This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
The field of welding uses standardized termi-
Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, you will be able to:
Identify the five basic welding joints.
Identify and describe the various welds that may
be used in each welding joint.
Label the parts or areas of a grooved butt weld
and a fillet weld.
Locate and apply required weld and joint
information from an AWS welding symbol.
List and describe the four welding positions.
nology to describe the various welding joints and
welding positions that every welder must know. This
chapter will introduce and explain many essential
welding vocabulary terms. Also, when a welder is
given a mechanical drawing, he or she needs to be
able to understand the type and location of the welds
to be made by reading the welding symbols. This
chapter will also explain how to read and understand
the meaning of AWS welding symbols.
3.1 Basic Weld Joints
A weld joint refers to how the parts to be joined
are assembled prior to welding. There are five basic
types of joints used in welding: butt, lap, corner, T-,
and edge. See Figure 3-1.
The metal to be joined is called the base metal. If
the part to be welded is not metal, it is called base mate-
rial. It is also known as the workpiece or work. The
edges of the base metal are often machined, sheared,
gouged, flame cut, or bent to prepare them for welding.
Weld joint design and metal thickness usually deter-
mine how the joint is prepared. Generally, the weld
joint design is determined by an engineer.
3.1.1 Butt Joint
Butt joints are used when parts are joined edge-
to-edge. Common examples of butt joints are the deck
plates on a ship or the pipes of an oil pipeline. Both are
assembled end-to-end. There are a variety of butt joint
configurations, depending on how the ends of the
pieces being joined are prepared. For quality welds to
be produced on butt joints, the edges of the base metal
often require special preparation before welding.
1
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

2 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 3

Edge Joint Lap Joint Edge preparation refers to how the edges of the root face. The root opening is the distance between
joint are shaped prior to welding. If the base metal the two pieces at the root of the weld.
is thin, the edges may just be squared without addi- Figure 3-3B shows a cross section of a completed
Joint tional machining or cutting. The edges of thin metal weld. The weld face is the outer surface of the weld
may also be bent to form flare-groove or edge-flange
joints, as shown in Figure 3-2.
Generally, when base metal over 3/16″ (4.8mm) Electrode
thick is used, edges are beveled by machining or
Joint
flame cutting. Edge preparation is required to allow Groove angle
the weld to penetrate to the required depth. Thick
base metal may be machined, gouged, or flame cut Bevel
Joint angle
along the upper or lower edges of the joint, or both, to
Applicable Welds Applicable Welds form a double-bevel, V-, J-, or U-groove.
Bevel-groove U-groove A butt joint can be prepared using any of the edge
Flare-bevel-groove V-groove Fillet Slot preparations shown in Figure 3-2. A groove weld is
Flare-V-groove Edge Bevel-Groove Spot Groove face Root face
J-groove Seam Flare-Bevel-Groove Seam made by fusing molten filler metal into a butt joint that Root
Square-groove J-Groove Projection has been set up in a groove formation. These groove opening Weld root
Plug Braze A
formations include a single-square groove; a single or
double-bevel, V-, J-, or U-groove; or a flared groove, Joint penetration
Butt Joint T-Joint which forms a groove where the edge is bent. or weld size
Weld Weld Weld
A welder should know the names of the various face toe
Face toe
Joint parts of a groove joint, as shown in Figure 3-3A. The reinforcement
groove face is the surface formed on the edge of the
base metal after it has been machined or flame cut.
The total angle formed between the groove face on
one piece and the groove face on the other piece is the
Joint
groove angle. The bevel angle is the angle between B Root reinforcement
the bevel of the joint and a plane perpendicular to the Figure 3-3. Approved terms used to describe the parts of
Applicable Welds
Applicable Welds surface of the base material. The weld root is the point a groove-type butt joint. A—The groove angle should be
Bevel-groove U-groove
Flare-bevel-groove V-groove Fillet Slot where the weld intersects the base metal surface near just large enough to allow the torch or electrode to reach
Flare-V-groove Edge-flange Bevel-groove Spot the bottom of the joint. The distance from the weld the root opening. B—Terms used to describe a completed
J-groove Braze Flare-bevel-groove Seam
Square-groove J-groove Projection root to the point where the bevel angle begins is the groove weld.
Square-groove Braze
Plug
Corner Joint

Single-square-groove weld Single-bevel-groove Double-bevel-groove

Joint & welding symbol

Single-V-groove Double-V-groove Single-J-groove
Edge of
base metal/plastic
Joint
Applicable Welds Surface of
base metal/plastic Double-J-groove Single-U-groove Double-U-groove
Fillet V-groove
Bevel-groove Plug
Flare-bevel-groove Slot
Flare-V-groove Spot
J-groove Seam
Square-groove Projection
U-groove Braze
Flare-bevel-groove Flare-V-groove weld Edge weld on a flanged butt joint
Figure 3-1. Basic welding joint designs. Note that there are only five basic joints, but that many types of welds can be
Figure 3-2. Students should become familiar with the various methods of preparing the edges of a butt joint. Double
placed on each type of joint. (AWS A3.0:2010, Figure 1, Joint Types, reproduced with permission from the American
grooves are used on thick metal that is welded from both sides. The base metal is bent to form the bottom three joints.
Welding Society, Miami, Fl.))
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

