JOB DESCRIPTION

Use hand-welding and flame-cutting equipment, such as arc welders, gas welders, and gas torches, to weld together metal components of such products as pipelines, automobiles, boilers, and ships; to join together components of fabricated sheet metal assemblies; or to cut, trim, or scarf metal objects to dimensions, as specified by layout, work orders, or blueprints.

SKILLS AND APTITUDES NEEDED

Basic knowledge of blueprint reading, computers, shop mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, chemistry, and metallurgy Ability to concentrate on detailed work for long periods Ability to bend, stoop, and work in awkward positions Willingness to receive training and perform tasks in other production jobs Good eyesight, hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity

Welding is the most common way of permanently joining metal parts. In this process, heat is applied to metal pieces, melting and fusing them to form a permanent bond. Because of its strength, welding is used in shipbuilding, automobile manufacturing and repair, aerospace applications, and other manufactured products. Welding is also used to join beams when constructing buildings, bridges, and other structures, and to join pipes in pipelines, power plants, and refineries. Welders may perform manual welding, in which the work is entirely controlled by the welder, or semiautomatic welding, in which the welder uses machinery, such as a wire feeder, to help perform welding tasks.

The work of arc, plasma, and flame cutters is closely related to that of welders, However, instead of joining metals, cutters use the heat from the burning gases or an electric arc to cut and trim metal objects to specific dimensions. Cutters also dismantle large objects, such as ships, railroad cars, automobiles, or aircraft.