Math needed for welding

[Beagle Fab]

I am currently taking some welding courses, but it moved straight into more hands on training as opposed to classroom getting used to measurements, welding symbols, blue prints, exc. Coincidently, I am also taking a some advanced math courses to shore up those skills.

Any recommendations on the type of math I should gear up on? Trig, Geometry?

[Magnetic Mechanic]

If yer gonna do any layout, you gots ta have geometry.

[lugweld]

Geometry definitely, particularly if you do fabricating. But trig, is helpful, though I can't hardly remember a thing about it. Accounting math might be nice....got to keep those books.

[Static-XJ]

Trig. Very useful, sine cosine tangent and the like. Algebra as a pre-req, it's a foundation for solving all sorts of stuff.

If you work in the US, knowing how to convert from imperial to metric measurements can be handy, and likely will only become more so with time. Being able to apply the correct conversion with the correct math.

Being able to take degrees and convert that into length measurements on an arc. For example a part that is essentially a large arch (30' length of a circle with radius of 150') had brackets spaces every 7.9°, had to be able to use that information to mark locations for the brackets.

Being able to estimate volume, and convert volume into weight. Very useful if you're dealing with larger items and overhead lifting.

I would also recommend knowing how to do math long hand, without a calculator. Including long division. Sometimes it's more convent to just write the math out than it is to go get a calculator.

As for weld symbols, I'm assuming that you're located int he US and are learning ANSI/AWS weld symbols. I would try and at least take a look at some ISO weld symbols as well. They are similar, but have differences. Particularly in arrow side vs other side designation, weld dimensions, and intermittent weld lengths/pitch. Be familiar enough that you can recognize which a symbol is, and be able to look up how the welds are called out.

[mn welder]

definatly geometry and when iwas in school at ndscs we had a practical welders math book that was the thing also fractions, decimals and a very good calculator where you just plug in formula and get your answer

[A_DAB_will_do]

Start with sound fundementals...some of the guys I attended welding school with couldn't add, subtract, multiple, and divide; even with a calculator. Know how to perform all these mathmatical operations with fractions and decimals. Be comfortable converting from fractions to decimals and back. Someone else mentioned the metric system. I second this suggestion. Understand how to convert from one unit of measurement to the other.

If you've mastered all this already, then look at geometry. A few simple concepts, like a 3,4,5 right triangle will enable you to build things square. If you don't know, ask someone to show you the proper technique for using a tape measure, plumb bob, and spirit level. Knowing how to use these tools properly will help you avoid a lot of time consuming mistakes.

Best way to learn how to read blueprints is to learn how to produce one yourself. Take a drafting course if you have the time. There are lots of good reference books on welding symbology that can provide the details you're looking for.

I am currently taking some welding courses, but it moved straight into more hands on training as opposed to classroom getting used to measurements, welding symbols, blue prints, exc. Coincidently, I am also taking a some advanced math courses to shore up those skills.

Any recommendations on the type of math I should gear up on? Trig, Geometry?

[Beagle Fab]

Thanks for all the suggestions and recommendations! I've got the fraction/Dec conversions down cold, and all the adding stuff well in hand as well.

That said, I really like the Drafting course/study idea and that is a great suggestion! Welding symbols and blueprints as well!

Thanks again!

[Fat Bastard]

I am currently taking some welding courses, but it moved straight into more hands on training as opposed to classroom getting used to measurements, welding symbols, blue prints, exc. Coincidently, I am also taking a some advanced math courses to shore up those skills.

Any recommendations on the type of math I should gear up on? Trig, Geometry?

I find that I use all 4 types of math addin miniusin timesin and dvidin

anything else?

[steve45]

Look at this and see if you can figure out how to lay it out: http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php...091#post247091

That will give you an idea of what you might need to know.

[DAKW]

get a copy of "MATH TO BULD ON" its about $25 a great reference when you need to look up the right formula isbn # 0-9624197-1-0

[Donald Branscom]

Simple geometry - like if you have a round steel disk how do you find the center?

Figuring supplies for a job. But there is a hand held calculator made just for welders that can really help you with this task and i have seen it in Welding Journal magazine.

Weights of materials - like you are going to load a 1 ton truck with steel plates and you want a safe load.1/4 inch steel plate weighs 10.2 pounds per sq.foot.What would a safe load be?
Weights of materials are very important.

How large of a tank to hold 10 gallons of liquid. Etc.,.

[dr stan]

All of the previously posted suggestions are excellent, especially those referring to trig, geometry, and drafting. I would however add a couple of thoughts. If you can find a board drafting class instead of AutoCADD it will serve you better. Unless you are using a CNC cutter you will be doing your layout and cutting by hand. Thus the skills you learn on the board are directly transferable to sheet and plate stock. If you can take a class in Descriptive Geometry that is taught on the board that will improve your math skills in ways that will serve you best.

Another source of info is the Audel’s series of technical books. Don’t just concentrate on the welding books, but also look at the millwrights, carpenters, and other tradesman books that contain math information.

Glad to see someone pursuing your craft with such a focus.

