|
Welding is basically joining materials, such as metal, either by melting the workpieces together or melting a filler material between the pieces to form a bond. This can be done with a variety of energy sources including a gas flame, an electric arc, a laser, an electron beam, friction, and ultrasound.
 Quite an ancient process, the history of joining metal goes back to the Bronze and the Iron Ages in Europe and the Middle East. One of the earliest known welded pieces is in Delhi, India, built around 310 A.D. This piece is called the Iron Pillar and stands 23 feet 8 inches tall, weighing in at approximately 5.4 metric tons. The pillar, with an idol of Garuda the eagle-god, at the top, was originally located at a place called Vishnupadagiri (meaning “Vishnu-footprint-hill”). Vishnupadagiri is located on the Tropic of Cancer, a centre of astronomical studies during the Gupta period. The Iron Pillar at it's original site, cast its early morning shadow in the direction of the foot of Anantasayain Vishnu at the time of the summer solstice (June 21st). The creation and development of the Udayagiri site appears to have been clearly guided by a highly developed astronomical knowledge. Therefore, the Udayagiri site, in general, and the Iron Pillar location in particular, provide firm evidence for the astronomical knowledge in India around 400 CE (re: wikipedia.com). The quality of the wrought iron used (98% pure) and the size of the pillar are a testament to the high Level of skill that the ancient Indian iron smiths had achieved.
Today, we can just plug in our welder and go. Our friends at Hobart Welders provide us with the following basics:
 How to choose a welding process:
1. Determine the maximum thickness of the metal that you are going to weld/cut.
2. Determine the types of metal that you are going to weld/cut.
MIG (GMAW)
-easy to learn
-better control on thinner metals
-cleaner welds possible with no slag
FLUX CORED (FCAW)
-easy to learn
-great for outdoor use
-deep weld penetration
STICK (SMAW)
-better suited for windy, outdoor conditions
-more forgiving when welding on dirty or rusty metal
-affordable
TIG (GTAW):
-provides highest quality and most precise welds
-highly aesthetic weld beads
-allows adjustment of heat input while welding by use of a remote control
 For more information on welding and welding products, go to: www.HobartWelders.com. They also have free and easy-to-follow welding tutorials, professional tips and printable setup charts.
Different from welding Plasma Cutters actually cut metal, not bond it together. Hobart also has an extensively line of Plasma cutters that cut materials from 1/8 inch -7/8 inch thick. Plasma cutting provides an easy-to-learn way to perform small and precise cuts in metal. These tools are used extensively by professionals and artisans alike. Plasma cutters can cut any electrically conductive metals within a small, heat-affected zone. This precise process helps to prevent warping or paint damage to the rest of your workpiece.
 AS WITH ANY POWER TOOLS, USE THE PROPER SAFETY GEAR:
When welding or cutting it is important to use a welding helmet to avoid poisonus fumes, burns and overexposure to ultraviolet light. To avoid burns and electric shock, you must also wear specially insulated welding gloves.
Newer news items:
Older news items:
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
