Welding & metalwork
Fuse steel with an electric arc, building frames, gates and metal sculptures.
Welding & metalwork
- To start
- $500
- Each month
- $40
- Time
- 3 hours a week
- Sessions
- 2 hours or more
- Where
- At home
- Who with
- On your own
Is it for you?
- It makes things you'll actually use.
- It's hands-on from start to finish.
- You end up with something you made.
- It's yours alone, no one to coordinate with.
You’ll like it if
- You want to build something of your own
- You want to make useful things
- You want to get really good at something
Maybe not if
- You want to spend very little to start
- You want to enjoy it from day one
- You want something calm
Heads upLoudSharp blades or open flame
What it feels like
Welding & metalworkAverage maker & Engineering hobbyCalm
Company
Physical effort
Creative freedom
Brainwork
Hands-on
Outdoors
Quick wins
$500Costs more to start than 97% of hobbies
$40Less over a year than the kit
$980About $6 an hour at 3 hours a week
Before you buy
Borrow from a friend or buy second-hand first. Upgrade once you know you will keep going.
Your first session
Learn to lay a basic bead on scrap steel at a beginners' class.
2 hours or moreAt homeFairly easy to start
Questions
How much does welding & metalwork cost to start?
About $500 if you rent or borrow where people usually do, then about $40 a month once you are going.
How much time does welding & metalwork take?
About 3 hours a week to enjoy it and get better, in sessions of 2 hours or more.
Can I do welding & metalwork at home?
Yes. Needs a garage, workshop or garden.
Is welding & metalwork good for beginners?
It takes a bit more setting up than most hobbies. A good first session: Learn to lay a basic bead on scrap steel at a beginners' class.
Do I need other people for welding & metalwork?
No. It works fine on your own.