All About Welding
Learn the history, types, and more from a Red Seal expert in Moose Jaw.
History of Welding
Welding has been an essential craft for millennia, evolving from ancient forge welding to today's sophisticated arc welding techniques. The journey began over 3,000 years ago when ancient Egyptians learned to join iron pieces by heating them and hammering them together—a process called forge welding. The Bronze Age saw civilizations mastering the art of joining copper and bronze, creating tools, weapons, and decorative items that have survived to this day.
The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries marked a turning point for welding technology. In the 1800s, Sir Humphry Davy discovered the electric arc, laying the groundwork for modern arc welding. Russian scientist Nikolai Benardos and Stanisław Olszewski developed the first practical arc welding method in 1881, using carbon electrodes. This breakthrough would eventually lead to the shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or "stick" welding that remains popular today.
The early 20th century brought rapid advancement. In 1919, C.J. Holslag invented alternating current welding, making the process more versatile. The 1920s saw the introduction of automatic welding and the development of covered electrodes, which produced cleaner, stronger welds. Gas welding using oxyacetylene torches became widespread for cutting and joining metals.
World War I and especially World War II dramatically accelerated welding innovation. The massive demand for ships, aircraft, tanks, and infrastructure required faster, stronger joining methods. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW or TIG) was perfected in the 1940s for welding aluminum and magnesium for aircraft construction. Gas metal arc welding (GMAW or MIG) followed shortly after, revolutionizing manufacturing with its speed and versatility.
In Canada, welding became crucial during the post-WWII boom. Saskatchewan, with its emerging oil and gas industry in the 1950s and 1960s, saw enormous demand for skilled welders to construct pipelines, refineries, and processing facilities. The province's potash mining industry also relied heavily on welders for equipment fabrication and maintenance. Cities like Moose Jaw became regional hubs for welding services supporting agriculture, transportation, and industry.
The establishment of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) in 1947 standardized welding practices and certification across Canada, ensuring quality and safety. The Red Seal program, introduced in 1952, allowed certified welders to work across provincial boundaries, promoting labor mobility and professional standards. Today, Saskatchewan continues to be a major employer of welders, with agricultural equipment manufacturing, mining, construction, and energy sectors all requiring skilled professionals.
Modern welding has evolved to include advanced techniques like laser welding, electron beam welding, friction stir welding, and robotic automation. However, traditional skills remain invaluable, especially for mobile welding services where adaptability, craftsmanship, and problem-solving are essential. The principles learned by ancient blacksmiths—understanding metallurgy, heat control, and joint design—still underpin every weld made today.
Types of Welding
Saskatchewan Weather Considerations
Saskatchewan's harsh winters and unpredictable weather present unique challenges for welders. SMAW (stick) and FCAW (flux-core) processes are preferred for outdoor work due to their wind resistance. Preheating is often necessary in cold conditions to prevent cracking and ensure proper fusion. Mobile welders must be prepared with generators, windbreaks, and proper personal protective equipment for extreme temperatures.
Types of Metals in Welding
Carbon Steel
The most common metal for welding. Easy to weld with most processes. Used in construction, automotive, and general fabrication. Tips: Preheat for thick sections, watch for warping.
Stainless Steel
Corrosion-resistant alloy requiring special techniques. Commonly welded with TIG for best results. Used in food processing, medical equipment, and outdoor applications. Tips: Use backing gas, control heat input to prevent warping.
Aluminum
Lightweight metal requiring TIG or specialized MIG equipment. Challenges include oxide layer removal and heat dissipation. Used in transportation, aerospace, and custom fabrication. Tips: Clean thoroughly before welding, use AC current for TIG.
Alloy Steels
Specialized steels with added elements for strength and properties. Require specific welding procedures and preheating. Used in pressure vessels, oil and gas, and heavy equipment. Tips: Follow WPS (Welding Procedure Specifications), control cooling rates.
