20 Easy Welding DIY Projects for Beginners
March 23, 2023Are you a beginner in the world of welding but eager to start creating your own metal masterpieces? Look no further! Easy welding projects for beginners are a great way to start your welding journey.
From simple garden decorations to practical household items, these projects will help you improve your welding skills while producing satisfying results.
Welding can initially seem daunting, but it can become a fun and rewarding hobby with the right guidance and practice. So grab your welding equipment and get ready to create something amazing!
A rustic star from brother who just started the welding program.
Photo by @bowersmethurst
Best Beginner Welding Projects You Can Make With Your Welding Equipment
The first question we often come across when discussing welding projects is where to start from. You will need a few essential tools and equipment to start making simple welding projects.
Firstly, a welding machine or welder, which can be either a MIG welder, TIG welder, or Stick welder. We recommend YesWelder MIG 205DS-B as a versatile and beginner-friendly welder that requires basic welding skills, offers all welding processes in one welder (MIG/Flux core, Stick, and TIG), and yields excellent rewards.
YesWelder MIG-205DS-B Multi-Process MIG Aluminum Welder
Next, you will need protective or safety gear such as welding gloves, a welding helmet with a clear view of the welding area, and a leather apron to protect clothing. Other welding tools and equipment needed for simple welding projects include a welding table or workbench, a variety of metal pieces, an angle grinder to clean the metal, potentially a plasma cutter if you are doing any precise cutting, and clamps to hold the pieces in place while welding.
Auto Darkening, True View Welding Helmet | M800HP
With essential tools and equipment, you can start making simple welding projects and gradually progress to more complex ones as your skills improve. With enough time put into it, you can even earn some decent money.
CUT-55DS 55Amp Non-Touch Pilot Arc Plasma Cutter | Dual Voltage 110V/220V
1. Welding a Simple Metal Box
Welding a simple metal box can be a great project for a beginner welder, as it requires only basic welding skills. This is an excellent welding project idea to start with since it is simple enough, yet it can help you store your scrap metal or tools.
To weld the metal shop box, simply cut five pieces of sheet metal or plate with a metal saw to the desired dimensions for the box. Use a metal grinder to smooth out any rough edges on steel sheets. Position the pieces together to form the box, and use clamps to hold them in place.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhf3eUtNBik
Use a MIG or TIG welder to tack the corners of the box together, and once the corners are tacked, weld along the seams of the box. Make sure to fill in any gaps or holes in the weld. Add any additional features to the box, such as handles or hinges, and clean up any excess metal or debris.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhf3eUtNBik
2. A Simple DIY Welding Table
Welding tables are essential tools for any welder, and building a DIY welding table can be a great project for a beginner welder. To weld a simple welding table, first, you'll need to gather the necessary materials, including angle iron, steel plate, square tubing, and a metal saw or angle grinder.
Cut the angle iron to the desired length and width for the table frame using a metal saw or angle grinder. Make sure to measure carefully to ensure a square and level frame. Use MIG or TIG welding to weld the angle iron together at the corners to create the frame for the table. Make sure the corners are square and level.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59iwQssvffM
There are several options when considering table tops. You can use a whole steel plate, but it is better to leave spaces in between for easy access to a clamp. Tack the steel plate to the frame at several points. Then, weld around the perimeter of the table to secure the plate to the frame. Remember to weld square tubing to the bottom of the frame to add stability and support to the table. Finally, clean up any rough edges or excess metal with a metal grinder or file, and paint or coat the table with a rust-resistant finish if desired.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59iwQssvffM
3. MIG Gun Holder
A MIG gun holder is a helpful accessory for any welder, and it is suitable if you don't want to damage your MIG welding tools if you leave them lying around your workshop. To create this simple welding project, you will need a metal plate, a piece of round tubing, a metal saw or angle grinder, and a MIG welder.
Cut the metal plate to the desired size for the base of the holder and use the MIG welder to weld the round tubing to the metal plate at a 90-degree angle, creating a holder for the MIG gun. Next, cut and weld additional pieces of metal to the back of the holder to add support and stability.
Pictures for reference. Photo by @nickmoulis, @teamfabgarage
4. Homemade Barbecue Pit
Everyone loves a good BBQ, and with some time and patience, you can weld your own BBQ pit as a great welding project. You can find various ideas on the internet with steel drums or other designs, and here is a simple one you can do with very little skill and basic welding technique.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJhz0JfJ2KY&t=47s
To do it, you will need steel plates, an angle iron, square tubing, a metal saw or angle grinder, and a MIG or arc welding machine. Cut the steel plates, angle iron, and square tubing to the desired dimensions for the BBQ pit using a metal saw or angle grinder. Make sure to measure carefully and cut the pieces precisely.
