Oxy fuel welding - Which welding process should I try first? Part 1

Oxy Fuel Welding

For almost anyone interested in trying his hand at welding, deciding on which process to start with can be a challenge.  Many beginners want to begin with a particular process but it’s not always the ideal process to begin the learning process.  This month we’ll take a look at each individual process and look at the challenges, complexities and resources needed to begin with each process and any advantages of starting with that process.

One of the oldest and traditionally favored methods of teaching welding is the Oxy Acetylene welding process.   Now commonly referred to as Oxy Fuel welding (OFW), oxy acetylene rigs have largely fallen out of favor as a welding process, especially with record high Acetylene prices.  This along with the push to turn out more and more welders rapidly from welding schools can account for the lack of knowledge and appreciation the process which has not gotten the attention it is due in recent years.  Many people confuse Oxyfuel brazing with Oxy fuel welding.  Nothing could be more different.   Yes there are similarities, but in Oxy fuel welding, you are actually melting the metal and fusing the seam with like filler material.  In oxy fuel brazing, you are using a brass or bronze based filler and creating a “bond” between the dissimilar metals with heat.  The base metal is never melted when brazing, only warmed to a cherry red.   These strength and appearance of a competent oxy fuel weld rivals TIG welding and it can be done with a simple three to six hundred dollar Oxy Acetylene welding RIG.

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