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Whether training for a new job or learning enough for a home project, welding is a rewarding skill that requires an up-front investment in time and equipment but pays off in the long term. No one can learn everything there is to know about how to weld safely and effectively after reading one article or viewing a 5-minute video, but the articles and links in the Baker’s resource section will help beginners and journeymen pick up important tips and information that will help them develop as welders. The following overview introduces the basics of welding.
Safety First
Welding does not have to be dangerous. If welders take the proper precautions before beginning their projects. Sparks and electric charges present some of the most common hazards. These can be easily addressed by using basic welding safety gear which includes:
A wire brush and an angle grinder are used for cleaning the metal so that the weld joint is not contaminated. Welding metal that has not been properly cleaned can not only cause toxic fumes but will also weaken the finished joint. Clamps will hold the metal in place, while the grounding clamps will ensure all electrical charges are safely grounded. Besides offering protection from sparks, a welding helmet and gloves will also protect skin from the UV rays that may be produced while welding. Be sure to wear jeans, steel toe boots, and safety goggles.
Setting Up
When learning how to weld, begin by preparing the metals. The best metal for beginners is steel. Clean the metal with an angle grinder or brush so that it is not oxidized, painted, dirty, or rusty. When choosing metal for practice welds, pieces of 3/16 steel are perfect for stick welding. For oxy-acetylene welding, try a 1/8 piece of steel.
Whether MIG, TIG, or Stick welding, there are a number of steps that include assembling the torch, connecting the gas cylinder, and choosing the right welding settings. Consult a professional before setting up a welder, but these articles sorted by welding type will walk beginners through the basics of setting up a welder: TIG, MIG, and Stick (Learn More).
Key Welding Tips
Pay careful attention to the speed, angle of the torch, settings on the welder, and the angle of the metal being worked on. These are the main factors that will determine the strength and look of the weld.
Try to gauge the torch’s movements so that one inch of weld corresponds to one inch of electrode being burned. Keep an eye on the puddles that form. Make certain that the puddles form equally on both sides of the metal, as the weld can warp or shift if the weld is not applied evenly and gradually to both sides. Many inexperienced welders forget to secure both sides before removing the support and break the entire weld.
Welding is a skill that is acquired through practice. Many welders began to learn their trade by experimenting with a particular technique, grinding down the mistakes, and trying again. See Baker’s guide: Causes and Cures to Common Welding Troubles.
Related Articles and Links
Written exclusively for BakersGas.com by Ed Cyzewski | 