Use the MIG or Stick welder to weld the angle iron together to create the frame for the BBQ pit. Make sure the corners are square and level. Add supports to the bottom of the frame to add stability and support to the BBQ pit. Weld the steel plates together to create the cooking surface for the barbecue pit.
Cut and weld additional pieces of metal to create features such as a lid, vents, and handles. Paint or coat the BBQ pit with a heat-resistant finish if desired.
5. Horseshoe Dutch Oven Holder
A horseshoe Dutch oven holder can be a unique and rustic addition to any outdoor cooking setup, and welding one can be a fun project for a beginner welder. To do it, you only need three old horseshoes, steel rods, and a can of fire-resistant paint.
Cut the steel rod to the desired length for the legs of the holder, and weld the steel rod to the horseshoes to create the legs for the holder. Make sure the legs are straight and level. You can weld a piece of steel rod or flat bar to create a crossbar for the holder. Additional pieces of metal can create support for the Dutch oven. These supports should be welded to the crossbar and should be angled to hold the oven securely. You can paint it with fire-resistant paint, or leave it for a more rustic look.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrtumAw1SCg
6. Cool and Compact Fire Pit
Welding an outdoor fire pit is a great way to improve welding skills and create a functional and stylish addition to any outdoor space. There are many ways to build an outdoor fire pit, but it will essentially require some experience cutting, grinding, beveling, joining tubes, and working with large metal sheets.
Cut the steel rods to the desired length for the legs of the outdoor fireplace. Cut the side panels from a half sheet and the base, and weld them together. Weld the steel rods to the bottom of the base to create the legs for the fire pit. You can weld two or three pieces of steel rod or flat bar to create crossbars for the fire pit. These should be welded to the legs, ensuring they are level and spaced evenly.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/757730706031116740/
DIY Project: Smokeless Fire Pit Part 1 | YesWelder
DIY Project: Smokeless Fire Pit Part 2 | YesWelder
7. Spoon Flower
Creating decorative spoon flowers can be fun, unique, and one of the best welding projects for a beginner welder. You can make it easy by using MIG or TIG welding techniques and the spoons you don't need around your kitchen. You can use the hammer to flatten the spoons, or leave them as they are and weld them together. This simple welding project looks fantastic, and you don't need much time to make it. Here are some ideas on how awesome it could look.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtsLejSYWFo
8. Sheet Metal Flower
In addition to spoons, you can also use metal sheets to create flowers. You will need some cutting skills to make sheet metal into flower petals and leaves. Since we are talking about thin and fragile metal, you will need TIG welding tools to avoid burn-through or distortion when welding. Alternatively, you can use a drill to create a hole in the center of each petal and stack them, varying the size and shape of the petals to create a layered effect.
This is quite a simple welding project you can make at your home, but it will take some time, practice, and creativity to make it right.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4VT_mFUFG0
9. Yard Cup Holders
If you love to spend time in the yard, you can always make yourself simple yard holders. This is a simple project, and you can use different welding techniques and materials, such as rods and horseshoes. The rod will serve as a foundation, and you can cut it up to the desired length. For the cup holders, you can use horseshoes to keep your drinks in place or bend the rods into a loop, creating a cup holder shape. The loop should be large enough to hold a yard cup or other drink container.
You will need a base, and it is enough to use a circular piece of metal. Weld the holder and base to the foundation of your holder, and you are all done.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/537898749228592487/
10. Simple Pencil Holder
An industrial pencil holder is a great way to organize your markers end pencils around your workshop. This is quite an easy project that you can make at home, and you will need scrap metal and steel tubing, and it can also serve as a perfect handmade gift.
Use a small leftover steel plate piece as a foundation, and make sure to clean it well. Next, cut the tubing and arrange the sections, such as descending/ascending order and weld it. Finally, clean the welds on steel components, and use spray paint to give it a good look.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clmTbOEqnf4
11. Metal House Numbers
If you live in a boring neighborhood, you can always make your home stand out from the crowd by creating and welding unique house numbers. This is a cool project for beginners that will require some cutting or bending skills. The best part about it is that you can use various welding techniques, materials, and colors. Use your creativity to give your house a unique appearance, and here are some examples you can follow.
Pictures for reference. Photo by @langleymetalworks
12. Floating Chain Wine Bottle Holder
You have probably seen this amazing wine bottle holder made of a chain on the internet, and there is no reason to buy it since you can easily make it with the old thick chain, an empty wine bottle, and a welder. Besides its functionality, you have to admit that this wine bottle holder looks pretty cool since it feels like the chain is floating in the air.
