Tips for Teaching New Welders

At Adams gas we are involved in the provision of a plethora of gases, from the stuff that keeps your beer cool to MIG welding gas. Our regular visitors will be aware of our blogs regarding some of the world’s most expensive beers, and even how to pour the perfect pint, so poor ol’ welding hasn’t got a look in! So, let’s rectify that. Like in every profession, you have to start somewhere, and what better place to start than tips on how to help teach a new welder the craft. As you’re aware, it can be a tricky business, not to mention potentially dangerous, so it’s important to tackle it carefully and, most of all, safely. Safety Well, this is a given; but teaching the health and safety surrounding the job is absolutely paramount to make sure they live to weld another day. So before starting your student out on the path to becoming a welder-extraordinaire, it’s important to make sure you lay down the safety basics! Also, it is best that you guarantee they have a safe helmet which fits in such a way that they have decent visibility. Travel Speed This can be a tricky business for a new welder; it’s all too easy to go too fast or too slow, and either risk damaging the structural integrity. It may be natural to you, but teaching it is another thing. It’s important to let your student shadow you first so that they can get to grip with the general pace at which they are meant to travel. It may also be an idea to have them mirror you as you do it, and then consider guiding their first few attempts so that they can get a hand on the procedure. Equally, making sure that they are welding straight is important, as either can damage the overall quality of the final product. The Puddle Many welding instructors find that initially allowing their students to stick weld is the best way for them to learn to see the puddle. However, MIG welding can be a little more difficult in that it is to do with establishing the right angle. One common error is for the student to move off the weld joint when they move their head to view the puddle. Welding is an amazing skill to have, and once you’ve been doing it for years then you are bound to be welding in your sleep, but we’ve all got to start somewhere. It’s important to remember that when you’re teaching them that you were in their position once, so exercising a little patience will go a long way. So, now you’ve got the welding bug, you’re going to want to quench that thirst; so come to us to grab your gas! If you would like to speak to one of our friendly team, don’t hesitate to get in touch, you can contact us on 01843 220168, where we will eagerly be awaiting your call!

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