MIG welding uses a constant voltage power supply to create an electric arc that fuses the base metal with a filler wire that is continuously fed through the welding torch. At the same time, an inert shielding gas is also fed through the gun, to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. (Inert gases do not react with the filler material or the weld pool.)

Stick Welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Covered Electrode, the most widely used of the various arc welding processes, utilizes a fixed length electrode and an electric power source to join a variety of different metals. The core of the covered electrode consists of a solid metal rod that is surrounded by a covering of mineral compounds and metal powders mixed with a binding agent to help them adhere to the surface of the electrode. The core rod conducts electric current to the arc and provides filler metal for the joint. The sizes and types of electrodes for Stick Welding define the arc voltage requirements (within the overall range of 16 to 40 volts) and the amperage requirements (within the overall range of 20 to 550 amp). The current may be either alternating or direct depending on the electrode used, but the power source must be able to control the level of current within a reasonable range to respond to the complex variables of the welding process itself.

The primary functions of the electrode covering are to provide arc stability and to shield molten metal from the atmosphere with gases created as the coating decomposes from the heat of the arc. This shielding controls the mechanical properties, chemical composition, and metallurgical structure of the weld metal, as well as the arc characteristics of the electrode. The composition of the electrode covering varies according to the type of electrode.

The Canadian Welding Bureau (now known as CWB Certification) was formed by the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) over 70 years ago. The purpose of the Welding Bureau is to administer Canada’s national welding standards, which are embedded in the national building code and other industry specific documents. Funded by industry, and acting on behalf of the Canadian public, the Welding Bureau plays an important role by certifying welding companies that create products for use within Canada as well as the welders and welding consumables used in their creation. Within the Structural and erecting industry, it is mandatory that all companies be certified by the Welding Bureau however many non-structural welding companies choose to be voluntarily certified, as the Welding Bureau is the only organization that issues nationally recognized credentials.

Welding requires precision and technical abilities to produce quality products across a range of industries. Professional welders who want to increase their job prospects can benefit from earning certifications to prove their expertise.

Why get a welding certification?

Certifications prove to employers that you have expertise in your field. Holding specialized certifications in niche areas also adds value to your professional qualifications and sets you apart as a strong candidate for welding jobs or apprenticeships. Here are some of the benefits of earning a certification:

Promotes quality assurance: Certifications ensure consistency within the industry and maintain the profession’s high standards.

Creates more job possibilities: A certification in welding can help you qualify for more welding jobs across different industries.

Promotes safety: Earning a certification allows welders to stay updated on relevant codes and standards, ensuring the safety of the welding operators.

Proves your abilities: Certifications show other industry professionals, especially those in management positions, that you have proven expertise in the field.

Increases job stability: Certified professionals can earn more permanent positions because of their verified training and expertise.

Shows knowledge and versatility: With additional certifications, professionals can prove their abilities in different welding practices

Essential skills for welders

Welding is a skilled trade that requires several essential skills:

Math skills: Welders use numbers and measurements to ensure their work is accurate and precise, which is why it’s important to have a strong understanding of geometry, algebra, and fractions.

Physical strength: Since welders work with metals and heavy equipment, it’s essential for welders to have a moderate level of physical strength for success in this career.

Commitment to safety: Welders deal with many occupational hazards, which is why it’s critical for welders to follow safety protocols and practices.

Stamina: Welding requires individuals to stand for long periods of time, often in cramped or awkward spaces, so welders cannot let fatigue impact their high quality of work.

Commitment to advancement: Certified welders are required to continue learning to maintain their certifications and uphold high safety standards.

The general turnaround time for most products is 1-3 weeks.
The reason for this amount of time is that each item is unique and customized.
We cannot produce your item until we receive your order, so we have to build the items as they are ordered.
(Turnaround times can fluctuate depending on popular ordering seasons, number of orders being produced)

All of our projects are painted with satin black Besa Nato paint unless another colour is specified.
Satin enamel, does not yellow. It has good physicochemical resistance and direct adhesion on many surfaces: Steel, Stainless Steel, Aluminium, Brass, Galvanized, Glass, Plastics ABS, Ceramic, PVC. There is no primer required.

