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==General Wood Shop Knowledge==

==General Wood Shop Knowledge==

Welding is the process of joining metals together. It is a form of additive manufacturing. There are several different types of welding, and the Welding Lab uses most of these including spot welding.  

Building projects out of wood is a fun and time consuming process. It can be both additive and subtractive manufacturing. One of the most used machines in the shop is the table saw.  

In the Welding Lab, metals are joined together using MIG (Metal Inert Gas), TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), Stick and spot welding.  

In the Wood Shop, wood is joined together using glue and different types of joints.  

Each welder has its own special purpose and benefits.  MIG is fast and much easier to learn than TIG welding. Spot welding is only used with sheet metal.  TIG welding produces very clean welds and the heat is more confined to a smaller area.  TIG will also allow you to weld very thin metals.  

Each machine in the wood shop has its own special purpose and benefits.  MIG is fast and much easier to learn than TIG welding. Spot welding is only used with sheet metal.  TIG welding produces very clean welds and the heat is more confined to a smaller area.  TIG will also allow you to weld very thin metals.  

   

   

These are a few good steps to having a successful weld.   

These are a few steps that will help you be successful in the Wood Shop.   

* Make sure the materials have no coatings. Welding of some coatings like galvanized metal can produce toxic fumes.  

* Always inspect materials for nails or metal. Metal debris in wood will damage the equipment and possibly cause injury to you.  

* Materials should be properly prepped and clean for best results.  

* Gluing end grain together is a very weak joint.  

* Make sure the process you are using is correct for your material type.  

* Make sure the process you are using is correct for your material type.  

* Double check the weld settings and use a piece of scrap to practice before welding on your project.

* Get help handling larger pieces of wood.

* Only weld steel and aluminum. Do not attempt to weld unknown materials.  

* When making dust turn on the dust filtration units.  

Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

Here are a couple things to keep in mind:

* Material will be very hot after welding so always think before touching.

* Some wood dust can be toxic. Be aware of the type of wood you are working with.

* Make sure the welder is properly grounded before attempting to weld.

* Blades and cutters are very sharp so always think before touching.

* Never weld in wet clothes or around water.  

* Be aware of the location of your fingers in relation to blades and cutters. Never let your hands or finger come close to the blade path.  

* Never try to weld any type of tank that has ever held flammable liquids. This is very dangerous and can explode!

* Be aware of people and what they are doing around you.  

* Always check your welding hood settings prior to welding. (start with a darker setting and work your way down.

* Be aware of what is on the floor around you. Don't trip on dust collector hoses or electrical cords.  

* Welding takes lots of practice so don't be afraid to ask for help.  

* May of the machines that remove material are very load. Wear ear protection when needed.  

* If something feels like it could be dangerous ask a supervisor before attempting.