The History, Design, and Function of the Gas Welder

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Gas Welding Still Very Much Has A Place

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       Gas Welded Metal Artwork

Welding is commonly used in auto repair, yet a gas welder also has the ability to fire polish glass, cut metals, and flame stone. Other areas that this form of welding is customarily used in today is metal heating (which is used to prepare the metal for configuring or contouring) and braze welding. One generally well-known type of artwork that this form of welding is frequently used in is metal-based artwork.

A gas welder is extremely versatile in the type of metal that it can be used on, making it a great choice for artists that enjoy creating art from metal.

The complete gas welder system normally is comprised of a torch, fuel source, pressure regulators and flexible hoses. In general, the torch has two valves and two connections. One connection and valve is attached to the fuel source and the other connection and valve is attached to the oxygen source.

In addition, there is a chamber that works to mix the fuel and oxygen. These components combine to create a handle for the welder to hold while manipulating his or her welds. At the terminal end of the torch is a tip that forms the flame. The most common fuel (gas) used is called acetylene.

Normally housed in cylinders to maintain its state, when mixed with oxygen it burns between 5800 - 6300 degrees Fahrenheit. To control the pressure from the cylinders to the hose there is a regulator. The pressure from the tank to the hose can then be adjusted by the welder to complete a weld.

These hoses are constructed as a double component. The two hoses are conjoined, green signifying oxygen and red signifying fuel. Gas welding also requires the addition of a filler material as one is completing a weld. When the filler material is added, the two ends join together. Once the joint cools, one solid piece is formed.

Acetylene is the most common gas used in this process although others may be preferable based on the materials to be joined. An experienced welder will know which gas to use, as well as which filler. He must also know how long to heat different metals to ensure the weld will hold under normal conditions.

An experienced gas welder will be able to melt the two pieces of metal, add the filler and make it all look like one solid line of weld. Those with less experience may end with a dotted looking weld.

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Gas welding has been around since the nineteenth century and remains popular today. With the variety of tasks you can complete with this style of welder, one machine can do the job of many.

For any workshop or auto repair center, a gas welder is still the welder of choice. The versatility of these machines explains why.