4 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 5

bead on the side the weld was made. Face reinforcement
is the distance from the top of the weld face to the
surface of the base metal. The weld toe is the point
where the weld bead contacts the base metal surface. It
occurs twice on each weld bead. Root reinforcement
is the distance that the penetration projects from the
root side of the joint. Joint penetration or weld size is
the depth that a weld extends into the joint from the
surface.
3.1.2 Lap Joint
A lap joint is formed by two overlapping pieces
of base metal. The top surface of one piece is in contact
with the bottom surface of the other, as shown in
Figure 3-1. Special edge preparation is not required.
3.1.3 Corner Joint
A corner joint is formed by placing two pieces of
base metal perpendicular or at an angle to one another
so that the edge of one piece of base metal intersects
the surface of the other piece near its outer edge. At
least one edge of the two pieces is exposed, as illus-
trated in Figure 3-4. The pieces may be joined at any
angle, but they are commonly welded at a 90° angle.
Corner joints may be welded as inside corners, outside
corners, or a combination of both. Inside corner
joints are welded along the inside of the intersection
of the two pieces. Outside corner joints are welded
along the outside edge of the joint. The edges may be
square, beveled, J-grooved, flared, or edge-flanged. Square-groove Bevel-groove Double-bevel-groove
See Figure 3-4.
3.1.4 T-Joint
A T-joint is formed by two pieces of base metal
that are at an angle of approximately 90° to one another.
The main difference between a corner joint and T-joint
is that a corner joint is formed along the edges of both
pieces, while a T-joint is formed at the edge of one
piece and away from the edge of the second piece. The
J-groove Flare-bevel-groove
edges of the base metal may be prepared as a square,
bevel-grooved, J-grooved, or flare-bevel-groove joint, Figure 3-5. Various methods of T-joint edge preparation.
as shown in Figure 3-5. Both edges of the base metal
may be prepared to form a double-bevel-groove joint.
3.1.5 Edge Joint 3.1.7 Flare-Groove Joint
An edge joint is formed when the surfaces of two Flare-groove joints are formed when the flanged
pieces are in contact and their edges are flush (even). edges of one or both pieces are placed together to form
The pieces are joined by welding along at least one of a single-flare-bevel or double-flare-V-groove. The
the flush edges. Figure 3-6 shows the edge prepara- weld is placed in the bevel or V-groove, as shown in
tion for various edge joints. Figures 3-2, 3-4, and 3-5.

3.1.6 Flange Joint

Fillet weld on an Square-groove weld V-groove Bevel-groove 3.2 Types of Welds
inside corner on an outside corner outside corner outside corner A flange joint is formed when the edge of one or
(no preparation) (no preparation) more pieces of the joint is bent to form a flange. The A weld is a fused joint between two or more pieces
edges are aligned and a weld is placed along the speci- of metal or nonmetal. Welds are created by applying heat
fied edges. Figures 3-2, 3-4, and 3-6 show examples of until the materials melt, flow together, and are cooled
flange joints. to form a single piece. This can be done with or without

