Is tig a lot harder to learn for someone who never welded anything before? I'm trying to get a sense as to how difficult it is for someone to learn who has never welded anything before. Don't need to become a pro, just good enough to weld together one of those pre-cut kits. My time is cheap., actually it's free.[/i
If you really want to learn it won't take long. I had zero metal experience of any kind when I started polishing at a local marine manufacturer. Put in my own time at lunch and a couple hours every Saturday for 6 mos and was proficient enough with a TIG torch that I was asked to weld for money. I know that harbourcraft uses MIG (spool guns)on all there hulls and TIG for railings and accessories. The Welders there make huge gnarly welds that they grind smooth. Good penetration is more important than looks. Try it you might like it. Wish I would have gone that route as a lad rather than carpentry.
One other point: once you master TIG welding and know what your looking for, MIG and Stick welding come pretty easy. At least they did for me.