This easily understood text will give students a solid back-ground in the basic principles and practices of welding. It first introduces the fundamental theories of the welding processes and then provides practice jobs to allow students to develop essential manipulative skills. The emphasis throughout is on learning by doing. The text presents theory and practice relating to gas, arc, semi-automatic, and automatic welding. It also discusses cutting, brazing, soldering, and plastic welding in accordance with current industrial practices. The content is based upon the rec-ommended practices of the American Welding Society andother leading welding authorities. Each major process is presented as a core program providing a comprehensive treatment of equipment, filler rod materials, joints and welds, and testing and inspection. Metals and their welding characteristics, safety practices, welding symbols, and the fundamentals of print reading are also covered.