Welding is the process of joining two metal components by melting them together, by using an electric current that’s transferred through an electrode. There are three common types of welding. Each type of welding uses different kinds of electrodes. Once a person is certified, they can attain a job almost anywhere that could use them. In opinion, welding is the career to grasp.
There are three common types of welding. SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding/ Arc Welding), GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding/ MIG), and GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding/ TIG). SMAW is the most common, using metal rods wrapped in flux. GMAW is considered to be the easiest to perform, using wire to weld. GTAW is among the most difficult of welds, using a Tungsten lead with a separate filler rod.
In welding trade, we use E6011 and E7018 rods for SMAW. E6011 is used for joining metal with excellent penetration, E7018 is used as a filler rod, for filling gaps between metal or vacant spots. GMAW is when you use a welding “gun”, as you pull the trigger, wire is fed out from the machine. GTAW is very complex and takes lots of precision and consistency. You would drag the Tungsten lead tip across where you want to lay welds, while manually inserting the filler rod into the current to melt the metal together. You feed the rod with one hand while making an almost inverted motion with your other hand.
Welding is definitely not an easy job. The practice is most certainly not for anyone. However, it is an excellent trade for those who can do it the correct way. Most welders make at least one hundred thousand dollars per year. Although, it can be plenty more than just that!
Skills are created frequently when learning to weld. You learn patience, precision, steadiness, manipulation of liquid-solids, how electricity works, what it feels like to catch on fire once or twice, and most importantly you learn determination. This determination is because nobody enjoys laying a pitiful bead, you will be determined to lay down an improved weld every single time. There are multiple types of welding, as well as multiple ways to lay a bead. Everyone should totally consider giving welding a try, it’s just a well-rounded trade, I love it.