A pipe welding class will assist the attending students in learning how to safely and knowledgeably operate cutting machines used in pipe welding. A cutting machine can cut through metal using a variety of different substances and processes. Common cutting processes include plasma, air carbon arc, water jet and laser beam. Students in a pipe welding class will also learn to operate oxyacetylene cutting torches.
A pipe welding class will include the objective of learning to use tools that are of great assistance to a pipe welder. The student will learn to operate a pipe beveling tool, which is used to cut and bevel the ends of pipe; a horizontal cut-off band saw, again for cutting pipe; and a metal shear, which is used for cutting smaller bits of pipe.
The student of a pipe welding class will learn the basics of how various metals work together. Instruction in metallurgy includes learning the best processes for joining certain types of metals, the inherent weaknesses of some metals, and what constitutes a good, sturdy weld.
There are other skills an aspiring pipe welder needs to know. A pipe welding class will instruct the student in shop mathematics for pipe welding; in accurately reading welding maps; in how to test the quality and strength of a weld; and in basic weld inspection skills.