AWS (American Welding Society)

[earla]

Is the American Welding Society worth the money for membership? What's your opinion? Is the included Welding Journal a good magazine worthwile? My goal is keeping up on the files and learning more.

[SeanMurphy265]

I would say it depends on your area. My Dad sold welding supplies so he went to the local AWS meetings, and let me tag along sometimes. The one in my area met once a month September - May at a local steak house, and they usually toured a local factory. The people who attended ranged from engineers, salesman, shop foreman, mom and pop machine shops, and the individual welder. They also gave out a scholarship or two each year to a local community college or to Lincoln's welding school. It could be a place to network. I would say it depends on whether or not you have a local AWS that meets regularly.

[Alaska]

Earla,
I joined up for the student package a few years ago while taking a GMAW course at the local university. It was a great deal, and I have stuck with it. I read the news letters that are emailed to me and the magazine as well when it comes in the mail. I figure you are going to read something anyway, might as well be related to your hobby or job. Also, I think it is important to keep up on current events in the field. So, there is my 2-cents... hope it was helpful.

*** If you PM I will forward you the most recent emailed AWS news letter so you can review it to better help you make your decision.

[AsianPoet]

Im a Aws Member. the membership has its benefits, especially if your planning to stay in the welding field.. they provide well as discount on events, like fabtech.

[Spike]

Is there a way to check if there is a local chapter near you and check them out before you sign up?

[SeanMurphy265]

http://www.aws.org/sections/seconline.html

http://www.aws.org/findasection/index.html

[Johnson]

Just got home from a AWS SMAW seminar....pretty good info, but nothing you can read about in a book. If you are looking for a GREAT book that is short to the point and has lots of color photos of welds, get "How to Weld" By Todd Bridigum. We use it in class and some nights I just read it before bed. Its an easy read and fun to learn stuff.