Beginner’s Welding Mistakes

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Welding is a versatile industry with a high demand for skilled welders. Certain basic welding techniques are very easy to learn and can be mastered without formal training, but formal welding training can raise the skill level and opportunities for a welder to fix welding mistakes. When learning to weld, a student at Tulsa Welding School can benefit greatly from the knowledge and experience of a qualified welding instructor.

A student in a controlled learning environment can study and perfect proper techniques from the beginning and avoid developing bad habits which may be formed as a result of trial and error style learning. In addition to the advanced knowledge which a welding school can pass on to students, welding schools pass on advanced quality assurance techniques throughout the learning process. For example, a welding instructor can routinely test a student’s welds, either through destructive or nondestructive means, in order to insure that the weld is as strong as the metal itself.

Beginner’s Mistake: Slag

A major beginner’s welding mistake is failing to remove slag from a weld. Shielded metal arc welders, or “stick” welders use a consumable metal electrode. As the metal in the electrode is consumed and becomes part of the weld, the shielding displaces oxygen to prevent weakening of the metal. Most of this inert shielding material floats on top of the molten metal pool, but some of it finds its way into the weld itself. If this problem is not corrected, it can cause a very brittle weld. Since the actual weld will also be covered with slag, it is very difficult to judge the consistency of the underlying weld.

Knowing the Metals

It does not take long to learn the basics of welding with soft steel. Most real-life welding projects, however, require the use of far less forgiving metals. Beginners often make metallurgy mistakes because they have little or no metallurgy training. For example, if two pieces of aluminum are welded together, an aluminum electrode must be used. Improper heating techniques can also result in a very brittle joint. Too little heat for a given metal will usually result in a poor weld which does not completely fuse together. Too much heat can weaken the base metals making the entire work piece weaker than intended.

Simply being able to make a successful weld does not make someone a skilled welder. Knowing the craft and having respect for the science of welding can make all the difference in preventing common beginner’s welding mistakes. Receiving proper vocational training from a certified institution can help prevent potentially dangerous welding mistakes.

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Contact Tulsa Welding School

To become a skilled welder and increase your chances of finding a great job, Tulsa Welding School can help. They have locations in Tulsa, OK, and Jacksonville, FL, but they welcome students from all over the country. If you live in Texas, Georgia, Alabama, or many other states, there is a Tulsa Welding School representative in your area available to inform you about all the benefits of attending our welding vocational training.

Resources:
http://www.welding.com/index.asp

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