Originally Posted by
performance
This is a good time to mention that there is a lot of "free" information out there on what the basic controls do...A video can show you how to turn the knob and some basic demonstration of technique, but no matter how good, someone will find fault for "lacking" the particular piece of information that they wanted to know...same as the manual.
What a lot of guys are expecting, I fear is a years worth of theory, condensed down into a 1,2,3 do this, do that scenario. Welding just isn't that way guys. It takes years of practice, skill, training and retraining to get good and stay good. Welding is a skill...Skills are learned by doing, skills are kept sharp by doing. No video can adequately teach skill. A lot of variables enter into "recommendations" that some mfgr's offer and in fact, are sometimes not even in the ballpark. For expample, I have talked to "welders in training" who were having trouble with running a bead. They come to me because they know I can weld. They ask me what they are doing wrong. I ask them their settings. They give me boiler plate,standard issue settings. I can tell many are welding too cold, and a few too hot for their talent and skills. They are usually rather frustrated when I explain that the "heat" isn't correct. They almost invariably reply: That's what the book says, or that's what the machine says, or that's where the instructor told me to weld. I'll go into a booth with them and "max" out the machine for the electrode and lay a perfect bead, then I'll go and lay a bead at the minimum range for the electrode and lay another perfect bead. But for a new guy who hasn't developed the skill to weld or doesn't understand what's going on in the machine he is welding with, its frustrating to have a "preset" notion of if I can't weld at that recommendation, then something is wrong with my welding, when all he needs to do is experiment with a more comfortable amperage that gets the job done. In the field, sure there are regulations specifying amperage range and preheat and post heat requirements...but not when one is learning. But the greatest handicap in welding can be the unquestioning reliance upon the " book" settings.
The "punch" button machines are no more difficult to understand or run than your typical microwave...the problem is that most people don't read the owners manual to find out what to punch to keep the popcorn from burning...same is true with our welders. The manuals are designed to give a "heads up" discussion and not a welding primer. Typical welding books are in excess of 500 pages, that just begin to scratch the surface. While yes, a video will give some more clarity, it won't answer every question or every situation or problem encountered. It will likely cover basic technique and functions of the machines in a visual/ audio form. So, this is where YOU come in...You must practice, practice, practice, if you aren't familiar with the units or its capabilities...In so doing, experimentation is necessary.
If you don't like to experiment, or read, I doubt a welding video will be much of a help either. Welding is not an exact science....though some would disagree, it is a descendant of the great ART of blacksmithing,a trade that now has many "videos" about how-to.. But because one watches a video about it doesn't qualify one as a blacksmith, nor does one gain intimate knowlege of the art. The only way is to begin to experiment, and find out what works for you.
Most of our welders are quite advanced in features. I expect that we will have a dumbed" down AC/DC machine in the near future, but even then, proficiency will not be infused by a welding video...
jericho777 
