Learn Welding Skills: 5 Projects For Beginners

So you want to take on welding? No problem! Welding is an exciting and streamlined way to transform a DIY individual’s everyday headaches into invigorating welding projects. Every journey begins with a single step, and here you will find 5 projects that will each bring you one step closer to becoming a master welder!

As a beginner, you may be anxious regarding what welding project is most suitable for your current skill set. However, no one wants their first projects to be boring or impractical, or so advanced that it will force you to throw in the towel. That is why we’ve generated this list of the five best and most suitable welding project ideas for beginner welders. Take some time to familiarize yourself with these projects; they may be right up your alley.

1. Pencil Holder

Making a pencil holder is a small project that will surely test your ability to be articulate and concise regarding your welding skills. This project makes good use of scrap metals that may have been lying around your workshop. A welded pencil holder is a great way to keep your workshop clutter free while giving you something to brag about. In order to make a pencil holder a welder will need:

• Welder
• Files
• Hacksaw
• Vice
• 10.5 inches of square steel tube with inner dimensions of ⅜ inches by ⅜ inches. You may choose to utilize a steel tube with wider inner dimensions depending on what you plan on storing in the pencil holder.
• 12 gauge steel sheet
• Appropriate safety equipment
• Welding jacket
• Hood
• Eye protection
• Ear muffs
• Gloves

You may also spray paint the pencil holder for some added flare. If this project interests you, check out these step-by-step instructions that will prove to be all you need to know when it comes to making your very first pencil holder! 

2. Truck Bed Plywood Rack

This is a great project that will provide functionality for those who own trucks and find themselves hauling items and materials on a regular basis. This rack allows you to carry plywood without damaging it and create room underneath the rack for anything else you may need to haul. This design is also removable, allowing you to take full advantage of the entire truck bed when you need it. In order to make a plywood rack, you will require:

• A welder
• A hood
• A welding jacket
• Gloves
• Eye protection
• Ear muffs 
• SuperJaws
• A reciprocating saw
• A drill
• An angle grinder
• A wire wheel
• A right angle magnet
• MIG welding wire
• A gas bottle for MIG welding

If this project interests you, check out the video below on how to build your first truck bed plywood rack!  

3. Metal Shop Stool

The perfect shop stool is a critical element of any welder’s workspace. So, why not make your own and add a little flare to it? This is a relatively easy project to take on that does not include any elaborate pieces that need to be welded together. You will need the following tools and materials to get started:

• Chop saw
• Rubber grommets
• 1 ¼ inch x ⅛ inch angle iron
• Ruler
• Cutoff blade
• Welder
• Clamps
• Welding jacket
• Gloves
• Hood
• Eye protection
• Ear Muffs

If this sounds like the right kind of project for you, check out the video below for specific tips and instructions that will be sure to guide you through the process. 

4. Fire Pit

Who doesn’t want to gather the friends and family together around a bonfire. Better yet, who doesn’t want to show off the firepit that they made from scratch! Using chequer plate and heat resistant paint, you can create a beautiful fire pit for your patio, dock, backyard, or cottage that everyone can enjoy. In order to get started on this project, you will need:

• 1200mm x 1200mm 2.1mm chequer plate
• A tape measure
• Boilermakers Chalk and a straight-edge.
• A welder
• An angle grinder
• A hammer
• A drill for cutting drain holes.
• Any type of heat resistant paint
• Gloves
• Ear muffs
• Eye protection
• Welding jacket
• Hood

If this sounds like the right project for you, check out these tips and instructions that will help you create the fire pit of your dreams. 

5. Wine Bottle Holder

Be warned: grabbing your guests a bottle of wine from your custom-made wine bottle holder could result in you becoming the center of attention. So, if you like the spotlight, this is the project for you. This wine bottle holder is made using a chain and creates an awesome floating effect. Feel free to flare it up with some paint as well! But don’t be surprised if your guests ask for one of their own!

If this project sounds like the right fit for you, check out the following site for tips, instructions, and a list of the tools you will need to build your own wine bottle holder.