The Joy of Melting Metal: 4 Tips for Beginning Welders
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Posted By: Anica Oaks on March 06, 2019 When people think of welding, they usually think people with blowtorches and face masks. While this is true (in a sense—the helmets are much more advanced now), there is a lot more that goes into it. If you’re looking to become a welder, here are a few tips to get you going. Invest in Proper PPEPPE stands for Personal Protection Equipment. To be sure, welding can be a very dangerous job and it’s important to stay protected. The minimum that you’ll need in a class or a standard shop is a welding helmet, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and a welding jacket or apron. You’ll need more for construction sites and pipelines, but these will work when you’re just starting out. Dust off Your Math SkillsSurprisingly enough, math plays a big part in welding. Whether it’s figuring out what amperage to run your machine or following the fitter’s blueprints, it’s a skill that you’ll need to develop. Don’t let that discourage you, though. With time and practice, you’ll get the hang of it. Gain Some MuscleIt’s probably pretty obvious that welding would require some muscle, but it’s often overlooked. For most welding jobs, you’ll need to be able to lift 100+ lbs. of metal on a regular basis, and the equipment itself can be rather heavy. You’ll most likely develop the muscle while you’re in training, but it helps to hit the gym when you can. On another note, a lot of welding is muscle memory. It takes time to learn the proper patterns, but after that most of it will be a natural motion. That said, it’s important to have steady hands. Don’t FlinchWhen you’re just starting out, welding can be really scary. And for good reason; you’re working with molten metal, fire, and high amperage electrical equipment. Despite all of this, it’s vital that you don’t approach it with trembling hands. While it’s important to stay safe and exercise proper precautions, flinching at every pop or wayward spark will only cause more problems. Not only will it make any work slow going, but bumping into the metal or the machinery can get you hurt. Stay calm, have faith in your safety equipment, and focus on the weld. Before you know it, you’ll be able to make those welds in your sleep. While welding can be a dangerous job, it’s just as rewarding. As long as you keep at it, you’ll develop the skills required to land a welding job or create personal projects. If you find yourself requiring welding repairs, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. Working with dysfunctional equipment is too dangerous to risk. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Anica Oaks
Freelance Writer, Freelance University of San Francisco class of 2012 Member Since November 2016 |
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