Welding is not an easy job, and if you have opted for this profession, you are a brave person. As a beginner in the field of welding, then you might want to take it slow. The field has so much to offer and you can learn so much from it as time passes. While welding, you must make sure that you are doing it in a safe environment and with proper precautions. In this article, I have mentioned a few guidelines that every beginner welder should follow.
Get Familiar with the Fundamentals
Before you start training as a welder, it is important for you to get familiar with the fundamentals of welding. The process of welding is pretty simple; all you have to do is put two metal together and heat them until one of them melts and joins the other. Sometimes a third metal is added as well to balance the mass of the product metal. The third metal could be an electrode, a wire or a rod. It depends totally on what material you are welding and what process you are following. Remember, you need to weld it properly, which means there should not be any gap in between the metal and the mold must cover both metals completely. There are several different kinds of welding too, but according to Gregory, you must focus on the MIG welding and TIG welding.
Put On Proper Gear
Safety must always be your priority, and before you start a welding assignment, make sure that you have taken proper precautions. First, make sure you are not holding the equipment without your gloves. Also, wear cotton clothes and make sure that your arms are covered properly. During welding, UV light is released and it can cause burns on your skin; that is why you need to be properly covered. You also need a helmet that has a big and clear lid. When you are done welding never pick up the object right away. It can take time for it to cool down, so let it stay still for a few minutes.
Prepare the Conditions before You Start
Before you start to melt the metal, you need to prepare the conditions as well. Start with cleaning the metal, as the surface of the metal must always be cleaned before welding. You can use any metal cleaning product if you would like or you can rub it with sandpaper. After you have cleaned the surface of the metal cover it with primer. That will make sure that the metal lasts for a long period without submitting to rust or corroding. Also, make sure that the wire you are using does not have a ball at the end as it could ruin your welding, so always check before picking the wire.
Practice Good Technique
Welding is not just about picking two metals and merging them with equipment. I mean, if it were that easy wouldn’t everyone be doing it. One of the most important qualities of a good welder is that he follows the right technique. Do not just draw a simple line on the joint between metals. Try drawing circles on the joint as a loop will make a stronger connection. This ensures that there are no gaps left in the metal.
Pick the Right Wire
There are a number of wires available out there, and it is up to you to pick the right one. The type of wire you need mainly depends on your project. For example, if it is a small project where you need to join two thin metals, then you must go with thinner wire. But if you are combining two big metals, then you must weld them with a thicker wire.
Pay Attention to the Sound
While this may seem weird but how your weld sounds can also tell you the quality of your weld. A good weld will make a consistent sound that does not flicker much. If your weld sounds like it is popping popcorn or is hissing, then there must be something wrong. Such sounds are usually an indication that the weld is weak and will not last for a long time. Recognizing the sound will take time, but once you get familiar, you will be able to tell the difference easily.