Karen Ruth - Welding Basics: An Introduction to Practical & Ornamental Welding

An Introduction to Practical
& Ornamental Welding

Copyright 2004

Creative Publishing international, Inc.

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Welding Basics: An Introduction to Practical & Ornamental Welding

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Library of Congress
Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Welding basics : an introduction to practical & ornamental welding.
p. cm.
ISBN 1-58923-139-2 (sc.)
1. Welding. I. Creative Publishing International.
TS227.W355 2003
671.52--dc22
2003055399

A simple flame-cut silhouette is a charming addition to any garden.

photo/John Gregor

Welding is a practical skill that is also great fun. The number of welded items in our everyday lives is practically uncountablethe spot welds on the bodies of our automobile, the welded railing on our front steps, the superstructure of the buildings in which we work, and the bridges over which we drive. But welding also makes smaller, more delicate functional and decorative items possible, like patio chairs and trellises, wine racks and candleholders, bakers shelves and headboards. The photos on these pages reveal only a fraction of what welding artisans have created with heat and metal.

The strength and malleability of steel makes it perfectly suitable for forming whimsical structures like this candelabra.

Millet/Inside/Beateworks

Cutting and welding creates beautiful and useful household items, like this fireplace screen.

Photo courtesy of Sleeper Welding/Tom Sleeper

The costs involved in setting up a well-equipped home welding shop are comparable to setting up a well-equipped woodworking shop. A great advantage of welding is that the materials are generally inexpensive, yet you can create items that sell in shops for hundreds of dollars. Because fewer people are knowledgeable about welding, there is always a rewarding awe factor to showing off what you have created.

This book provides basic directions and step-by-step photos that illustrate the four major welding processes and the two major cutting processes. You also will find quick reference charts that describe electrode and filler wire choices, metals and their weldability, and joint and weld types. Suggestions for setting up a welding shop, detailed safety guidelines, and ideas for finishing your metal projects are also included.

Simple and graceful arches and trellises are easily made from mild steel. A few bends, decorative finials, and a handful of welds are all it took to make this simple garden archway.

Photo courtesy of Gardeners Supply Company

A variety of metals, shapes, and joining techniques were combined to create this beautiful artwork.

Photo courtesy of Gene Olson/Photo by Ytsma Photography

Best of all, this book includes detailed directions for 23 practical and decorative projects. You can make a welding and cutting table for your welding shop, a scrolled desktop lamp, a wrought iron railing, or a cute critter boot brush. You can practice your techniques and make accessories for your own home or as gifts. We also encourage you to use the project ideas to branch out and create your own versions of a bakers rack, coffee table, or kitchen accessory stand.