All surfaces are buffed, sanded, degreased if necessary and washed with isopropyl alcohol solution in preparation for paint.

All of our fire pits are painted with Rust-Oleum High Heat Brush Paint. This paint retains color and finish up to 1200º F. It provides rust protection and a deep black finish.

All wood is finished with oil based varathane.

The Class A Pressure Welder Certificate of Qualification allows you to perform pressure welding on pressure equipment while employed by a licensed contractor. This certificate is suitable for those graduating from the Skilled Trades BC welder trade certification program, or those who have a pressure welder certificate from another province or territory. If you have a certification from outside of BC, you may be eligible to transfer and obtain the Class A without further testing.

To obtain this certificate, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements and pass a practical exam.

Level B build on Welder Foundation training and are capable of welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals in all positions, on both plate and/or pipe, using SMAW, GTAW, and FCAW processes.

A Grade B Pressure Welder scope of practice may include the following:
welding performed on a boiler, pressure vessel, pressure piping.

A Red Seal welder is a certified individual who joins pieces of metal by applying heat and using filler metal. They often take apprenticeship training to gain practical work experience. Many Red Seal welders work in the manufacturing and construction industries. The Red Seal certificate allows them to supervise apprentices and work in any province or territory.

Depending on the industry, a Red Seal welder’s job duties may vary. Here are their typical duties and responsibilities:

Fixing holes on metal structures: Red Seal welders often fill holes, seams, and indentations in objects by closing them with a piece of dissimilar metal. For instance, these professionals can repair the frame of a car, plane, or building.

Joining metals together: The role often requires that they melt and join pieces of metal for creating skyscraper structures and steel beams.

Sourcing materials: These professionals often source materials, equipment, and supplies for a welding project. Red Seal welders assess welding materials to ensure they meet specifications and quality standards.

Reading blueprint: They read blueprints to identify welding positions and measurements. Red Seal welders fabricate metal pieces based on blueprints, specifications, and drawings.

Overseeing welding processes: It’s essential that Red Seal welders manage the welding process to avoid material distortion and ensure weld joints have a smooth look. They may monitor equipment operation to ensure temperature conditions are optimal.

Adhering to safety guidelines: Red seal welders often adhere to safety procedures and guidelines to ensure a risk-free work environment. These professionals ensure they use the appropriate welding equipment and methods when forming structures.

What are the relevant skills of a Red Seal welder?

Math
As the duties of a Red Seal welder include reading blueprints, calculating dimensions, and understanding 3D and 2D diagrams, having math skills can help you perform effectively in the role. These skills allow you to estimate dimensions while cutting or trimming metals. Understanding trigonometry and geometry can help you determine the size of materials to use during fabrication or construction. Professionals with math skills can use formulas to determine metal shapes and identify how temperature alterations may affect the metal’s pressure.

Attention to detail
It’s essential that Red Seal welders follow industry best practices to improve their workflow. These professionals often double-check their equipment before use, clean corrosion and grease from workpieces, and ensure they use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE). Attention to detail skills can help you avoid errors, such as bubbles and porosity, to impact the strength of a welding structure.

Communication and teamwork
Effective communication skills are essential for discussing with clients and members of a team. As many welding tasks are part of a larger project, verbal communication and writing skills can help you convey information clearly and collaborate effectively with other professionals. You can use these skills to draft accurate reports and make presentations. It can also help you ensure a team achieves the project goals. Consider using your communication skills when answering questions or assisting a team member.

Hand and eye coordination
Welding is a technical job requiring hand and eye coordination to perform your duties successfully. Having steady hands and good eye coordination can help you create satisfactory, strong, and smooth results. With this ability, you can easily control weld pools and handle your tools.

 

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