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Tips on Welding
by Kenzie Thompson
Welding has been around for centuries, though not in the forms
most commonly used today. One of the first welding processes
ever used was known as forge welding. Forge welding attempts to
join two metals through a process of heating, and then pounding
and striking. It’s what blacksmiths did. But since then, there
have been quite a few advancements in the welding world. With
these new methods and techniques, welding has left the confines
of industrial settings and can now be done practically anywhere
– even underwater or in outer space!
As you can guess from the history of welding, the ability to
join two or more pieces of metal together in a strong bond has
been fundamental in our advancements in all areas of life, from
housing to transportation; from manufacturing to repairs.
Understanding welding basics can come in handy at work, but it
will just as often come in handy around the house, in the
workshop or on the farm. Because of this, welding is a skill
that almost anyone can benefit from, male or female, young or
old.
Why Weld?
If you own any equipment or machinery that is metal, welding
will certainly serve as a useful skill. Some typical goals of a
welding job include:
• Fixing stress cracks
• Reinforcing weak joints, and
• Cutting/shaping new parts and adapters from raw plating.
For chores like these, many welders rely on a process known as
arc welding. Arc welding is a method where during the welding
process, an electrical current jumps through an air gap
(between a positively charged electrode and a negatively
charged steel plate) and produces an enormous amount of heat.
This heat is produced at the end of a welding rod, and when it
does, metal can be melted. Well, it’s a little more complicated
than that, but the concept is the same.
Perhaps the most common and economical welding method used
today is AC (alternating current) arc welding. You can locate a
simple AC welder just about anywhere, such as your local farm
store or home improvement center. This welding process is ideal
for most of your simple, routine welding jobs. Therefore, AC arc
welding is ideal for those of you just starting out.
Minimize Your Risk
While arc welding isn’t incredibly complicated, there are a few
risks and hazards that you should be aware of:
1. Exposure to radiation
2. Flying sparks (in the form of globs of molten metal)
3. Electric Shock
4. Fumes
5. Damage to your eyes, and
6. Burns
However, by wearing protective clothing and specialized welding
helmets and other gear, you can greatly reduce the inherent
risks of welding. Here are a few other tips to help keep you
safe while arc welding:
• Make sure to work on a dry floor. Wear thick rubber shoes and
dry leather welding gloves.
• Be sure to use insulated electrode holders.
• Check to make sure that your equipment is all properly
grounded.
• Keep your work area properly ventilated to avoid inhaling any
potentially toxic fumes.
• Be on the look out for flying bits of melted metal.
• Most importantly, be aware of any other people who are around
you. If they aren’t wearing the proper gear, then keep them away
from your project.
This will get you started welding safely – one of the most
important things when learning a new craft.
Kenzie Thompson practices both ornamental and industrial welding on his 5 acre ranch in Northern California.
For more information on Welding Basics, visit http://www.weldingadvisor.com
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