Offered autumn. Offered at Missoula College. Theory and safe operation of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) of carbon steel on plate and structural components in all positions to industry standards. Visual inspection and destructive testing used to determine acceptability based upon industry standards (American Welding Society Structural Welding Code-Steel). Power sources and electrodes are covered in depth. Materials are prepared using mechanical plate shears and thermal cutting techniques. Thermal cutting techniques are examined relative to theory of operation and safe practices. Processes used are oxy-fuel cutting, plasma arc cutting, and air carbon arc cutting. Theory and operation of oxyacetylene welding examined.