Welding, when done properly, has endless potential. It’s a craft that is full of purpose and requires great skill. Within the field of welding there are various materials and machinery used and it is of utmost importance to make sure proper steps are observed. There are an estimated 404,800 welders in the United States alone, so it is critical to engage our communities with the best practices in the industry. Whether you are new to welding or consider yourself an expert, here are 3 welding mistakes to avoid.
1. Not Wearing Proper Safety Gear
Welding is a physical job and the importance of having protective gear cannot be overstated. For example, according to U.S. Risk, eye injuries are among the most common that occur. You should never practice welding without wearing welding goggles or safety glasses, along with a welding helmet. This will prevent potential injuries which may include flying debris, radiation hazards, and irritation from fumes. Gloves, ear protection, heat resistant clothing, and proper welding boots are also necessary. Additionally, certain conditions require the use of a respirator so always do your due diligence before starting any new project. It’s important to not take shortcuts with your safety as serious injury may occur.
2. Preparing for your project
Like any hands on skill, there are steps that should be taken to ensure a proper weld. One way to prepare for your weld is to make sure that the metal has been properly cleaned and brushed, if necessary. Contaminants such as rust may affect your project if not properly cleaned. The old adage that practice makes perfect most certainly applies to welding. The best way to practice is to find an instructor or mentor. Working with an experienced welder will help you avoid common mistakes and teach critical skills.
3. Preventative Maintenance
One of the keys to ensuring the best weld is to check your equipment frequently for wear and tear. Preventative maintenance can save you time, money and the headache of having issues to repair on a bad weld. At Vern Lewis, we understand that when your equipment is not functioning properly it can cause errors with precision. If your machinery is running too hot, has splatter problems or issues with the wire feed, it may be time to have an expert do an evaluation of your equipment. Keeping up with regular maintenance will prolong the life of your tools, keeping them durable and ready for use.
Welding industry professionals have the highest of standards when manufacturing the products we use; many being on a daily basis. Following the steps outlined above are just a few ways to decrease instances of welding mistakes, which can lead to serious malfunctions and personal injury. Our goal at Vern Lewis is to equip you with the education and expertise needed to do the job right. By engaging our community with knowledge from the experts, growth and increased skill is sure to follow. If you are in need of preventive maintenance on your welding equipment, please contact us today and we would be happy to assist!
Sources:
- https://www.careerexplorer.com/careers/welder/job-market/
- https://ohsonline.com/Articles/2007/02/Preventing-Eye-Injuries-When-Welding.aspx
- https://www.usrisk.com/2019/01/the-greatest-sources-of-injury-in-welding-operations/
- https://waterwelders.com/welding-safety-equipment-checklist/
- https://weldingheadquarters.com/welding-mistakes/
- https://walshduffield.com/ppe-for-welders/
- https://www.aquasolwelding.com/welding-preparation
