Are you starting a sign business, or considering starting one? If so, this new book will introduce you to many of the important facets involved in running a sign shop. Getting Started in the Sign Business ...
I have been working for a sign company for about ten years. I have never had to do electrical or welding. I am currently trying to better myself and would like to learn these to be a better installer and make more money. I have two babies on the way! Do I need to go to school or is there short learning programs out there? I am currently trying to go to get my cdl license. I have only used a bucket truck. Please any suggestions would be great.
Well there's no better way to lear welding than practice. If your employer wants you to be more usefull than they will probably be more than willing to let you play and practice with one of their welders. Just find some scraps and ask one of your in house welders some tips and start practicing. Your boss will find this very interesting if you do it after hrs and on your own time. Keep practicing and you will get better
Thanks for the responses. The problem I have is that I learned the sign trade working for my dad. He bought the shop in 97' as a small sign making vinyl shop. We started geting into basic installs and I learned from trial and error either from me or other employees. As I got my licence I was set to go on installs alone and had no problems installing post and panels, wall signs, gemini letters, sign faces(polycard, acrylic, lexan), hanging banners. I loved it, but grew curious on how to produce pylon signs, channel lettering, to fabricating a billboard etc.
THE PROBLEM WAS, my dad always stressed that he wanted to keep the shop small, installs small, and number of helpers down. WELL after I got burnt out wearing all the hats for him, by designing, producing, installing, screen printing so he wouldnt have to hire more people, I left to better myself and step up.
...WELL as I left the only place that was hiring was a large format banner shop, now it was great working there learning new, better and cooler products. It got to the point where I missed my installs and THAT THEY DID NOT do.
So as of now I been searching for a career in fabricating and installing larger signs. With no one hiring and saying I have no experience, I don't know whats the best way for me to learn welding and electric, nor do I know what I will be needing to dealing with to practice. I don't know anyone with a welder and don't know anyone who does electric.
So if anyone whos been in my shoes or is willing to inform me on what type of class I need to take, what I need to learn, what books to read from, what right tools to use, and any helpful tips....that would be great!!
THANKS ALOT!! and sorry about making this comment a story!! I want to better myself and stay in the sign industry. Roland
In my opinion you need to get a job as installer for a real sign company. If you show the initiative you say you have, you will move up fast, as good installers are harder to find than tits on a boar hog.
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Look into a community collage or tech school with an adult ED program. Look for a basic electrical wiring book at the library or on line, that will give you a feel for the electrical end. As for the wellding you will have to jump right in and do it. Ask some one who welds at your shop to try and show you a few tips and tricks and go to town with the practice. That is the only way you will get the feel for the welder, good luck.