Steven Robert Farnsworth is a certified welding inspector and instructor with over 20 years of experience teaching all methods of welding. He previously served as a welder in the United States Navy.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Understanding Welding Basics 7

Chapter 1: Diving Into the World of Welding 9

Chapter 2: Considering Commonly Welded Metals 19

Chapter 3: Setting Your Sights on Welding Safety 33

Chapter 4: Setting Up Your Welding Shop 53

Part 2: Welding on a Budget: Stick and Tig Welding 71

Chapter 5: Getting on the Stick: Understanding Stick Welding 73

Chapter 6: Getting to Work with Stick Welding 85

Chapter 7: To Tig or Not To Tig: Understanding Tig Welding 105

Chapter 8: Trying Out Tig Welding 119

Part 3: Discovering Mig Welding 133

Chapter 9: Understanding the ABCs of Mig Welding 135

Chapter 10: Practicing Mig Welding 149

Part 4: Getting Fancy: Plasma Cutting, Oxyfuel Cutting, and Other Processes 161

Chapter 11: Examining Plasma and Oxyfuel Cutting 163

Chapter 12: Ready, Set, Cut! Trying Out Plasma Arc Cutting and Oxyfuel Cutting 177

Chapter 13: Exploring Special Weld Processes 189

Chapter 14: Exploring Pipe Welding 207

Chapter 15: Working with Cast Iron 219

Part 5: Putting Welding into Action with Projects and Repairs 231

Chapter 16: Two Welding Projects to Boost Your Welding Shop 233

Chapter 17: Constructing a Campfire Grill 251

Chapter 18: Fixin' to Fix Things: Analyzing and Planning 261

Part 6: The Part of Tens 275

Chapter 19: Ten Tools Every Welder Wants 277

Chapter 20: (Not Quite) Ten Advantages of Being a Certified Welder 287

Chapter 21: (Almost) Ten Welding Defects 293

Chapter 22: Ten Signs You're Welding Correctly 303

Chapter 23: Ten Maintenance Tips for Your Welding Equipment and Shop 309

Glossary 321

Index 341