Don Geary - Welding

WELDING

About the Authors

Don Geary is the author of numerous how-to books on a variety of shop and construction skills. He has written articles that have appeared in Popular Science, Popular Mechanics, Family Handyman, and other publications.

Rex Miller is Professor Emeritus of Industrial Technology at State University of New YorkCollege at Buffalo, where he taught technical curriculums for more than 40 years. He has authored or coauthored more than 100 books for vocational and industrial arts programs, including Welding Licensing Exam Study Guide (McGraw-Hill) and Welding Pocket Reference (Wiley).

Don Geary
Rex Miller

Second Edition

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ISBN: 978-0-07-176388-2

MHID: 0-07-176388-0

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In this book you will learn the basics of the oxyacetylene process for joining and cutting metals. Oxyacetylene welding and cutting have been in use for over 100 years and this basic method is still in widespread use all over the world. We should mention, at this point, that we do not advise the do-it-yourselfer to teach himself or herself how to weld with any method other than oxyacetylene. We trust you will find these instructions helpful in learning how to weld. If any terms are unfamiliar to you, check the glossary. We have tried to make it as complete and helpful as possible.

We do caution you in the beginning and throughout the book that working with oxyacetylene welding or cutting equipment can be dangerous. As a welder, you must always approach any welding problem soberly. Use your best judgment at all times. Safe welding and cutting should always be your first concern. In this way, you will develop safe and sound welding habits that can result in a long and healthy welding experience. Safety is such a concern to us that we have devoted an entire chapter to pointing out how to handle welding equipment safely, as well as how to deal with mishaps such as fire around your welding shop. We suggest that you read this chapter before setting up your welding equipment or lighting your torch for the first time.

While it is entirely possible to become a proficient welder solely with the aid of this book and with many hours of practice, you should supplement the information contained in these pages with advice and instruction from a professional in the art of welding. Spend the time to seek out professional welders in your area. These people are a warehouse of information, both theoretical and practical.

If you can find the time it is recommended that you enroll in a vocational school welding class or an adult evening session usually offered at the local high school. Working with others and listening to those who have experience in welding will aid you in developing your skills associated with doing a good job of welding or cutting metals of all kinds.

You may want to visit the welding supply people to check their assortment of equipment and services. They may also be able to make recommendations as to which equipment is best for your purposes. Buying your own equipment and setting it up in a safe location is the best way to learn how to skillfully perform good welding and cutting safely.

By using this book as a reference and a textbook you will obtain a more thorough understanding of the fundamentals of gas welding so it can serve as a foundation for other types of welding.

If this book is used as a text for a formal course, an Instructors Manual is available. Please contact your McGraw-Hill sales rep for access information.

Don Geary
Rex Miller

No author works without being influenced and aided by others. Every book reflects this fact. A number of people cooperated in providing technical data and illustrations. For this we are grateful.

We would like to thank these organizations that so generously contributed information and illustrations. The following have been particularly helpful.

We would also like to thank James Brumbaugh, Paul DeGarmo, and others who have contributed so much to the welding trade through their works.

Those who have been very helpful and cooperative are listed below: