M07 Perform Oxyacetylene Welding
M07 Perform Oxyacetylene Welding
M07 Perform Oxyacetylene Welding
Level II
Based on March, 2022, Curriculum Version I,
1) VT-Visual Inspection
2) LT - Liquid Penetrant Testing
3) MT -Magnetic Particle Testing
4) RT -Radiographic Testing
5) UT -Ultrasonic Testing
6) Eddy Current Testing – ET (not used in field inspection)
7) acoustic Emission Testing – AET (not used in field inspection)
8) Phased Array Ultrasonic – PA
Time Of Flight Diffraction – TOFD
TABLE OF CONTENTS
This unit covers competence carrying out oxyacetylene welding. It focuses on fillet, plate and
tube welding processes in repair and assembly of panels. It involves welding equipment and
consumables selection, perform weld joints and correct faults.
This module covers the units:
welding equipment and consumables
welding materials and equipment
weld joints
Correct faults
quality weld record handling
Learning Objective of the Module
Select welding equipment and consumables
Prepare and assemble welding materials and equipment
Perform weld joints
Correct faults
Assure quality weld record handling
Module Instruction
For effective use this modules trainees are expected to follow the following module instruction:
1. Read the information written in each unit
2. Accomplish the Self-checks at the end of each unit
3. Perform Operation Sheets which were provided at the end of units
4. Do the “LAP test” giver at the end of each unit and
5. Read the identified reference book for Examples and exercise
A bench shear, also known as a lever shear, is a bench mounted shear with a compound
mechanism to increase the mechanical advantage. It is usually used for cutting rough shapes out
of medium-sized pieces of sheet metal, but cannot do delicate work.
Flux and filler metals together are known as welding consumables. Stick electrode, flux-cored
wires, solid wires, SAW wires and fluxes are some of the welding consumables employed
during the welding process.
The material added to help form the join is called filler or consumable. The form of these
materials may see them referred to as parent plate or pipe, filler wire, consumable
electrode (for arc welding), etc.
Figure.2.1.Oxyacetylene
Fluxes
The purpose of the flux is to retard oxidation of the surfaces of the parts being welded, by
generating gaseous shield around the weld zone. The flux also helps to dissolve and remove
oxides and other substances from the work piece and so contributes to the formation of a
stronger joint. The slag developed protects the molten metal puddles of metal against oxidation
as it cools.
Characteristics of good flux
The melting point of a flux must be lower than that of either the metal or the oxides formed, so
that it will be liquid. The ideal flux has exactly the right fluidity when the welding temperature
has been reached. The flux will protect the molten metal from atmospheric oxidation. Such a
flux will remain close to the weld area instead of flowing all over the base metal for some
distance from the weld.
Composition of Fluxes
Fluxes differ in their composition according to the metals with which they are to be used. In cast
iron welding, a slag forms on the surface of the puddle. The flux serves to break this up. Equal
parts of a carbonate of soda and bicarbonate of soda make a good compound for this purpose.
Nonferrous metals usually require a flux. Copper also requires a filler rod containing enough
phosphorous to produce a metal free from oxides. Borax which has been melted and powdered
is often used as a flux with copper alloys. A good flux is required with aluminum, because there
is a tendency for the heavy slag formed to mix with the melted aluminum and weaken the weld.
For sheet aluminum welding, it is customary to dissolve the flux in water and apply it to the rod.
After welding aluminum, all traces of the flux should be removed.
Figure 2.3.Regulators
A compression spring and an adjusting screw can also be seen in the figure; both these are on
the opposite side of the needle valve – vented to the atmosphere. These compensate for the
pressure of the gas against the flexible diaphragm.
The oxygen entering the regulator through the high pressure inlet passes through the glass wool.
The function of the glass wool is to filter out the dust and dirt. As pressure is applied on the
adjusting screw, it bears down on the diaphragm and presses it against the compression spring.
This raises the seat from the nozzle and opens the passage through the nozzle, and permits
outflow of gas to the low pressure chamber.
The oxygen passes through the regulator outlet and enters the hose. The hose transports the gas
from the regulator till the oxyacetylene welding torch, where it mixes with acetylene in the
mixing chamber.
The pressure in the low pressure chamber is lower than the cylinder. This pressure is indicated
in the low pressure gage mounted on the regulator. It is this pressure that forces the gases
through the orifices of the welding torch. This pressure can be regulated by adjusting the
adjusting screw.
The regulators which are used at the head of an oxygen or acetylene manifold have only gage –
that is, the low pressure gage. The gage on the oxygen regulator is graduated from 0 to 200 psi
(1379 kPa), while that on the acetylene regulator is graduated from 0 to 15 psi (103 kPa).
First, the pressure is reduced from the high cylinder pressure to the intermediate pressure. This
is on the cylinder side of the regulator. Next, the pressure is reduced from the intermediate
pressure to the working pressure. This is on the torch side of the regulator.
The stage pressure helps in maintaining a constant working pressure, and periodic adjustment
during the welding is not necessary.
Figure.2.6Acetylene Regulators
The acetylene regulators are generally of same design as the oxygen regulators. Only, they are
not designed to withstand the high pressures that the oxygen regulator is designed to do.
The high pressure gage available on the inlet side of the regulator is graduated from 0 to 500 psi
(3447.5 kPa). This gage indicates the pressure available inside the acetylene cylinder.
The gage on the outlet side of the regulator, also called the low pressure gage, is graduated from
0 to 30 psi (207 kPa). This gage shows the pressure of the gas in the hose leading to the welding
torch. The maximum safe working pressure for acetylene is 15 psi (103.4 kPa).
Hoses
Rubber Twin Welding Hose is a premium welding hose, Green hose for Oxygen Red hose for
Acetylene, Heat resistant EPDM tube and cover 2 spiral polyester yarn reinforcement, more
flexible than braid reinforced hose, easier to coil and handle, Coiled coupled assemblies are
available in 25 and 50 foot lengths. It can be used with most current fuel gases, including
acetylene, propane, and MAPP gas.
Figure.2.7.Hoses
Tips
The welding nozzle or tip is that portion of the torch which is located at the end of the torch
and contains the opening through which the oxygen and acetylene gas mixture passes prior to
ignition and combustion.
Depending upon the design of the welding torch, the interchangeable nozzles may consist of:
a) Either, a set of tips which screw onto the head of the blowpipe, or
b) As a set of gooseneck extensions fitting directly onto the mixer portion of the blowpipe.
A welding nozzle enables the welder to guide the flame and direct it with the maximum ease
and efficiency. The following factors are important in the selection of appropriate welding
nozzle:
a) The position of the weld
b) The type of joint
c) Job thickness and the size of welding flame required for the job
Figure.2.8.Hoses
Figure.2.10.Plat
Ferrous (Low and high carbon steel/alloy steel)
Ferrous metals are those which have iron as their base. They include iron and its alloys such as
steel, cast iron and alloy steels such as stainless steel etc.
Alloys
If two or more metals are chemically combined they form an alloy e.g. iron, chromium nickel
and carbon form an alloy called chromium nickel steel (stainless), manganese, iron and carbon
form an alloy called manganese steel, copper and zinc form an alloy called brass, copper and tin
form an alloy called bronze, lead and tin form an alloy called soft solder.
A metal clamp is used to attach the welding hose to a nipple. There are basically two types of
connections that can be used. The first is using a jubilee clip. The second option is using a
crimped connector. The second option is probably safer as it is harder for this type of
connection to come loose. The hoses should also be clipped together at intervals approximately
3 feet apart.
Figure.2.11. clamps
Joint preparation
Joint preparation is a more technical term used in the welding industry to describe how you
prepare metal for welding.
See, when you weld something you are usually welding two pieces of metal together to form a
joint. And unfortunately many welders do very little if any joint preparation. It's very
important because it's crucial to achieving a good weld.
If you don't do any joint preparation you will end up with 'tall' welds (meaning they are sticking
up more than they are getting closer to being flush with both pieces of metal), and on a more
serious note you may get poor fusion.
Side Bar: Ron Covell covers a really cool Plasma cutting technique for beveling edges on
thicker material in Tig Welding Basics.
Joint Basics!
As you know by now, any product you weld together must have welded joints, otherwise it's not
usable. So when you weld to pieces of metal together you are welding a joint.
The joints that you weld become what is called a 'weldment'. That's a technical term you don't
really need to dwell upon, but it's good know know.
Figure.2.12. joints
As we have discussed, how good your joint that you are welding is depends not only on how
well you weld it, but how well you prepare it.
Prepare metal well and it will reduce contraction and expansion from cooling and
heating. If you do not prepare metal well heat that radiates to the base metal as you weld will be
low (or lost) and your base metal will not fuse properly with your filler metal.
Conversely you do not want excessive heat either. There is a balance you are trying to
achieve and joint preparation is crucial to achieving it.
The First Step to Joint Preparation:
The first step to preparing metal for welding is to remove all the impurities otherwise your weld
will not be a good one. So remove rust, mill scale, and oxides. If you do not do this they will get
into your weld and ruin it or make it ugly and weak.
Metal edge preparation is crucial in allowing the filler metal and metal edge walls to fuse
without too much melting.
As we discussed in the article on the types of joints, there are 5 joints that you will be creating
for your projects:
1. Butt
2. Corner
3. Edge
4. Lap
5. Tee joint
Procedure
Step 1. Obtain all necessary equipment. This should be a welding machine, electrode and
workpiece clamps (and their leads), a welding helmet darker than shade 10, welding gloves, and
appropriate safety clothing.
Step 2.Prepare the metal to be welded. This includes grinding down rough edges and
cleaning the areas to be welded.
Step 4.Align your metal to make sure the edges line up well. They should be smooth and align
cleanly.
Step 5.Turn your pieces over. This should be the flat side if on or more pieces are
beveled, or the side you don't want to start welding.
Step 6.Separate the pieces a little bit and set the amperage on your machine about 10
percent higher than the level you intend to use welding the metal. So, if you are going
to use 100 amps to make your weld(s), set your amperage at 110 amps.
Step 9.Strike an arc and create your root pass. This is going to be the first and deepest pass
on your weld, and if the metal is thick enough, the only pass you'll need. If you beveled the steel
start at the bottom for your root pass. You need to ensure the root pass penetrates deeply
enough, and for this reason 6010 electrodes are frequently used for this purpose.
Step 10.Clean the weld with a hammer and wire brush and make subsequent passes
if needed. These passes should strengthen the weld and fill it in.
Make sure to clean each pass before you start a new one.
Precautions:
Be sure the welder is properly installed and grounded.
Never weld without adequate ventilation.
Take proper precautions to prevent fires.
Protect your entire body with fire retardant clothing, shoes, and gloves.
Wear eye protection at all times.
Weld only in a fire safe area.
Procedure
Step 1.The given workpieces are thoroughly cleaned, i.e. rust, scales are removed and the edges
are filed.
Step 2.The electrode is held in an electrode holder and ground clamp is clamped to the welding
plates and the power is supplied.
Step 3.The workpieces are positioned on the table to form a “Lab joint”.
Step 4.The tag weld is done on the both the ends of joining plates to avoid the movement
of workpieces during welding.
As the name implies, your joint will be your base metal overlapping one another:
Image A is an example of a one sided weld (fillet weld) of a single lap joint.
Image B shows you a weld on both sides which will make it much stronger.
Image C is what is called an offset lap joint. Your weld will be done in the natural seem made
by the offset. It is usually a stronger weld than a single lap joint, but it can be more a more
challenging joint preparation.
Precautions:
Be sure the welder is properly installed and grounded.
Never weld without adequate ventilation.
Take proper precautions to prevent fires.
Protect your entire body with fire retardant clothing, shoes, and gloves.
Wear eye protection at all times.
Weld only in a fire safe area.
Procedure
A Tee joint is another joint that looks the way it sounds. If you look at it from a cross sectional
view it looks like the letter 'T'.
As you can see in right hand side image above there is weld on either side of it. To prepare this
Tee Joint you will bevel the edges, tack weld it on both sides, and then lay a bead on either side.
But there are occasions where you will only weld one side as you can see in the left hand image.
Note that the beveled edges on either a single side or double side weld will be at an angle that is
about 50% of what you would do on a Butt joint.
Step 1 A regular Tee joint is seen in Image A above. This is a Tee joint that does not require
any prep. Of course, you will clean the base metal (both pieces).
Step 2 Image B shows a single joint bevel. This will be used on heavier sections and you will be
welding both sides.
Step 3 Image C is a joint that has been beveled on both sides, and both sides are welded as well.
This type of preparation is for thick plates.
Step 4 Image D is what is called a sing J joint. You will weld both sides of this material but
only bevel one side of the joint.
Step 5 Image E is to be used on even heavier or thicker material and it is called a double j joint.
It is very important that you get good penetration. You want penetration to the root of your
weld.
Never use oil or grease in any part or assembly of a gas welding plant as it may cause an
explosion.
All inflammable materials should be kept away from the welding area.
Always wear goggles with filter glasses during welding.
While leaving the work area, make sure the place is free from any form of fire
Do not roll gas cylinders for shifting. Always use a trolley to carry cylinders.
Do not drop the gas cylinders.
Close the cylinder valves when not in use or empty.
Keep the empty cylinders and full cylinders separately.
Always open the cylinder valves slowly and not more than one and a half turn.
Use always the correct size cylinder keys.
Stand aside when opening the cylinders.
Do not remove the cylinder keys from the cylinders during welding. It will help to close the
cylinders quickly in case of an emergency.
Always keep the cylinders in an upright position keeping in view safety and ease in
handling.
Always crack the cylinder valves to clean the valve socket before attaching the regulators.
Never fall or trip over gas cylinders.
A valve broken in the oxygen cylinder will cause it to become a rocket with tremendous
force.
Keep the gas cylinders away from exposure to high temperature.
Remember the pressure in the gas cylinders increases with the temperature
Mark the empty cylinders (MT/EMPTY) with chalk.
Put on the valve protection caps when the cylinders are not in use or they are being moved.
Close the cylinder valves both when they are full and empty.
Never remove the valve protection cap while lifting cylinders.
Avoid exposing the cylinders to furnace heat, open fire or sparks from the torch.
Smoking or naked lights should be strictly prohibited near gas cylinders.
Never strike an arc of direct gas flame on a gas cylinder.
Safety of rubber hose-pipes
Use only the type of hose recommended for use in gas welding.
Use only black colored hoses for oxygen and maroon colored ones for acetylene gas.
Avoid damage to the hose-pipes caused by rubbing against hard or sharp edges.
Ensure that the hoses do not cross the gangways.
Do not add bits of hose together to make up the length.
Blow out the hose-pipes before connecting to the blowpipe to remove dirt or dust.
Protect the regulators from water, dust, oil etc.
Never attempt to interchange oxygen and acetylene regulators while fitting as it can damage
the threads.
Always remember the oxygen connection is right-hand threaded and the acetylene
connections have left hand threads.
In the event of backfire shut both the blowpipe valves (oxygen first) quickly and dip the
blowpipe in water.
While igniting the flame, point the blowpipe nozzle in a safe direction and use the spark
lighter to ignite the flame to avoid fire hazards.
While extinguishing the flame, shut off the acetylene valve first and then the oxygen to
avoid backfire.
Check for leakage before using oxyacetylene welding equipment
Toxic and poisonous fumes given out during welding of some materials should be collected
and cleared so as to be prevented from inhaling. For this an exhaust ducting and a respirator
may be used.
Containers used for the storage of flammable materials should not be welded without
thorough cleaning as otherwise the containers may explode.
Flashback
Sometimes during backfire, the flame goes off and the burning acetylene gas travels backward
in the blowpipe, towards the regulator or cylinders. This is known as ‘flashback’.
Figure.3.6. Flashback
Indications of flashback:
A sharp squealing sound inside the blowpipe may be heard.
Heavy black smoke and sparks come out of the nozzle.
The blowpipe handle starts heating.
Immediate steps:
Close the blowpipe valves (oxygen first)
Immerse the blowpipe in water and close the cylinder valves. If the backfire or flashback
is not checked in time, it may cause serious accidents to men and machines.
It is Useful for stellateing (hard facing), ‘Linde’ welding of steel pipes, and flame cleaning.
The selection of the flame is based on the metal to be welded. The neutral flame is the most
commonly used flame. Metals and flame to be used are as given below:
Application:
This technique is used for the welding of steel above 5mm thickness and ‘LINDE’ welding
process of steel pipes.
Advantages:
Fig.3.17: Vertical welding, two operators for plates thicker than 5.0mm (3/16in)
As a further safety precaution, you’ll find the oxygen connector is right hand thread and the
acetylene connector is a left hand thread.
Caution
Check all connections before lighting the torch.
NEVER use a match or butane lighter to light the flame. Always use a flint and steel spark
lighter to light the oxygen acetylene flame.
