(1) When choosing a life vocation, one generally views the possibilities it has to offer and delves deeply into these, previous to making a decision. It is therefore thought advisable at this time to present the student with an idea of what is meant by oxy-acetylene welding and cutting; how it is applied; the possibilities and advantages attached to such an art.
(2) Acetylene gas, when burned with a proper portion of oxygen gas, produces an extremely hot flame, in fact, the hottest flame known. Its temperature is over 6000 degrees Fahrenheit. With this flame it is possible to bring any of the so-called commercial metals, namely: cast iron, steel, copper, and aluminum, to a molten state and cause a fusion of two pieces of like metals in such a manner that the point of fusion will very closely approach the strength of the metal fused. If more metal of like nature is added, the union is made even stronger than the original. This method is called oxy-acetylene welding and differs from what the average layman considers welding in the blacksmith’s forge, insomuch that there is no blow struck to assist fusion in this process. And while the forge method is limited to wrought iron and steel which is detachable and of restricted size and shape, the oxy-acetylene process has, practically speaking, no such limitations.
(Courtesy of Acetylene Journal Publishing Co.)
Fig. 1.—Welders on an Ordnance Mobile Repair Unit in Action.
(Courtesy of the Oxweld Acetylene Co.)
Fig. 2.—In Enameled Products for the Kitchen the Weld is Fast Replacing the Riveting, Brazing, and Soldering of the Light Sheet Metal Seams.
(3) Manufacturers in the metal-working world were very slow to grasp the real significance of this important process, until the operators began demonstrating some of its possibilities. At the present time, however, there is hardly a metal barrel or tank manufacturer who has not discarded the old method of producing costly leaky, riveted drums and containers, for this modern fusing process. The manufacturers of fire-proof doors and windows, cooking utensils, seamless pipe and tubing, office furniture and what not, are now virtually dependent upon the welding torch at every turn.
(4) As a repairing agent, the welding torch has no rival. Whether it is a casting of iron, steel, brass, or aluminum that has broken; a boiler or tank that has worn away in spots, or an error on the part of engineer, foundryman or machinist, the part can generally be reclaimed and made stronger than originally. To-day practically no manufacturing concern that is dependent upon metallic machinery could think of being deprived of its oxy-acetylene apparatus, once having learned its worth. In the not far distant past, were a gear or some casting to break, it probably meant closing down the entire plant until a new part could be obtained, which, whether the source of supply were near or at a long distance, would mean costly delay. With oxy-acetylene equipment and an efficient operator on hand, almost every emergency is provided for.