Welding Basics
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).
What is the most common form of arc welding?
Spatter is tiny molten metal droplets that can burn clothes, stick to surfaces, and make cleanup harder.
What is weld spatter?
Also known as "Stick Welding".
What is another name for SMAW?
Undercut is a groove melted into the base metal that makes the weld weak.
What is undercut?
To protect themselves from burns, UV radiation, and metal fumes.
Why do welders wear PPE?
SMAW requires more skill to control the arc and electrode compared to MIG welding, which is more like using a hot glue gun.
Why is SMAW harder to learn than MIG welding?
By removing contaminants such as rust, oil, and moisture and slowing travel speed to allow gas escape.
How can you prevent porosity?
The small gap between two pieces of metal being welded together.
What is a root opening in welding?
Not cleaning between weld passes or using the wrong angle.
What causes slag inclusion in a weld?
Wear dry gloves, don’t touch live parts, and make sure everything is grounded.
How can you avoid getting shocked while welding?
Certain steels are easier to weld and less likely to crack, making the process smoother and safer for beginners.
Why is it important to choose the right type of steel for welding?
A wandering arc caused by magnetic fields.
What is arc blow?
A dip at the end of a weld can lead to cracking and weak spots.
What is a crater?
This happens when hydrogen gets trapped in the weld, making it brittle and weak.
Why does cold cracking happen in welding?
To remove harmful fumes that can make you sick.
Why is ventilation important in welding?
Good joint preparation ensures a strong weld and reduces mistakes, just like prepping wood before building something in shop class.
Why do welders have to prepare joints before welding?
It makes welds uneven, weak, and hard to control, like trying to write neatly with a dull pencil.
Why does a wandering arc mess up your welds?
Extra metal added to a weld to make it stronger.
What is a weld reinforcement?
Use more heat, move slower, and make sure the joint is clean.
How do you fix poor fusion in a weld?
Keep flammable stuff away and have a fire extinguisher ready.
What is a simple way to prevent fires while welding?
3/16 in. for vertical and overhead welding.
What’s the biggest electrode size you can use for welding overhead or vertical?
BONUS QUESTION
500 FREE POINTS
A small metal extension that prevents defects at the end of a weld.
What is a run-out tab?
Using X-ray or ultrasonic testing.
How do professionals check for hidden weld defects?
It can cause a lack of oxygen, buildup of toxic fumes, and heat exhaustion.
Why is welding in a small, enclosed space dangerous?