Gas welding is one of the most basic welding techniques. Even if you’re an amateur gas welder you should be able to learn the process and it will serve you well until the day you hang it up. As the most basic is it is also one of the easiest and quickest to start. This is the technique for the easy jobs, the day to day things. Here’s how you do it.
Make Sure you Have Everything You Need
Having all the right equipment is step one. Make sure you have the full list and have checked it twice. You will need cylinders, regulators, welding hoses, check valves, flashback arrestors, and a welding torch and that’s just to do the job. You will also need some extra safety equipment to make sure you’re doing it safely. Don’t skimp on anything, gas welding is serious business.
How does it Work?
A welding torch has a handle, an oxygen valve, a fuel valve and a mixing chamber. The oxygen and fuel gas move through the handle. When they reach the top they mix and the torch lights. The cylinder holds the gasses, the regulators control the amount of pressure and are connected to the torch using a welding hose. Check valves prevent the back flow of fuel and oxygen. If they aren’t working the fuel and oxygen mix early and the ignition occurs inside the welding hose. Not pleasant for anyone. This is called a flashback, and the last ditch piece of equipment designed to stop it happening is the flash back arrestor.
The Procedure
Gas welding isn’t horribly complicated, get the pieces of metal you want to join together, put the join in position and run the ignited tip across the part you want to weld. You can also use the procedure to cut through metal at higher temperatures with the aid of a cutting tip. All you really need to do the job properly is to have watched it done a few times, and a steady hand.
Safety Procedures
Keeping safe is the most challenging part of the gas welding process. The most important part is to make sure no part of the welding torch interacts with any part it isn’t supposed to. Don’t get the welding hose caught up or wrapped around the canister, don’t let any part near the flame of the torch, etc. Keep a fire extinguisher on hand at all times in case of emergency and most obviously and crucially keep yourself protected. Wear flame retardant gloves and clothing and a welding mask or at least safety goggles at all times.
Gas welding is a great hobby, and a good way to pick up some skills and make some money as well, but it’s not a game and you can get hurt. Visit www.welding.com.au and get as much information as you can before you start. It might be too late to look for it when you know you need it.
This was written by DIY enthusiast Jared Thompson.
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