Flat Welding Position Also known as the downhand position, the flat position is the easiest of all the welding positions. A flat position is the common type of weld. It is the first weld that beginners learn. In this position, you are not welding against gravity.
The overhead position is the most challenging welding position, as gravity can cause the weld metal and slag to fall out of the joint.
Generally, flat is an easier position to weld in since you're not fighting gravity. The weld puddle stays fluid and wets into the joint evenly. As a result, operators can typically run hotter with higher deposition rates. You can use any welding process to weld in the flat position.
MIG (metal inert gas) welding is an excellent choice for beginning welders. This easy-to-handle machine is usually spool-fed to create professional-looking joints on both thick and thin metals. MIG welding requires separate shielding gas but doesn't require chipping and cleaning slag as the stick welding process can.
MIG welding is the easiest to learn and can be used on thin and thick metals. It creates extremely clean welds on aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.
It can be a stressful job, too, given the level of danger to personal safety and the need to do high-quality work for projects that can range from working on a skyscraper to working on airplanes. It can be a rewarding job, though.
Anyone can teach themselves to weld at home. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people do exactly that. It is as easy as buying some second-hand welding equipment or leasing you need. Then, watching some beginner welding videos, following along and practising what is being taught.
MIG Welding (Beginner)
MIG welders are among the best type for beginners, as they're designed with a wire welding electrode on a spool that is fed at a pre-selected speed through a welding gun. As a semi-automatic or automatic process, gas metal arc welding (GMAW or MIG), is the easiest to learn.
Too cold and the bead is sitting on top of the work piece with little or no penetration. Too hot and it is probably burning through. As you move towards the middle, you may need to examine the weld bead closer. If the current is too low and wire speed too high, the resulting weld bead is taller with steeper edges.
Uphill vertical welding is the preferred choice when stick welding thicker steel. On pieces larger than 1/8", welding uphill provides better penetration, therefore, good weld strength and fusion. However, when welding thin metal, you should avoid vertical up welding.
There are two options for vertical welding: going against the pull of gravity by welding uphill, or working with gravity to move the electrode and the puddle downhill. Pipe welding downhill has the advantage of speed, and as a result, it tends to be less fatiguing and easier than welding uphill.
An edge joint is the weakest type of weld join, so isn't suitable for load-bearing jobs.
Becoming a welder takes a lot of talent, skill, and determination. However, it is unlikely to get a job as a welder without mastering the necessary techniques. A welder's profession necessitates a thorough understanding of architectural plans and other core competencies.
The minimum cross-section of the fillet is at the throat. Therefore the failure due to tensile stress occurs at the throat section. Thus the weakest area of the weld is the throat.
Both MIG and Stick welding systems can produce high-quality welds, but the type of metal makes a big difference in which machine works better. For thinner metals, MIG welding is the better choice for creating a clean, strong joint. On thicker metals — over ⅜ inch — the Stick has better performance.
Control: TIG welders need to have experience with timing and balancing materials in both hands. MIG is typically easier to control and is better for beginners. Costs: TIG is a more expensive method than MIG welding.
A welding program may last just a few weeks or take up to six months to complete. A school for welding will cover welding theory and welding basics to arm students with the skills they need to start work upon completion. They will learn how to use welding equipment safely, read blueprints and complete work orders.
A welder must be familiar with fractions, decimals, geometry, formulas and trigonometry. With these math skills, a welder can make strong welds regardless of the type of material used. However, knowing the melting point of a metal is only one useful math skill in the welder's arsenal.
Both acute and chronic health risks are associated with welding fume. Occupational lung disease, including lung cancer, is the most common health risk, but welding can also affect the eyes and skin.
The average age of welders in the United States is 55, with less than 20 percent under 35 years old. Starting a welding career at the age of 30 may actually let you enter a profession with people in your age group! There will be many in the same boat as you. It's never too late to start a welding career!
Manufacturing. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, manufacturing employs the majority of welders, with more than 400,000 jobs in this industry alone in 2021. That's more than 60% of the welding jobs.
Welding Pay Varies by Job
It's pipeline work, and the welding school graduates have to be willing to go where the work is. That's not unusual as specialized welding skills are going to garner higher wages than those that don't require certifications.