Musings From A Military Welding Manual Part 1

Not long ago after rummaging through the library of my father, I found a United States War Department “Technical manual and Instruction Guide: Welding Theory and Application, TM 9-2852.” It was dated June 3 1943. It was in good but worn shape. After thumbing through it I found a gold mine of wisdom and practical information, that seems to be long lost in modern primers written on the topic of welding. Long gone is the ability of people to write manuals that people can simply and clearly understand like this one. This Military manual cuts through the layers of convolution found in so many welding manuals today. I thought it would be interesting to share some basic points of welding found in this manual and make a few of my own thoughts and comments along the way. Of course, the 7018 hadn’t been invented yet, though there were similar rods available (to be discussed later), and definitely welding research has come a long way, but the basics shine through so clear and uncomplicated. I can’t help but think a few others will find these just as interesting and refreshing to highlight this information as I have.

The first section starts with an overview safety and of basic types of metal, and basic metallurgical principles. Where else would a good primer on welding begin? Start with a basic and broad understanding of safety and metals before tackling any real instruction on the joining of them and you are well on your way to becoming a real welder. One of the highlights deals with the actual manufacture of iron and steel, and the process used to produce iron, though the process has been updated in recent years. But the safety section is a little thin. The additional advancements in welding safety practices and personal protective equipment have come a long way from the pitiful 3 ¼ pages dedicated to it in this lengthy manual. Times and philosophy have changed from the time the US Military recommends cleaning fuel tanks with Carbon Tetrachloride or “other inflammable chlorinated hydrocarbons” before welding. They do warn that the vapors are poisonous and a gas mask should be worn as a “precautionary measure” if being exposed to the fumes. It’s definitely not something I would bet my life on these days as it is now known that even the smallest amount of exposure can cause significant damage to your health or even death.

Everlast Power Equipment, for more information on welding, visit our welding forum