Lesson 1Documentation and simple QA checks to show work readiness (weld logs, electrode batch tracking)Introduces basic paperwork and checks to prove work readiness. You'll fill weld logs, track electrode batches, record inspections for tracking and quality.
Essential items in a weld logRecording joint and parameter dataElectrode batch and oven trackingSimple visual inspection recordsHandling nonconformance findingsStoring records for later reviewLesson 2Common welding defects, visual acceptance criteria, and basic corrective actions (porosity, slag inclusion, overlap, undercut)Reviews common SMAW weld faults, visual standards, fixes. Spot porosity, slag, overlap, undercut, then tweak technique and settings to avoid them.
Recognizing porosity and gas entrapmentIdentifying slag inclusions in groovesDetecting overlap and cold lapSpotting undercut along toesParameter changes to prevent defectsSafe methods for defect removalLesson 3Tack welding best practices: spacing, number of tacks, sequence to control distortionCovers tack welding to control warping and hold fit-up. Pick tack size, spacing, order, know when to remove or blend into final welds.
Determining tack size and lengthTack spacing for various plate widthsSequencing tacks to balance shrinkageBridging gaps and closing high-lowIncorporating tacks into root passesRemoving defective or misplaced tacksLesson 4Weld pass plan: root pass techniques, fill passes, capping technique, interpass cleaning and temperature controlGuides planning weld passes from root to cap. Practice root techniques, sequence fills, control heat between passes, clean for solid, even welds.
Root pass techniques and keyhole controlStringer versus weave bead choicesLayering and sequencing fill passesCapping bead profile and tie-inInterpass slag removal and brushingMonitoring and controlling interpass heatLesson 5Welding positions and their effect on electrode choice and technique (flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead)Explains how position affects electrode and technique. Adjust amps, speed, moves for flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead SMAW on plates.
Flat position settings and travelHorizontal fillet and groove controlVertical up versus vertical downOverhead weld body and rod controlPosition-rated electrode selectionAdjusting amperage for each positionLesson 6Edge preparation methods (square butt, single V, bevel angle, root face, root gap) with when to use eachCovers edge preps for butt joints on plates. Compare square butt, single V, bevels, pick based on thickness, access, warping control, penetration needs.
Square butt prep for thin plateSingle V prep for medium thicknessBevel angle selection guidelinesRoot face and root gap sizingBacking bars and open root optionsEdge prep tools and safety checksLesson 7Electrode selection rationale: E6010, E6011, E6013, E7018 — applications, penetration, cleaning action, deposition characteristicsExplains choosing E6010, E6011, E6013, E7018. Compares penetration, cleaning, deposit speed, uses so you can pick right for jobs.
Key features of E6010 electrodesKey features of E6011 electrodesKey features of E6013 electrodesKey features of E7018 electrodesMatching electrodes to joint conditionStorage and reconditioning needsLesson 8Electrode diameter, polarity, and current selection for common plate thicknesses (1/8", 3/16", 1/4") with typical amperage rangesLinks plate thickness to electrode size, polarity, current. Match common steel plates to SMAW electrodes, amps, machine settings for safe arcs.
Selecting diameter for 1/8 in plateSelecting diameter for 3/16 in plateSelecting diameter for 1/4 in plateTypical amperage ranges by diameterPolarity choice for each electrode typeAdjusting current for position and fit-upLesson 9Weld metallurgy and joint design basics for carbon steel (fillet vs butt, plate thickness influence)Introduces weld metallurgy, joint design for carbon steel. Compares fillet vs butt, how thickness affects prep, heat impact on strength.
Heat affected zone in carbon steelCooling rate and hardness relationshipFillet joint geometry and throat sizeButt joint design and root supportPlate thickness and joint selectionBalancing strength, cost, and accessLesson 10Cleaning and fit-up checks before welding (removing scale, oil, rust; using straightedges, squares, feeler gauges)Details cleaning, fit-up checks pre-weld. Remove rust, scale, oil, paint, check alignment, gaps with straightedges, squares, gauges to cut defects.
Mechanical and chemical cleaning methodsChecking bevels and land dimensionsUsing straightedges for alignmentUsing squares for joint squarenessUsing feeler gauges for root gapMarking and documenting fit-up issues