To do this project, you should first make a round base that supports your bottle. You can use a jar or paint can to serve as a guide as you tack the chain in several places. The same can help you make the stem. It would be best if you made it almost perpendicular to the base at an angle of approximately 85 degrees. Finally, make a circle to hold your bottle and tack it up. Use some finishing touch to clean and paint the holder to make it look classy.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Bb4KUMALo0
13. Garden Trellis
You can help your climbing plants grow by building a simple and easy metal trellis out of the steel pieces you have at your home. The best part about it is that you can make it any size or shape, leave it stand-free or attach it to a fence.
Fundamentally, you will need to make a basic frame and attach cross-sections and support bars. You can even connect the triangular roof section to make it look even better.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1R0Gd2pwkE
14. Hanging Sign
There is always a way to decorate your garden, and hanging signs can give your favorite place a unique name. Like with house numbers, you can use your creativity, cutting, and bending skills to make your unique sign and weld it in place. To give it a cool look, you can use some ornamental wrought iron and leftovers from your other projects and weldments.
Pictures for reference. Photo by @second_nature_designs
15. Fence, Door, and Gate Projects to Prove Your Welding Skills
Welding cast iron doors, screens or security doors, fences, or gates will require you somewhat higher welding skills, so it is not one of the most suitable projects for beginners. However, you can practice making these for your home, and maybe you can start earning money off it. Even though this is an excellent welding project idea to earn money, you can also do it for yourself and in your shop. You will need an arc welder, cast iron, or other preferred material to give it a more rugged appearance and some time and patience.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipxV_Rvy2UE
16. Simple Shop Stool
As a small fab shop owner, you will appreciate having a simple DIY welding table and shop stool that you can make yourself. After building a table, a simple shop stool can be a practical and useful project for a beginner welder. You will need steel tubes, a metal saw or angle grinder, a MIG or stick welder, and a hammer to make it.
First, cut the steel tubes to the desired length for the stool legs. Next, weld the stool legs together where they intersect. You should weld brackets to ensure the stool is sturdy and functional. You can use a steel tube for the footrest and weld it to the stool legs. You can make a seat out of a piece of sheet metal or make the frame and add the wood.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bRlK7jQrA4
17. Horseshoe Coat Rack
Horseshoes can be used in a wide variety of welding projects for beginners. Making a coat rack out of old horseshoes is a straightforward project, and you can use your creativity to make alterations. A coat rack will add a rustic, western feel to your home or barn.
The simplest way to make this project is to weld 4-5 horseshoes together, side by side. You can align them according to your preferences: perfectly straight for perfectionists or chaotic for those more into experimenting. Once you weld them, you can nail them to the board or barn door.
Pictures for reference. Photo by @prospectwelding
18. Jewelry Holder
Creating a jewelry holder is a straightforward task, and like with many different projects for beginners we described in this article, you can use your creativity to make it however you like. Essentially, you will need a steel plate for the base and some scrap metal rods. You can use small pieces of rods to look like branches and one thicker rod to imitate a trunk. Weld them together to create the tree, and then weld the tree to a steel plate base.
This is just one of the most straightforward ideas, and you can work with it to create various shapes or even use materials other than steel. For example, if you have a plasma cutter hooked up to a CNC table, you can even make some unique shapes for the rack and weld it to the base to provide stability.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/474074298249493432/
19. Rustic Planter Vase
If you are into steelwork and decorations, you can easily make a planter vase for your home. This project is similar to a metal shop box we already noticed, but since you will be watering your plant, you will have to use stainless steel instead of steel. Additionally, you might want to change the shape. You can use the square shape for smaller plants, but for larger plants, you might want to go for a rectangle to ensure there is enough space for roots.
Like with a box, you will have to mark and cut the pieces and simply weld them together. Again, we recommend TIG welding techniques for better aesthetics, and remember to drill the hole on the bottom part to drain the excess water.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.etsy.com/market/welded_planters
20. Stainless Steel Polygon Bowl
In addition to the planter vase, you can also make bowls and vases using stainless steel. You should use stainless steel sheets or plates to avoid corrosion. There are a couple of approaches when building bowls and vases. Advanced users usually cut polygon pieces, which require attention to detail, good planning, and measuring skills. Drawing and cutting take more time than actual welding, but it is also more critical. After you get the pieces, weld them with a TIG welder for increased aesthetics.
Another approach is to cut fewer and more simple pieces than polygons simply. Just bend them to get a good bowl shape, and weld them together. You can weld some decorations or treat the surfaces to get the shiny surface of stainless steel.
Pictures for reference. Source: https://www.instructables.com/TIG-Welded-Steel-Bowl/
Conclusion
Welding can be a fun and rewarding hobby for beginners, with a wide range of projects that can be completed using various techniques and materials.
From simple projects like yard cup holders and pencil holders to more complex tasks like BBQ pits and welding tables, there are many opportunities to improve your welding skills and create functional and decorative items for your home or workshop.
By following safety precautions and practicing and refining your welding techniques, you can develop the skills needed to tackle more advanced projects and achieve great results.