Purpose and ScopeThe purpose of this lab report was to learn basic welding and shop safety practices in order to successfully gain experience in MIG (semi-automatic) and stick (manual) welding techniques. The overall scope of this laboratory report was to expose oneself to weld inspection and destructive testing by overloading prepared welded samples and analyzing them. Experimental Procedure The procedure in this lab report involves welding two small sheets of metal (each relatively 3x6 inches) together using both MIG and stick welding techniques, then cutting the welded part to produce two samples. Among the two samples, one would be MIG welding and the other would be stick welding. Using a loading machine, the samples were loaded to failure and the destructive test results were analyzed. To prepare for the nature of this laboratory report, an overview of the shop laboratory and two welding demonstrations were presented by Mr. Thomas Hatch and Mr. Lucas Jones, who are two of the laboratory supervisors at Penn State Altoona. The lab overview provided solid mechanical information on horizontal and vertical bench saws, belt sander and wheel grinder, as well as MIG and stick welders. Safety practices and procedures have also been covered for each of the aforementioned machines and welders. Two welding methods were demonstrated: one was a MIG weld and the other was a stick weld. Proper technique, form and safety were highlighted as three important factors in welding. Technique will provide precision, form will ensure accuracy, and safety will ensure repetition. Before proceeding with the welding and cutting of the samples needed for this laboratory, a summary of the laboratory safety rules, taken from the PSU Altoona Laboratory Safety Rules and Chapter 4 of Modern Welding Technology 6th Edition, was written. ......sterilized by many people. Stick welding is a very mobile and useful weld because the electrode coating acts as a shield during the weld and covers the top of the weld with slag which is a strong material. Concluding the results, to improve stick welding it is important to think about weld speed. Compensating for the decreasing stick length at a speed that keeps the arc constant to produce the appropriate amount of heat necessary for deep penetration in order to keep the weld closed and understand the weld geometry. Proper groove width and pool size, combined with operating speed, will produce a strong weld. Keep in mind that sanding and grinding is a major step in modifying the weld surface can be very beneficial in achieving a strong and durable weld.References.