[smc1118]

I need help I need to learn math fast and for free because I don't have the founds to go back to school for it but I was always bad at math really bad and I am realizing that all the good jobs you need to know math can any help me or point me in the direction of some really good websites thank you all

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[WNY_TomB]

I am currently taking some welding courses, but it moved straight into more hands on training as opposed to classroom getting used to measurements, welding symbols, blue prints, exc. Coincidently, I am also taking a some advanced math courses to shore up those skills.

Any recommendations on the type of math I should gear up on? Trig, Geometry?

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same old horse, caught another horse, taking oats away
Sin=opp/Hypotenuse
Cosine=Adjacent / Hypotenuse
Tangent = Opp/ Adjacent
also A squared + B squared = C squared
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most places you cannot get the job if you cannot do basic trig. making stairs and other jobs it can be useful.

[docwelder]

having nothing but the basic math fundamentals i would recommend the new guys learn all they can. once you get a little older it's very difficult to absorb.

[b-dog]

I need help I need to learn math fast and for free because I don't have the founds to go back to school for it but I was always bad at math really bad and I am realizing that all the good jobs you need to know math can any help me or point me in the direction of some really good websites thank you all

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

Geometry is probably where you want to start. I imagine 5 minutes Googling/reading would provide plenty of questions that you can then research further. Rinse, lather and repeat. Check the library for books. Books will probably be easier to learn from than the internet.

Depending on your situation, look for some grants & scholarships. I don't think I would be able to teach myself a big general subject like math, it's just too overwhelming but maybe you can. Add an English 101 class in there too. Not being an *** on purpose; I graduated high school with poor English writing skills. English 101 was worth the time and money.

[WNY_TomB]

having nothing but the basic math fundamentals i would recommend the new guys learn all they can. once you get a little older it's very difficult to absorb.

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my preference is to draw it in Librecad and then pick points and it says what dimensions are and i can print it out
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it is available as a portable app which runs from usb flash drive, no need to install anything
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http://portableapps.com/
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nothing wrong with doing math but double check math. embarrassing to make math mistakes worst ones are
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confusing 1" 1" with 11"
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doing big stuff and so busy measuring 1/16" that was off exactly 1 foot measuring opposite corners.

[BD1]

It looks like using math this could be 7 years old , 2009 and now 2016

[jrporter]

There are lots of online resources - just do a search for learning math and you will get a bunch of hits. Just don't let anybody sell you anything you don't want to buy. math.com looks like an OK place to start, but there are many places you can go to that have tutorials etc.

[docwelder]

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my preference is to draw it in Librecad and then pick points and it says what dimensions are and i can print it out
.
it is available as a portable app which runs from usb flash drive, no need to install anything
.
http://portableapps.com/
.
nothing wrong with doing math but double check math. embarrassing to make math mistakes worst ones are
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confusing 1" 1" with 11"
.
doing big stuff and so busy measuring 1/16" that was off exactly 1 foot measuring opposite corners.

that's too true. one of the critical things about the fabrication trade is double checking dimensions during the build process. many times i've misread/miscalculated my measurements by one foot or one inch. better to catch it early then after it's out the door. i find my crs especially troublesome between my bench and the saw

[WNY_TomB]

that's too true. one of the critical things about the fabrication trade is double checking dimensions during the build process. many times i've misread/miscalculated my measurements by one foot or one inch. better to catch it early then after it's out the door. i find my crs especially troublesome between my bench and the saw

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always read tape measure just inches like 121" and then feet inches 10' 1"
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laying concrete block for garage foundation and had somebody helping hold tape measure. i was so proud i had it within 1/8" over like 30 feet. unfortunately i later found out i was exactly 1 foot off. it made everything harder including cutting plywood for roof even after getting the top of walls down to within 4" of square measuring opposite corners, like each piece of plywood had to cut 1" triangle off
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one of those things once you do it, you always remember for rest of your life. double check math, double check reading tape measure in particular feet AND inch errors

[docwelder]

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always read tape measure just inches like 121" and then feet inches 10' 1"
.
laying concrete block for garage foundation and had somebody helping hold tape measure. i was so proud i had it within 1/8" over like 30 feet. unfortunately i later found out i was exactly 1 foot off. it made everything harder including cutting plywood for roof even after getting the top of walls down to within 4" of square measuring opposite corners, like each piece of plywood had to cut 1" triangle off
.
one of those things once you do it, you always remember for rest of your life. double check math, double check reading tape measure in particular feet AND inch errors

yikes! you're not likely to forget that in a quick hurry

[John T]

one of the critical things about the fabrication trade is double checking dimensions during the build process. :

Is that why it takes me forever to get anything done?

LoL !

I have gotten many compliments on some of the things I have built in my spare time.

And people will say why don't you do this for a living?

I just laugh and roll my eyes


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Oscar]

Simple geometry - like if you have a round steel disk how do you find the center

Duh, that's easy you balance it on the tip of a nail. But only if it is of uniform density throughout.

[Blwaz23]

If I wanted to learn the math for pipe fitting what would be a good source to read or what books would be the best to read?