Steven Robert Farnsworth - Welding For Dummies

I’m not really crazy about guesswork, but I did make a few assumptions about you as I wrote this book. (They’re all nice, I promise.) If any of the following statements applies to you, this book is for you.

You’ve never welded but want to know more about metals and how to join them by using welding.

You’ve welded a little but really want to figure out how to improve and start taking advantage of all welding has to offer.

You’ve done a fair amount of one type of welding but want to expand your skill set so you can weld with a variety of different processes and techniques.

You understand a few basic tools (such as hammers and screwdrivers) and what they do.

You know how important taking necessary safety precautions is to keep yourself (and others) out of harm’s way.

This book is divided into six parts. Each part offers something different, but all of them are geared toward helping you figure out welding processes and put them to good use. Here’s a quick look at what you can find in each part.

This part provides the kind of welding information that crosses all types of welding. If you’re really just starting out in welding, this part is a good first stop for you because it gives you the lowdown on metals (especially the ones that are commonly used in welding), the tools and equipment you use for welding, and the kind of environment you need in order to weld successfully. It also includes the chapter that’s without a doubt the most important one in the book. That’s Chapter 3, and it’s all about welding safety.

If you read only one chapter in the book, let it be Chapter 3. Welding is a fantastic skill, but it’s not worth getting hurt over.

Part 2focuses on stick welding (the most commonly used welding process) and tig welding (also a great, useful technique). You can read all about the advantages and disadvantages of both stick and tig and understand how they work and what makes them unique. I explain the different equipment you need if you want to get into stick or tig welding, and I also give you plenty of information on how you can try out the techniques.

Mig welding is a fast, efficient welding process, and it’s great for new welders because it’s relatively easy to pick up and get started with. I devote Part 3to the basics of understanding and executing mig welding.

Arc welding isn’t the only way you can weld — welding includes lots of other processes, such as soldering, brazing, and gas welding, that are all useful in their own distinct ways. I cover those processes in Part 4.

I also cover a few cutting processes in this part, because cutting is an important task in any welding shop, and you’ll probably need to do some (or a lot) of it if you stick with welding for any extended period of time.

This part is probably the most fun because it gives you a chance to try out your welding skills and build some great, useful items. The chapters contain a welding project or two that are designed with the beginning welder in mind. You can read about how to build a portable welding table, a torch cart, a campfire grill, and more! This part also includes a chapter that helps you to figure out whether fixing something or buying (or building) it new makes more sense.

If you’ve read a For Dummies book before, you already know all about this part. The Part of Tens is always a favorite; it features lists full of useful information in an extremely easy-to-read format. You can read about the advantages to becoming a certified welder, the tools that every welder wants, and more. There’s also a glossary to help you with basic welding terminology.

Throughout the book, you’ll occasionally notice little pictures in the margins. These icons help flag specific information I want to highlight; check out the following list for details on what those icons indicate.

When you see this icon, expect to find a helpful bit of information that will help save you time and money and keep you from making mistakes when you’re welding.

If I really want you to slow down and commit something to memory, I use this icon. It’s important stuff, so take the time to read it!

The last thing I want is for you to get hurt, or for you to hurt others or damage property. With that in mind, please pay attention to these icons so you can keep from hurting someone (yourself included) or damaging your equipment or surroundings.

This icon denotes technical or historical information that’s more involved than what you need for your basic welding practice.

I know what you’re thinking: With all of this terrific, useful welding information, where do I begin?

I certainly don’t want to tell you what aspect of welding you should want to read about first — that’s for you to decide — but I do make one request. If you’re new to welding, or if you aren’t completely familiar with the practices of welding safety, please go directly to Chapter 3and read up on it. You really do need to know how to keep yourself safe as you start or continue your welding experience, and Chapter 3goes a long way toward keeping you out of harm’s way.

After you’re done reading Chapter 3, please feel free to jump around in the book however you see fit. There’s a whole world of welding out there, and Welding For Dummies is a great way for you to start exploring it.

Part 1

IN THIS PART …

Get familiar with metals — specifically, those you’re likely to work with as a beginning welder.

Find out how to set up your welding shop (which may be trickier than you think).

Learn about important safety precautions you must take before trying any sort of welding operation.

Chapter 1

IN THIS CHAPTER

Discovering the main uses for welding

Examining common welding metals

Paying special attention to welding safety