Welding�Machine Operator, Gas

Sets up and operates oxy�fuel�gas�welding machine to weld metal parts...

Sets up and operates oxy-fuel-gas-welding machine to weld metal parts, according to work order, blueprints, layout, and operating charts: Clamps workpieces into holding fixture on machine bed, movable carriage, or turntable. Positions and clamps or bolts welding torch onto overhead carriage, radial arm, or into stationary fixture at specified angle and distance from workpiece. Turns cranks to align torch with weld line. Selects torch tip, filler wire, and flux, according to charts or thickness and type of metal. Fills hoppers with flux and positions spout over weld line. Places reel of filler wire onto spindle and threads end through feed rolls to welding seam. Connects hoses from torch to regulator valves and cylinders of oxygen and fuel gas. Turns regulator valves to start flow of gases, lights torch, and adjusts gas mixture and pressure to obtain flame of desired size and color. Turns knobs to synchronize movement of torch or workpiece, feed of flux and filler with welding action, and sets switch to stop machine at end of weld. Starts machine, observes welding action, and examines weld for defects. Adjusts machine setup to vary bead size and other weld characteristics. May record setup and operating data. May reweld defective joints, using handtorch. May preheat workpiece in furnace. May lay out, fit, and tack-weld workpieces together. May operate machine equipped with two or more welding torches. May remove surplus flux, slag, and splatter, using wirebrush, portable grinder, and hand scraper.