Arc Welding Introduction

This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!

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This is the content required for an introduction to our welding transformer - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's <MANUAL>.

Safety

Dangers

• extreme heat
• very bright arc
  • light damages eyes
  • UV radiation burns exposed skin
• splattering molten metal
• exposed electricity (up to 60 V DC, 100+ A)
  • below zulässige Berührungsspannung
• toxic fumes (e.g. ozone, flux components, nitrous gases, heavy metal particles)
  • galvanized steel (verzinkter Stahl) releases zinc oxide when welded which can give you "metal fume fever" ^[1]
  • stainless steel releases hexavalent chromium (carcinogenic)
  • other coatings may also release all sorts of unknown compounds when vaporized

Precautions

• wear proper personal protection:
  • welding helmet
  • welding jacket
  • welding gloves
  • cotton pants - synthetics could melt!
• immediately stop if anything seems to be wrong with the welding helmet
• grind away any surface coatings (e.g. galvanization, paint) before welding, they could generate harmful fumes or at least obstruct your weld
• take care of good ventilation - our welding enclosure is open at the top but that alone might not be enough for long sessions or difficult materials!
• reduce the chances of electric accidents: ^[2]
  • make sure you are isolated (proper gloves, shoes and/or floor mat) from the workpiece, especially do not touch the electrode and the workpiece simultaneously
  • unplug the welding transformer when not in use
  • do not use two welding transformers on the same workpiece
  • remove the welding electrode before putting the holder down

Suggested Reading

Besides these safety notes, you should read our page about welding electrodes and <...>

Demonstration

The tutor will show you these steps in detail:

• set up your work in the welding enclosure
  • red curtain far away
  • close gaps, e.g. with spring clamps (long-term solution needed!)
  • bring a light with you, if necessary
• try striking an arc and depositing metal on a scrap piece (e.g. in the shape of your initials)
• joining two pieces(?)

Work in Progress

More stuff that might help with this introduction:

• http://weldguru.com/welding-electrode/ selection chart, viel Werbung
• https://www.werkzeug-news.de/Forum/ftopic8094.html Strom-Gefahr beim Schweißen?
• https://www.bghm.de/arbeitsschuetzer/fachinformationen/schweissen-und-verwandte-verfahren/
• https://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-us/support/welding-solutions/Pages/Five-potential-welding-safety-hazards.aspx
• waiting list