Welder Certifications in Saskatchewan and Canada
| Certification/Ticket | Issuing Body | Description/Requirements | Tyler's Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Seal Welder (Interprovincial Journeyperson) | Red Seal Program / SATCC | National standard; requires 5,400 hours apprenticeship, 3 levels of technical training, passing written/practical exams. Allows work across Canada. | Held (Journeyperson) |
| Journeyperson Welder Certificate | SATCC (Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission) | Provincial certification; entry via apprenticeship or trade qualifier challenge (e.g., 5+ years experience). Includes on-the-job checklist. | Held |
| CWB All Position Stick (SMAW) | Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) | All-position qualification for shielded metal arc welding; testing in flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead; retest every 2 years. | Held |
| CWB All Position Flux Core (FCAW) | Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) | All-position for flux-cored arc welding; ideal for structural and heavy-duty work; continuity log required. | Held |
| CWB Flat and Horizontal MIG (GMAW) | Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) | Position-specific for gas metal arc welding; common for fabrication and repairs; transferable across provinces. | Held |
| Pressure Welder License (Classes A, B, C) | TSASK (Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan) | For boilers/pressure vessels; initial qualification test (e.g., ASME IX compliant WPQ); renewal every 2 years with continuity log. Transferable from other provinces. | Available as needed |
| B-Pressure Ticket | TSASK / ABSA equivalents | High-pressure welding; requires journeyperson status or 5,400 hours experience. | Available as needed |
| AWS Certifications (e.g., Certified Welder) | American Welding Society (if applicable) | International; process/position-specific; often recognized in Canada for specialized work. | Supplemental if required |
Note: Tyler holds core CWB tickets for versatile mobile work. Additional endorsements (e.g., for pipe or aluminum) can be pursued per project. Training available via Saskatchewan Polytechnic or SIIT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tips for New Welders
Starting Your Own Mobile Welding Business
1. Get Properly Certified: Obtain your Red Seal and relevant CWB certifications before launching. Clients expect credentials, especially for commercial and industrial work.
2. Invest in Reliable Equipment: Your truck and welding machines are your livelihood. Choose quality equipment that can handle Saskatchewan weather and varied job sites.
3. Build a Strong Reputation: Word-of-mouth is everything in mobile welding. Deliver quality work on time, communicate clearly with clients, and stand behind your welds.
4. Understand Your Costs: Factor in fuel, equipment maintenance, insurance, and travel time when setting rates. Be transparent with clients about pricing.
5. Market Your Services: Create a professional online presence, network with local farmers and contractors, and consider joining trade associations.
Testing Weld Integrity
Ensuring your welds are sound is critical for safety and longevity. Common non-destructive testing (NDT) methods include:
- Visual Inspection: The first line of defense. Look for cracks, porosity, undercut, and proper penetration.
- Dye Penetrant Testing: Reveals surface cracks invisible to the naked eye.
- Magnetic Particle Testing: Detects surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
- Ultrasonic Testing: Uses sound waves to find internal flaws. Required for pressure vessels.
- Radiographic Testing: X-ray or gamma ray imaging for critical welds in pipelines and structures.
For everyday work, develop a keen eye for visual inspection and learn to recognize common defects. Invest in basic testing equipment as your business grows.
Mentoring: From Apprentice to Journeyperson
The journey from apprentice to journeyperson is challenging but rewarding. Here's advice for those starting out:
As an Apprentice: Show up early, ask questions, and practice constantly. Your first years are about building muscle memory and understanding metallurgy. Learn from mistakes—every failed weld teaches something valuable.
During Technical Training: Take your classroom time seriously. Theory informs practice. Understanding why things work makes you a better problem-solver on the job.
Preparing for Red Seal: Study consistently in the months before your exam. Practice welds in all positions. Join study groups with other apprentices. The Red Seal exam is comprehensive but fair if you've put in the work.
As a Journeyperson: Your learning doesn't stop. Stay current with new techniques and materials. Consider specialized certifications for pressure welding, pipe welding, or aluminum. Mentor the next generation—teaching reinforces your own skills.
Building Expertise: Seek diverse experiences. Work on different types of projects, in various positions, with multiple materials. The breadth of experience makes you valuable and adaptable.