BEFORE LIGHTING TORCH, be positive that hose, tanks, or any inflammable material
will not be exposed to heat, flame, or sparks.
Never stand directly in front of or behind a regulator when opening the cylinder valve.
Page 54 of 93 Ministry of Labor and Perform Oxyacetylene Welding Version -1
Skills September, 2022
Author/Copyright
Turn both cylinders off immediately when the torch flashes back or is burning on the inside:
first oxygen and then acetylene.
Never open both fuel (acetylene) and oxygen valves before lighting the preheat flame.
ALWAYS turn the oxygen cylinder valve all the way open.
Open the acetylene cylinder valve not more than one turn. One-half turn is preferred.
Adjust the flame
As you open the oxygen valve, you will see the color of the flame change. The pure acetylene
flame is yellow, and it will change to blue as you add the oxygen. Continue to open the oxygen
valve until you can observe a small, sharp blue cone in the center of the torch flame. This is the
“neutral” flame you need for general heating. The inner cone or vivid blue flare of the burning
mixture of gases issuing from the tip is called the working flare. The closer the end of the inner
cone is to the surface of the metal being heated or welded, the more effective is the heat transfer
from flame to metal. The flame can be made soft or harsh by varying the gas flow. Too low a
gas flow for a given tip size will result in a soft, ineffective flame sensitive to backfiring. Too
high a gas flow will result in a harsh, high velocity flame that is hard to handle and will blow
the molten metal from the puddle. The chemical action of the flame on a molten pool of metal
can be altered by changing the ratio of the volume of oxygen to acetylene issuing from the tip.
Most oxyacetylene welding is done with a neutral flame having approximately a 1:1 gas ratio.
An oxidizing action can be obtained by increasing the oxygen flow, and a reducing action will
result from increasing the acetylene flow. Both adjustments are valuable aids in welding.
Weld Appearances
To Extinguish the Flame and Stop Welding
1) When the welding or cutting operation is finished, close the torch acetylene valve first
and then turn off the torch oxygen valve.
2) Close the oxygen cylinder valve.
The table shows the Basic weld symbol for the different types of welds.
1.______are used on drawings to indicate the type and specifications of the weld.
A.Welding symbols
B. Joining
C.joining materials
D.all
2.The angle between the torch flame and the steel
A.Torch
B. Rod Angle
C.joining materials
D.a&b
Lack of fusion
If there is no melting of the edges of the base metal at the root face or on the side face or
between the weld runs, then it is called lack of fusion.
Porosity
Number of pinholes formed on the surface of the deposited metal.
Cracks
A discontinuity in the base metal or weld metal or both.
Unfilled crater
A depression formed at the end of the weld.
Burn through
A collapse of the molten pool due to excessive penetration, resulting in a hole in the weld run.
This also implies a flaw or imperfection may not compromise the weld, and a weld is said to
have a discontinuity when this occurs. So, a weld can have a discontinuity and not be
considered defective. These acceptable limits are specified in ISO 5817 and ISO 10042.
However, if enough discontinuities exist (i.e., they exceed a limit as defined in an applicable
code or specification), then the discontinuities become classified as defects, and the weld is
rejected.
A weld must be strong enough for the intended purpose at the most basic level, and many
defects can weaken a joint. But in some cases, your weld must be aesthetically pleasing, too. So,
most defects either weaken a weld or make it look ragged and unpresentable.
We all want to avoid having our welds fail or be rejected. So, you need to know the types of
defects that can occur and how to avoid them.
1. Cracks
We may as well start with one of the most obvious and serious defects in a weld – cracks. These
weaken a weld, and even worse, cracks tend to grow at a rapid rate making the problem worse.
So, it goes without saying you do not want any cracks in your welds. But it can be a challenge,
and there are three main types of cracks:
Longitudinal cracks run along, or are parallel, to the length of the weld.
Transverse cracks run across the width of a bead.
Crater cracks usually occur at the end of a weld when the arc is terminated. They are
often star-shaped and form when a dent or “crater” is formed at the end of a weld.
Cracks can further be categorized as hot or cold cracks.
Welds can be heated to over 10,000°C, and hot cracks occur as the weld cools and transitions
from the liquid to the solid phase. Hot cracks tend to occur when the wrong alloy filler material
is used.
