Get the know-how to weld like a pro. Being a skilled welder is a hot commodity in today's job market, as well as a handy talent for industrious do-it-yourselfers, repairpersons and hobbyists. "Welding For Dummies" gives you all the information you need to develop the skills to perform this common, yet complex, task. This friendly, practical guide takes you from evaluating the material to be welded all the way through the welding process, and everything in between. Plus, you'll get easy-to-follow guidance on how to apply finishing techniques and advice on how to adhere to safety procedures. This title explains each type of welding, including stick, tig, mig, and flux core arc welding, as well as cutting metals (using oxyfuel and plasma cutting methods). It projects to build and repair in order to practice and use the different welding techniques. It outlines required training for welding certification. Whether you have no prior experience in welding or are looking for a thorough reference to supplement traditional welding instruction, the easy-to-understand information in "Welding For Dummies" is the ultimate resource for mastering this intricate skill.

Table of Contents

Introduction. Part I: Understanding Welding Basics. Chapter 1: Diving Into the World of Welding. Chapter 2: Considering Commonly Welded Metals. Chapter 3: Setting Your Sights on Welding Safety. Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Welding Shop. Part II: Welding on a Budget: Stick and Tig Welding. Chapter 5: Getting on the Stick: Understanding Stick Welding. Chapter 6: Getting to Work with Stick Welding. Chapter 7: To Tig or Not To Tig: Understanding Tig Welding. Chapter 8: Trying Out Tig Welding. Part III: Discovering Mig Welding. Chapter 9: Understanding the ABCs of Mig Welding. Chapter 10: Practicing Mig Welding. Part IV: Getting Fancy: Plasma Cutting, Oxyfuel Cutting, and Other Processes. Chapter 11: Examining Plasma and Oxyfuel Cutting. Chapter 12: Ready, Set, Cut! Trying Out Plasma Arc Cutting and Oxyfuel Cutting. Chapter 13: Exploring Special Weld Processes. Chapter 14: Exploring Pipe Welding. Chapter 15: Working with Cast Iron. Part V: Putting Welding into Action with Projects and Repairs. Chapter 16: Two Welding Projects to Boost Your Welding Shop. Chapter 17: Constructing a Campfire Grill. Chapter 18: Fixin' to Fix Things: Analyzing and Planning. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 19: Ten Tools Every Welder Wants. Chapter 20: (Not Quite) Ten Advantages of Being a Certified Welder. Chapter 21: (Almost) Ten Welding Defects. Chapter 22: Ten Signs You're Welding Correctly. Chapter 23: Ten Maintenance Tips for Your Welding Equipment and Shop. Glossary. Index.

About the Author

Steven Robert Farnsworth is a welding teacher with more than 20 years of experience in teaching all methods of welding. He served in the U.S. Navy, working to keep the fleet afloat with his welding repairs.