IMO, if you're putting together your Xmas list don't forget welding equipment for the

[CK_John]

for the 25-40 without a degree.

Get good stuff to protect the eyes.

[jberryhill]

1. Wielding what sort of equipment?

My melee weapon?

[Codeine]

2. I've a got +3 Car of Self-Driving

and an Enchanted Grimoire of Bad Predictions.

[ProudLib72]

3. A wielding cert doesn't require any English courses nt

[VermontKevin]

6. The Bene Gesserit will be happy to teach you The Wielding Way.

[ProudLib72]

7. Oh, if only they would!

Fear is the mind killer.

[ProudLib72]

4. Let's just see about that

Hobart Handler 140 $500. Good way to get into it, but won't handle over 1/4"
Miller 211 $1100. Probably the best way to go because you can use 120 or 240 volt. You can definitely weld some thicker material.
Welding cart... well, you can make your own or buy one for a couple hundred.
As far as gas cylinders, I would start with 120 cu ft, which would be around $300.
A good welding helmet would be another $300.
Welding gloves, jacket, hat will be $150.
You will definitely need a chop saw $150
Plasma cutter is a good idea if you want to be at all serious about it $500 (for which you would most likely want a separate gas cylinder because who wants to switch back and forth between the plasma and welder?)

This is a list of stuff you need to get serious with MIG welding. If you want to play around with TIG, ask somebody else because I'm too damned poor now to even consider getting one of those setups.

[CK_John]

9. Maybe offer to pay for a class at the local community or arrange a part time gig with an artist.

IMO, for those over 40 and no degree and many with a degree, welding will provide you with a way to put a meal on your table, if you have one.

[ProudLib72]

13. All I'm saying is that welding is not cheap

You're probably right about apprenticeships. Getting certifications is extra cost. However, you can work on pipelines with certifications. My buddy who runs a fabrication business told me, though, that welders coming off the pipelines couldn't make pretty welds. He wanted pretty welds (and so does every other fabricator). So it's a tough position. He finally found a young guy who was just naturally good a making perfect, pretty welds. Now that person he hired will probably stay there. His job is secure. But it's not easy or cheap becoming a proficient welder.

The welders who make a ton of money are the ones welding underwater. That requires massive amounts of expertise, and it is extremely risky. You can make upwards of $100K a year, though.

[L. Coyote]

5. Welding is a dangerous occupation, hazardous for the health. Try growing food organically instead.

Try wielding a hoe.

[snort]

8. As a Welder, he can make you a hoe,

which also makes him a Pimp.

[L. Coyote]

10. That would be a blacksmith. And it requires a lot of specialized tools.

[oneshooter]

12. Or you can start with the basics.

http://www.sustainlife.org/blogs/sustainlife/2011/11/tools-to-setup-your-home-blacksmith-shop/

[Saboburns]

11. Bravo

Well played!!