FAQ’s

 

Can I be notified as new classes are made available?

Yes, please choose at least one method to stay in touch:

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What do I need to bring to class?

-100% Cotton work clothes.

-Closed-toe shoes, leather is preferred.

-Snacks & drinking vessel for water. In the warmer months, it is essential that you arrive hydrated, and continue to hydrate throughout the class. we provide clean spring water, but no cups…

-We provide safety glasses, ear plugs, and all other safety gear.

Where can I purchase supplies?

For welding supplies in the Austin area, we highly recommend Alamo Welding Supply in downtown east Austin. They are a family owned business since the 60’s, and offer a discount to our students for welding and safety gear, and have the most knowledgable counter help on the planet.

I am interested in Private Instruction, is this available?

Private instruction classes are available to individuals, small groups, or special projects. MIG, TIG, stick, torch, fabrication, forging, and small projects may be covered. Please see Schedule a Class page before sending special requests.

Where is your shop located?

Our Shop is located 9 miles east of the Austin Airport, inside Travis County. Our address is provided with your paid class confirmation.

Do you allow visitors?

No, our shop is on private property and our time is reserved only for our classes.

What is the age minimum for taking a class?

There is no minimum age for a student. Minors must have a parent present and complete the liability waivers for themselves and their minor.

I want to purchase my own welding machine, do you have any advice or favorite brand?

We cover much of this information in our classes, with the added benefit of showing the insides of the machines, explaining their basic operating principles, and discussing which would suite your intentions best. Many factors influence the purchase of a welding machine such as; budget, type of process you wish to weld with , portability, and location (indoor or outdoor). We advise that you buy the best machine you can within your budget. Most importantly, you buy the machine that is best suited to your needs. We recommend if you are not familiar with welding that you begin with our class to familiarize yourself with welding so you know what you need. Beyond that, Alamo Welding Supply has all the equipment and machine specific knowledge you will need to make an informed decision.

Do you offer Welding Certifications?

 Students who would like to work toward a welding certification are to be advised that learning to weld and the ability to be a certified welder are two very different things. Welding certifications were established to demonstrate that a welder has mastered his/her specific welding process and are used for welds that may infringe on public safety(i.e. if the weld fails, someone dies). There are many jobs and applications of welding that do not require certification. Certification is as much about practice as instruction. We do not believe there is a short track to a welding certification. 

If you are wanting be certified in a welding process, we suggest you start with a class of the welding process in which you want to be certified. In this class you will get a good taste of welding and be able to discus the many paths to endless certifications depending on your specific needs. Please feel free to Contact Us to discuss these options as well.

As American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspectors we do offer welder training for certification, under any code, in and out of our facility. This training will require a strict regimen of self-practice, access to equipment, and an acceptance of instruction. For more information regarding our certification training, please contact us. If you would like to reference what a full Certified Welding Program looks like within a college semester format, please refer to Austin Community College’s Welding Department, they have a wonderful program.