The Ultimate Guide to Welding, Part 1: What Welders Do

Welding is a highly versatile and important process used in many industries, with many jobs available across the country. To find welder jobs that best fit your skill set and career goals beyond the weekly assignment, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of welding. Let's start with what welding is and how to stay safe on the job. 

What is Welding? 

Welding is the process of joining metals by heating and/or applying pressure to create a strong bond. The technique used depends on many factors, including the type of metal being welded and the size of the job. The four most common welding techniques are: 

Stick Welding / Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Stick welding is the most common, least expensive welding process. Welders use this technique it ion steel structures for construction projects. 

TIG Welding / Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): 

TIG welding is the most difficult yet versatile type of welding process to learn. TIG welding is used mostly for critical weld joints and small precision welding for projects that need a high-quality weld. 

Metal Insert Gas (MIG) Welding / Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): 

MIG welding requires a welding gun that feeds the weld metal and delivers a shielding gas to protect the welder from harmful elements. It is commonly used in high-production indoor manufacturing and in shops and factories in the automotive repair industry. 

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): 

FCAW is the fastest welding process because it uses a hollow tube wire with flux inside that provides shielding from the air. This technique helps MIG welders work in windy conditions by increasing how much of weld that can be produced per hour.  

What Do Welders Do? 

Now that you know what welding is, let’s talk about what a welder does specifically. A welder’s job is to join metals together to create a strong bond by using hand-held or remotely controlled equipment that applies heat and/or pressure. Welders read blueprints, calculate the dimensions of welding projects, inspect materials and structures to be welded, and ignite torches. Welders must also monitor their work to prevent overheating and maintain machinery and equipment. 

Skilled Vs. Unskilled Welders 

Unskilled welders have little to no knowledge of metal properties, gas types, wire types, and settings. However, they can find work on assembly lines, performing repetitive welding tasks. Skilled welders, those with significant knowledge, certification, or experience, are hired to perform advanced welding techniques on metal components. 

How Welders Stay Safe on the Job 

Some of the most common workplace threats to welders are burns and hazardous fumes. Toxic gas in the atmosphere is a hazard that must be carefully monitored when welding in confined spaces. 

To help keep welders safe, they must follow safety guidelines from the United States Department of Labor that help control, minimize, or avoid welding hazards. Those safety guidelines include wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to hazards and shield from injuries. PPE can include