In the preparation of this work, the object has been to cover not only the several processes of welding, but also those other processes which are so closely allied in method and results as to make them a part of the whole subject of joining metal to metal with the aid of heat.

The workman who wishes to handle his trade from start to finish finds that it is necessary to become familiar with certain other operations which precede or follow the actual joining of the metal parts, the purpose of these operations being to add or retain certain desirable qualities in the materials being handled. For this reason the following subjects have been included: Annealing, tempering, hardening, heat treatment and the restoration of steel.

In order that the user may understand the underlying principles and the materials employed in this work, much practical information is given on the uses and characteristics of the various metals; on the production, handling and use of the gases and other materials which are a part of the equipment; and on the tools and accessories for the production and handling of these materials.

An examination will show that the greatest usefulness of this book lies in the fact that all necessary information and data has been included in one volume, making it possible for the workman to use one source for securing a knowledge of both principle and practice, preparation and finishing of the work, and both large and small repair work as well as manufacturing methods used in metal working.

An effort has been made to eliminate all matter which is not of direct usefulness in practical work, while including all that those engaged in this trade find necessary. To this end, the descriptions have been limited to those methods and accessories which are found in actual use today. For the same reason, the work includes the application of the rules laid down by the insurance underwriters which govern this work as well as instructions for the proper care and handling of the generators, torches and materials found in the shop.

Special attention has been given to definite directions for handling the different metals and alloys which must be handled. The instructions have been arranged to form rules which are placed in the order of their use during the work described and the work has been subdivided in such a way that it will be found possible to secure information on any one point desired without the necessity of spending time in other fields.

The facts which the expert welder and metalworker finds it most necessary to have readily available have been secured, and prepared especially for this work, and those of most general use have been combined with the chapter on welding practice to which they apply.

The size of this volume has been kept as small as possible, but an examination of the alphabetical index will show that the range of subjects and details covered is complete in all respects. This has been accomplished through careful classification of the contents and the elimination of all repetition and all theoretical, historical and similar matter that is not absolutely necessary.

Free use has been made of the information given by those manufacturers who are recognized as the leaders in their respective fields, thus insuring that the work is thoroughly practical and that it represents present day methods and practice.

THE AUTHOR.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER I

METALS AND ALLOYS--HEAT TREATMENT:--The Use and Characteristics of the Industrial Alloys and Metal Elements--Annealing, Hardening, Tempering and Case Hardening of Steel

CHAPTER II

WELDING MATERIALS:--Production, Handling and Use of the Gases, Oxygen and Acetylene--Welding Rods--Fluxes--Supplies and Fixtures

CHAPTER III

ACETYLENE GENERATORS:--Generator Requirements and Types--Construction--Care and Operation of Generators.

CHAPTER IV

WELDING INSTRUMENTS:--Tank and Regulating Valves and Gauges--High, Low and Medium Pressure Torches--Cutting Torches--Acetylene-Air Torches

CHAPTER V

OXY-ACETYLENE WELDING PRACTICE:--Preparation of Work--Torch Practice-- Control of the Flame--Welding Various Metals and Alloys--Tables of Information Required in Welding Operations

CHAPTER VI

ELECTRIC WELDING:--Resistance Method--Butt, Spot and Lap Welding--Troubles and Remedies--Electric Arc Welding

CHAPTER VII

HAND FORGING AND WELDING:--Blacksmithing, Forging and Bending--Forge Welding Methods

CHAPTER VIII

SOLDERING, BRAZING AND THERMIT WELDING:--Soldering Materials and Practice-- Brazing--Thermit Welding

CHAPTER IX

OXYGEN PROCESS FOR REMOVAL OF CARBON

INDEX

OXY-ACETYLENE WELDING AND CUTTING, ELECTRIC AND THERMIT WELDING