Tools & Equipment Operation Flashcards
7 cards from real AWS practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Tools & Equipment Operation flashcards as text
What is the function of the slope control (downslope) on a TIG welding machine?
Answer: It ramps the amperage down gradually at the end of the weld to prevent crater cracks
Downslope gradually reduces amperage before extinguishing the arc, allowing the crater to fill and solidify without cracking.
When a plasma cutter's electrode and nozzle show significant wear or pitting, the correct action is:
Answer: Replace both the electrode and nozzle together because they wear as a matched pair
Electrode and nozzle wear together; replacing only one causes imbalanced performance and accelerates wear on the new part.
What is the correct positioning of the work (ground) clamp relative to the weld area for SMAW?
Answer: As close to the weld area as practical to minimize resistance and arc blow
Placing the work clamp near the weld zone reduces the current path length, minimizing voltage drop and reducing magnetic arc blow.
The primary hazard of a cracked or chipped welding helmet lens is:
Answer: Potential eye injury from UV/IR radiation passing through unfiltered gaps and reduced impact protection
Cracks in the filter lens allow harmful ultraviolet and infrared radiation through, and the lens no longer provides full impact protection from spatter.
Which parameter primarily controls penetration depth when using a constant-voltage (CV) MIG power source?
Answer: Voltage (arc length) in combination with wire feed speed (which determines amperage)
In CV MIG welding, voltage sets the arc length and wire feed speed determines amperage; together they control the heat input and penetration.
What is the purpose of the gun liner inside a MIG welding gun assembly?
Answer: To guide the electrode wire smoothly from the drive rolls to the contact tip with minimal friction
The liner is a coiled conduit that constrains and guides the wire, preventing buckling or bird-nesting inside the cable assembly.
A welder notices the arc is difficult to start and constantly extinguishes when using SMAW. The most likely equipment-related cause is:
Answer: A poor or loose work clamp connection causing high resistance in the welding circuit
A poor work connection increases circuit resistance, dropping available arc voltage below the level needed to sustain the arc.