Combination welders fasten metal pieces by welding them together. They use both gas and arc welding methods. Welders must know the ways that steel, bronze, aluminum, and other metals react to heat, cold, and pressure.

To begin, welders read layouts, blueprints, or work orders. From these, they decide which welding process to use for the job. Welders fasten the metal to be welded on the machine table. They clean the pieces to remove rust, slag, or grease. For gas welding, they connect hoses from a hand torch to fuel and oxygen tanks. In arc welding, they connect cables from a power source to electrode holders. Before welding, they may clamp the parts together. They can weld joints held in various positions. Welders check the finished welds to make sure they meet in-house tolerances.

Hours & Conditions
Most combination welders work 40 hours a week. They may work extra hours during peak times of the year.

Work Locations
Combination welders work in the metals industry and for various manufacturers.

Pros & Cons
Combination welders take pride in their skilled trade. They like seeing well made, finished products. 

They like earning good wages. They are pleased that they have good job security. They dislike working in dirty conditions and in high heat. They do not like having little or no work during certain parts of the year.


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