Instructors Description:
"Most structure and pipe in ships and powerplants is built and maintained by welding. In Welding, you'll learn how to use covered electrodes and oxyacetylene torches to make sound welds in all positions, even overhead! Learn about modern wirefeeders, gas tungsten arc welding equipment, and plasma cutting machines. Find out which machines and filler metals ought to be used, and why. "

Henry McPherson shows off his "A" quality 2F project. This is the third project in the course. It is an upside-down "T" with a three-pass fillet of E6011 on one side, and a three-pass fillet of E7018 on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Angela Fouquette writes:
Professor Collins,

I was wondering if there are any specific tools or items we will be expected to have or purchase for the welding class this coming Spring semester.

Thank you,

Angela Fouquette

Ms. Fouquette:

Yes. Safety glasses, welding gloves, boiler suit, leather boots or shoes, and a welding cap. All but the boots or shoes can be purchased in the MMA Book Store. However, you may purchase them elsewhere but there are special requirements for each item:

Safety glasses should have side vents to avoid fogging and should be UV blocking.

Welding gloves must be all leather (no cloth, plastic, or rubber), must have long gauntlet cuffs, and should be cotton-lined for insulation.

The boiler suit must be all cotton and thick, like denim, to make it less likely to burn.

Leather boots or shoes should be high-topped with thick hard soles. Hard-toes are recommended.

A welding cap is recommended, partricularly for long hair. It must be all cotton, should be cut full in the top to allow fit completely over hair, and should have a stiff bill to deflect sparks off the back of the neck.

Prof. Collins

Christopher Page writes:
 I will be taking welding next semester and want to purchase an auto-darkening helmet since I find they are much easier to use and I foresee myself using it when I am out of school as well. I was wondering if you had any recomendations on brands or specs that I should look for since I don't know much about the subject.
    Thanks,
       - Chris Page

Mr. Page:

We will provide you with a standard welding helmet and leather bib and sleeves, but you are welcome to bring additional safety gear.

There are many reputable makers of autodarkening helmets, including Miller, Hobart, Lincoln, Huntsman, and Selstrom. Buy a brand name from a local welding supply house. Be wary of "deals" on the Internet. I have seen many helmets with no brand names and no ANSI compliance stickers. Who knows where they were made, and what their quality is? I wouldn't risk my eyes on an unknown manufacturer.

Visit some welding supply houses, like Advantage Tools and Gases and/or Maine Oxy, in Bangor or Portland, or another dealer near your home town, and look at different brands and styles. There is a large price range depending on the number of sensors. More sensors gives more reliable performance, particulalrly in areas where light to the sensors may be blocked, such as when working in a tight place.

And remember, autodarkening helmets, like any electronic gadget, will break down some day, or grow legs and walk away when you aren't looking, or get damaged by something heavy or hot.

Prof. Collins