Welcome to ArtMetal Emme! Yes, there is much to learn within the metals discipline. That's what makes it so interesting. I've been working with metals for over 25 years and still have no idea what I'm doing ;-) What's great about metalsmithing is that you will always have a new technique or qizmo to pick up.

I'd love to see some of your work. As you can see here at ArtMetal, there are many levels of craftsmanship. We all share our knowledge where and when we can. Please do tell us about yourself and the direction you would like to go in the metals disciplines.

QuiQue - creating the creators dream

Hi there, Emme!
There are some resources for welding in the archives. But in this area, it is more real-time. You can post questions or suggest topics.

I teach artistic and industrial welding full time and I like describing complex topics in easy to understand ways.

For me, welding is another tool in your toolbox as an artist. I got seduced by welding (the heat! the fire! the power! the leather) when I started with it. And got a bit sidetracked with the industrial aspects (I'm also a Certified Welding Inspector). I use TIG welding for my bronze casting as well as stainless steel, titanium and tool steel stuff. MIG (wire feed welding) for fabrication of steel sculptures and building tables, stuff. Stick welding for cast iron repair, rough- direct work in steel, found object joining, welding thick stuff. And oxy for cutting and braze welding. Also plasma cutting for direct work.

Nope, I do not own all these things, I use equipment where I teach..and buy equipment every so often.

Welcome to the world of welding emme. We all have a long ways to go. I have been learning it for 40 years and I'm still learning. I learned it from my dad and he told me three things that have helped me quite a lot. 1. Nobody knows it all because there is just too much to know; 2. pay attention and watch others work, because even the dumbest welder you ever meet will know a trick you don't; and 3. don't be afraid to read books on the subject because you will learn far more than you ever will through trial and error.