What does a Welder do?
Published 4 min read
A welder is a tradesperson who uses heat to join pieces of metal together. This process is known as welding. Welders must have a thorough knowledge of their trade, as well as safety procedures. They must be able to follow instructions and work in a team environment.
Welder job duties include:
- Read and interpret blueprints or welding process specifications
- Operate angle grinders, torch cutters, wire brush machines, or other equipment to clean metal objects of impurities
- Select and set up wires, torches, and other equipment according to welding specifications
- Join metal components using welding techniques
- Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating the metals or causing distortion
- Inspect completed welds to ensure that they meet standards and specifications
- Maintain records of work completed
- Perform routine maintenance on equipment
- Keep work area clean and orderly
Welder Job Requirements
Most welders need to have a high school diploma or the equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and most welders receive some type of on-the-job training. Many welders also must be certified. Some welders learn their trade through an apprenticeship, which can last up to four years.
Welder Skills
- Arc welding
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
- Oxyacetylene welding
- Plasma cutting
- Shielded metal arc welding
- Gas tungsten arc welding
- Flux cored arc welding
- Submerged arc welding
- Stud welding
- Wire feeder
Related: Top Welder Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a Welder
There are many reasons why someone might want to become a welder. Maybe they like the idea of working with their hands, or maybe they’re attracted to the high salary that welders can earn. Whatever the reason, if you’re thinking about becoming a welder, there are a few things you should know.
First, it’s important to have an understanding of the basics of welding. Welding is a process of joining two pieces of metal together using heat and pressure. There are many different types of welding, but the most common is arc welding. Arc welding uses an electric arc to create heat, which melts the metal and allows it to be joined together.
If you’re interested in becoming a welder, it’s important to have some basic knowledge of math and physics. This will come in handy when you’re trying to figure out things like how much metal to use or what angle to weld at. It’s also helpful to be good at following instructions and paying attention to detail.
Once you have a basic understanding of welding, it’s time to start practicing. If you know someone who is already a welder, ask them if you can shadow them for a day or two. This will give you a chance to see what the job is really like and whether or not it’s something you think you would enjoy doing.
If you don’t know anyone who welds, there are still plenty of ways to get some practice. There are many community colleges that offer welding classes, or you can even find online tutorials that can teach you the basics. Once you feel confident enough in your skills, it’s time to start looking for a job.
There are many different types of welding jobs available, so it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one that’s a good fit for you. You can work in a factory setting, or even start your own business as a mobile welder. No matter what type of job you end up getting, remember that safety is always the most important thing. Make sure you wear proper safety gear and follow all safety procedures while welding, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career as a welder.
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