learning to weld over 13 years ago.

Question: Where did you, Mr.G, learn to weld?

Mr.G: I started by begging a local railing shop to teach me.  They agreed to give me 15 minutes in the morning.  So the next day I showed up at 5:30am and waited for the shop to open.  The guys showed up, and let me in.  I got some guidance and after 15 minutes, then they kicked me out.  I took that lesson and drove straight to Home Depot to rent a welder.  $60 got me a stick welder for 24 hours.  I welded a project for my Mom.  A steel pedestal for her sculpture.  Our family still has the pedestal to this day.  With the success of that project, next I bought myself my first welding machine...  A $100 Clarke stick welder.  

Question: After buying that first welder, did you seek any other training?

Mr.G: At first, I taught myself.  When I got the job as a shop teacher in 2005, I ordered a MIG welder for the shop and spent countless hours practicing.  After about 7 years of MIG welding I stepped up to a TIG welder by taking a local Adult Education class.  I did 144 hours at the Bergen County Technical schools.  Again, I put those lessons straight to work at the High School shop by ordering a TIG welder with a grant.  As you can see in the photo above I am TIG welding an automotive a-arm with critical measurements.  The best part for me is that the arm was designed by my students.  :)  I love collaborating with students!

Question: How much time does it take to learn to weld?

Mr.G: Depending on your learning curve between 3-6 hours to get on your feet.  I recommend doing the class in 4 hour sets.

Question:  How much does the class cost?

Mr.G: $225 per person for a 4 hour class including all tools, equipment and metal supplies.

Question: Can I bring more people?

Mr.G: Yes. This will be a group class with space and equipment for all.

Question: Do you have private 1 one 1 classes?

Mr.G: Yes by appointment.

Question: Is your class a certified welding program?

Mr.G: No, my “Welding 101” class is not certified.  I offer Welding 101 class to give a person a chance to learn welding with a Shop Teacher.  It is meant as a beginner class.  After the class, I encourage you to buy your own welder and/or sign up for a Adult Education class.  As I mentioned above, Bergen County Technical school has a great program and once you get the basics down, you will gain mentors to advance your skills.

Question: What type of welding equipment do you have?

Mr.G: I have a spot welder, a stick welder and a MIG welder.  All of the machines are affordable examples for beginners.

Question: Where is the class located?

Mr.G: Currently I teach in Hackensack, NJ. 15 minutes north of the GWB. I am also mobile. For a travel fee, I can bring the class to you if you have a space to work.