2.  Most common method of joining metals  Process of joining metals together with heat produced by an electric arc  Often referred to as “stick” welding

3.  Virginia welders salary:  $8.50 - $25.00 per hour  Local welding companies:  Fuel Systems LLC (Wytheville)  Volvo (Dublin)  Xaloy, Inc. (Pulaski)  Radford Army Ammunition Plant (Radford)

4.  Number of welders has decreased over the past two decades  Individuals are now searching for cleaner, safer, and less physically demanding work  Skilled welders are in greater demand than ever  In Wyoming, one company is so desperate to find and keep workers that they are offering $1 per hour bonus to welders who show up to work on time

5.  Welders are in demand because the production of industrial machinery is increasing and repairs need to be made on aging infrastructure  By 2015, the demand for skilled welders may reach 200,000

6.  Average age of a welder is 54 and continues to increase  Highly skilled welders and welding engineers can easily make $60,000 a year  More dangerous careers such as those with an ocean oil rig can have a salary of over $100,000 a year  The Wall Street Journal - 2006

7. Helmet Amperage Output Scale Ground Cable Terminal Amperage Adjustment Hand Wheel Polarity Switch Power Cord Switch Electrode Cable Terminal Ground Clamp Electrode Holder

8.  Keep all cable connections tight.  Inspect electrode holders for defective jaws and poor insulation.  Make adjustments in polarity and amperage only when the machine is not under load. Switching the current while the machine is under load will cause an arc to form between the contact surfaces.

9.  Turn on the fumes removal system before starting to weld.  Do not weld in damp areas; keep hands and clothing dry at all times. Dampness on the body increases the chance of electrical shock when welding.  Clear all combustible materials from the welding area before welding.

10.  Use an audible signal such as “cover” to indicate to others that you plan to strike an arc.  Avoid welding directly on concrete floors. Residual moisture in the concrete may be turned to steam resulting in the concrete exploding.

11.  Be sure that all gas cylinders are chained in an upright position before starting to weld.  Keep the cylinder caps in place when the cylinders are not in use.  Do not weld in areas that store compressed gas cylinders.  When gas cylinders are empty, close the valve and mark cylinders “empty”.