Gas welding is a skilled craft used to cut and join metal, taught through specialized trade programs. There are three types of equipment, each using different gases, with TIG welding being the best option for aesthetics. The type of gas welder used depends on the thickness of materials.
A gas welder uses compressed gas and heated torches to cut metal, join metal pieces, polish glass, make jewelry, and more. Welding is an occupational skill usually taught through a college or trade school. This skilled craft is one of the oldest professional crafts and has been used around the world for centuries to join metals and create new products.
To become a gas welder, candidates must complete a specialized trade program. This type of program typically lasts two to three months and culminates in a welding license or certificate. The skills needed to become a welder include excellent hand and eye coordination, mechanical aptitude, and steady hands. Safety is an important part of any welder training program, as the risks of personal injury are quite high if proper precautions are not taken.
There are three types of equipment used by a gas welder, all of which use different gases. Metallic Inert Gas (MIG) welding is the easiest type of welding to learn. This process is very similar to using a glue gun. The unit itself is powered by electricity and uses an inert gas to control spatter and the location of the actual weld.
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding uses argon and a tungsten electrode to create the weld. The main advantage of this type of welding is the ability to create a spatter-free weld. This is especially important in situations where the parts need to fit almost perfectly. Keep in mind that TIG welding equipment is more expensive than other types of equipment, but is often the best choice in high visibility areas.
In oxy-acetylene welding (oxy-welding), a metal charge is melted with the oxygen-fed torch. This type of welding is typically used to fasten two pieces of metal together into one unit. The heat generated is very high, and once the weld has cooled, the two units are permanently bonded.
From a purely aesthetic point of view, TIG welding is the best option. There are no splatters to sand or file. Additionally, an artistic pattern can be created in the weld itself, adding to the overall aesthetics of the piece. It is important to remember that this type of weld is not intended for structural joints, where the main concern is strength and not appearance.
The type of gas welder to use is based on the thickness of the materials. Oxygen welding is used for thicker materials, while MIG welding can be used for materials between 0.020 and 0.0259 inch (0.5 mm to 6.3 mm). TIG welding is best used for thinner materials, generally less than 0.005 inch (0.125 mm) thick.
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