Читать книгу The Art of Welding - William Galvery - Страница 8

INTRODUCTION

The term welding conjures up a number of images—everything from rows of welders working among flying sparks on a factory floor to the single homeowner making repairs in the family garage. And they would both be right. Joining metals together through welding plays a large part in the manufacturing of thousands of products. It is also a tool used by do-it-yourselfers and hobbyists to create projects and make repairs around the home.

The Art of Welding is geared toward anyone who wants to learn the basics of welding for their own uses. One of the first things they will learn is that welding is really a range of processes that have evolved since the late nineteenth century. The earliest form, which is still in widespread use today, relies on a combination of ignited gases to produce a high-intensity flame that can melt metal; more modern versions use the heat produced by an electrical arc to melt and then fuse metal together.

This book covers the principal processes used by the home welder. They are oxyacetylene welding, or gas welding, and those that rely on electrical arcs, which include stick welding, MIG and TIG. Each has its own unique characteristics as well as specialized equipment. Chapters devoted to each cover equipment selection and use, tools, safety precautions, and welding techniques provided by Ryan Friedlinghaus and the pros at West Coast Customs. There are also chapters on the related skills of thermal cutting, and brazing and soldering. A final chapter offers welding tips and techniques for dealing with common problems found around the home welding shop.