They may mean skilled in all processes by combination welder.
By DRS
Date 01-31-2007 04:39
Well to my understanding it refers to one that has SKILLS in different welding processes.
Basically that would be it in a nutshell =)
In my neck of the woods a "Combination" welder is one that can fit as well as weld GTAW roots with SMAW fill.
In construction, it is my understanding a combination welder is a pipe welder who can GTAW and SMAW pipe. This includes welding stainless steel as well as carbon steel. Usually if they want a fitter/welder <------- is how it will be listed. They may also include GMAW as one of the combination of welding processes but that process is seldom done in the field or on pipe. I also agree with being able to Tig a root (& hot pass) and finish the weld with 7018 as "combination" welding.
Be well,
Hawk
Hawk got it right, Combo welder means to Tig/Stick stainless and carbon
Back in the "old days", there were welders and burners (guys skilled in oxy-acetylene cutting). A person skilled in both welding and cutting was called a combination welder.
If he's talking construction, it' most likely stick and wire
My interpretation would be a welder skilled with stick, AC and DC tig, flux-cored and solid wires, torch, plasma, and air arc.
My teacher retired from the army for welding and he said its someone trained in Smaw,Gmaw,Gtaw and can pretty much run a good bead with any electrode,wire,and or rod on any thickness that suits the process. So pretty much combo welders are the kings! Give them metal to weld and they can weld it.
An original combination welder was on who could do both arc and oxy welding. Before arc welding a real welder had torches with multiple heads. I have one of these old torches. Took a hand to run on of them. Inspection tools were coins. Quarter wide, nickel high.
The term combination welder is a Davis Bacon holdover from the 30's. Welders are now qualified in different process. There is still a classification for burner in some of the DB classifications. Also some gas distribution companies have combination welders if they still oxy 2 inch or less.
"Before arc welding" Before arc welding a welder used a forge, a hammer and an anvil. Electric and oxy-hydrogen / oxy-acetylene welding were developed at almost the same time, very early 1900's.
