WELDING EQUIPMENT
Most field welding machines are portable, that is, they are on a truck and can be moved around. The welding equipment is usually a generator driven by a gasoline-powered engine and puts a DC current that may be reversed by changing the leads. The welding machine must contain a gauge or some means of determining the amperage output along with some method of increasing or decreasing the amperage as desired. The leads shall be in good condition with cleaned connections at both ends. Good quality electrodes are a must. Welding manufacturers produce good quality electrodes that conform to the AWS test requirements, however, this does not ensure their good quality when delivered to the job site. The welder should discard any damaged electrodes. When using low hydrogen electrodes, he/she must furnish them from undamaged hermetically-sealed containers and have an oven for maintaining their dryness. The welder’s cleaning tools should consist of a chipping hammer and a wire bru...