Welding History

[Franz]

This web site from Hypertherm shows the timeline of the development of TIG and Plasma, and gives a lot of good information on both systems.
http://www.hypertherm.com/technology/plasma_history.htm
Definitely a worthwhile read

[Scott S]

Franz, Great site!. That really takes the mystery out of how the process really works, in an eady to understand description.

[SuperArc]

I just picked up this book: "Welding. A journey to explore its past," by Andre Odermatt. It's a great easy book that takes the reader back in time from the early days of melting two pieces of metal with heat, brazing, early gas fuels to early and modern electric "arc" welding. Gives a great time line too.

I found it fascinating and the pics of old school welding equipment is great. You can get it from Hobart.
http://www.welding.org/c-22-general-welding-books.aspx