Cold cracks occur after the weld has cooled. They can occur hours or days after the joint is
made. This defect usually occurs when welding steel and is often caused by deformities in the
base metal.
Impurities can become trapped inside a weld, and these are referred to as inclusions.
Contaminants trapped inside a weld dramatically weaken the joint.
Slag often forms when flux is used, such as brazing and stick, flux-cored, and submerged arc
welding. The slag must be allowed to float to the top of the puddle and not become trapped
inside the bead. That means the molten pool should not be allowed to cool too fast.
But it can occur with MIG welding as well. Bits of rust and even tungsten can be counted as
slag and can cause contamination in your welds. So, MIG and TIG welding is not immune to
inclusions.
How to prevent inclusions in your welds
Prep and clean the base metal well.
Avoid low amperage settings (prevent the weld pool from cooling too fast).
3. Lack of Fusion
It may seem obvious, but the filler material must be well bonded to the base metal on both sides
and to welds underneath during multiple passes.
If there are voids, gaps, or poor adhesion, the joint will be structurally impaired.
How to prevent a lack of fusion
Clean your base metal well and remove all impurities.
Use the correct size electrode.
Select the right electrode alloy for the metal being welded.
Don’t move the torch too fast.
Prevent the arc from getting too short.
Keep the amperage high enough for the job.
4. Porosity
5. Undercut
6. Poor Penetration
If too much heat is applied during the weld, you can actually blow a hole through the metal.
This defect is referred to as burn through, but sometimes it is also called melt through. Of
course, creating a hole defeats the purpose of a weld and destroys the joint.
This type of defect is usually encountered with thin stock, material less than 1/4 inch thick. But
it can occur with thicker stock if your welder settings are too high, if the gap between pieces is
large, and/or you are moving the torch too slow.
A. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This unit is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following content
coverage and topics:
Inspecting welding joints
Filling weld records
Maintaining weld records
This unit will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Inspect welding joints
Fill weld records
Maintain weld records
Certificate number,
Date issued, and
Qualified positions on the Log of Piling form.
Certificates are good for one year and must be renewed annually, except requalification that will
be only be required every two years for field welder who have successfully passed their
qualification tests without failure for three consecutive years. Welding and repairs shall be done
in accordance with Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS) but, only Shielded Metal Arc
Welding (SMAW) and/or Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) will be permitted for welding steel
piles. Filler metal shall be in accordance with the requirements of AWS Specifications. For
SMAW, low hydrogen electrodes shall be used. The welding electrode must be on the approved
The most important considerations in inspection are to point out the difference between a weld
defect and a weld discontinuity. However, some welding instructors, specification books or
codes may allow for a certain amount of discontinuities without calling the weld defective.
A defective weld in a manufacturing situation would have to be ground out and replaced or the
entire base metal structure would be rejected. When one or more discontinuities cause a weld to
fail a particular weld test, this type of discontinuity would then be termed as a defect.
It is quite easy to encounter many kinds of discontinuities and defects when first learning the
GMAW process. Discontinuities and defects can be caused by many factors, including:
Lack of Penetration;
Incomplete Fusion;
Porosity;
Undercutting;
Cracking;
Excessive Spatter
Precautions:
Step 1.
Visual inspection after welding is very useful in evaluating quality, even if other testing
methods are to be employed. As welding progresses, surface flaws such as cracks, porosity,
and unfilled craters can be detected only by Visual Inspections, leading to repairs or
rejection of the work.
As indicated before, a borescope and dental mirrors, are useful for inspection inside vessels,
pipe, or confined areas.
1) Dimensional accuracy of the weldment, using fillet weld gages or rulers, as shown
above;
2) Conformity to drawing and procedure requirements;
3) Acceptability of welds with regard to appearance and fabrication quality;
4) The presence of any unfilled craters, undercuts, cracks, overlaps;
5) Post heating temperature, when specified.
The first step in making a sound weld is to make sure the joint is correctly cleaned using a stiff
wire brush or a grinder for cleaning the base metals. The portion of the base metal to which the
ground clamp will be attached must also be cleaned. Poor contact with the ground clamp will
create resistance in the welding circuit and could result in poor weld quality.
Preheat prior to welding should be taken according to procedures. All unpainted surfaces have
to be free from all loose or thick scale, slag, rust, moisture, grease, or other foreign material.