Bevel-groove U-groove J-groove J-groove

inside corner outside corner outside corner inside corner

Square-groove Bevel-groove V-groove J-groove U-groove

Single-flare-bevel-groove Single-flare-bevel groove Edge weld on a

weld on an inside corner weld on an outside corner flanged corner
Figure 3-4. Various methods of preparing the edges of corner joints. Three of these joints require the base metal to be Edge-flange weld
bent for proper formation. The first two corner joints depict no special preparation of the edges.
Figure 3-6. Various edge preparations for edge-type joints.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
6 Modern Welding
the addition of a filler material and with or without the
use of pressure. See Figure 3-7. Welding is the process of
making a weld on a joint. Fillet welds are made at the
intersection of a surface and an edge or in a corner where
two surfaces meet. Fillet welds are generally triangular
in shape, as shown in Figure 3-8, and are placed into lap,
inside corner, and T-joints. A groove weld is a weld made
in a groove or gap created between two pieces of metal.
Groove welds can be used on all types of weld joints.
When the edges of thicker metal are machined or
flame cut, metal is removed from the pieces. Filler mate-
rial must be added to replace the metal that is removed.
The addition of filler metal ensures that the completed
weld joint is as thick and as strong as the base metal. Edge,
flange, or flare-groove joints for thin metal may be welded
without the addition of filler material. Figures 3-2, 3-4,
3-5, and 3-6 show edge, flange, and flare-groove joints.
The parts and dimensions for fillet welds are
the same for lap, inside corner, and T-joints. Refer to
Figure 3-8. The weld face is the outer surface of the
weld bead. As previously mentioned, the weld toe is
the point where the weld face touches the surface of the
base metal. A fillet weld is made up of three primary
dimensions. The fillet weld size is the length of one
side. The leg is the shortest distance from the toe to the
surface of the other piece of base metal. The effective
throat is the minimum distance from the weld face to
the root of the weld without any convexity.
Torch tip
Weld bead
Weld pool
Tack weld
Figure 3-7. A square-groove weld for an edge joint is in
progress. The weld pool extends to the outer edges of the
base metal. Filler metal may not be required on thin pieces
of base metal.
Figure 3-8 shows two fillet welds with the same
leg dimensions, but different sizes. The size of the weld
with a concave bead, Figure 3-8A, is smaller than the
size of the weld with a convex bead, Figure 3-8B. A
fillet weld with a convex bead is stronger than one with
a concave bead because of the additional filler metal.
3.2.1 Weld Beads and Weld Passes
A weld bead is one weld pass of filler metal that
is added to a weld joint. A weld pass occurs each time
a welder lays one weld bead across a weld joint. Only
one weld bead or weld pass is required for fusing thin
base metal, Figure 3-9A. If the metal is thick, more
Toe of weld
Leg
Leg and size
Size
Weld face
Leg and
size
A B
Leg Effective
throat
Effective
Size throat Toe of weld
Figure 3-8. Look at the parts of these fillet welds. Weld A
is concave. Its weld size is smaller than Weld B, which is
a convex weld. Notice that the leg sizes in Weld A and B
are the same, but the weld size is larger with a straight or
slightly convex bead.
1/8" (3.2mm)
A
1/2" (13mm)
B
Figure 3-9. A—On this single-pass weld on thin base metal,
notice the build-up of weld metal and complete penetration.
B—On this multiple-pass weld on thick base metal, the edges
have been prepared to form a V-groove joint. Notice the root
opening required. Three beads were used, with each bead
measuring less than 1/4″ (6.4mm) thick. A weaving bead may
be used for the wider, upper bead.
Chapter 3
than one weld pass is required to make a strong joint
with complete penetration. See Figure 3-9B. The first
weld pass is the root pass. The second or intermediate
weld pass is called a filler pass. The final weld pass
is the cover pass. See Figure 3-10A. On very thick
metal (over 1/2″ or 13mm), multiple filler passes are
required to fill deep and wide joints, Figure 3-10B.
Generally, a weld bead should not be thicker than 1/4″
(6.4mm). A weld bead may be made as a stringer bead
or a weave bead.
3.2.2 Stringer Bead
A stringer bead is used when a standard bead
width is acceptable. Stringer beads are made by
moving the torch or electrode along the weld without
any side-to-side motion. See Figure 3-11A. Multiple
stringer beads need to be made to fill a V-groove butt
weld on very thick metal as shown in Figure 3-10B.
3.2.3 Weave Bead
A weave bead is used to create a wider weld pool.
A weave bead is formed by moving the torch or elec-
trode from side-to-side as the weld pass progresses
along the weld joint. See Figure 3-11B.
Torch tip Cover pass
(3rd bead)
Weld
pool
Direction
of travel
Filler pass Root pass
(2nd pass) (1st bead)
B
Figure 3-10. Multiple-pass welds. A—Three weld passes
are used in this example. The first two passes are stringer
beads. The cover pass is a weave bead. B—Twenty stringer
beads were used in this weld on very thick metal. Each
bead is no thicker than 1/4″ (6.4mm).
Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 7
Various torch or electrode movement patterns
can be used when making a weave bead. The crescent
motion, shown in Figure 3-11C, is one of the most
popular patterns.
3.3 Joint Geometry
The American Welding Society defines joint
geometry as “the shape and dimensions of a (weld)
joint, in cross section, prior to welding.” Joint geom-
etry is generally determined by a welding engineer or
designer. The assembly design and the dimensions of
a joint depend on the metal thickness and shape and
on the load requirements of the parts. The parts are
prepared to ensure that the weld will have adequate
penetration. The joint geometry design also provides
space for the welder to reach near the bottom of the
weld joint with the torch or electrode.
Direction
of travel
A
Weld pool Torch tip
Direction
of motion
B
C
Figure 3-11. Comparison of stringer and weave beads.
A—A stringer bead is in progress on a square-groove
butt joint. The bead width is two to three times the metal
thickness. B—A weave bead is in progress. The torch tip
and weld pool are moved from side-to-side in the direction
of the arrow. C—A suggested motion for creating a weave
bead. The bead width is seldom greater than 3/4″–1″
(19mm–25mm).
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

8 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 9

3.3.1 Preparation
The edges of thick metal are prepared for welding
by flame cutting, gouging, or machining. Preparation
allows the weld to penetrate as deep as required by
the engineer or weld designer. A groove joint allows
the welder to reach the bottom of the weld joint. The
groove angle must be large enough to allow the torch
tip or electrode to reach near the bottom of the joint.
However, if the groove angle is too large, filler metal
and the welder’s time are wasted. This increases the
cost of making a weld. See Figure 3-12A. A properly
designed J-groove or U-groove joint also decreases the
groove dimensions while allowing adequate space for
welding. See Figure 3-12B.
3.3.2 Joint Alignment
The alignment of a joint before welding is very
important. In the shop, the alignment of the weld
joint is often referred to as “fit-up.” A ragged edge or
an edge that is not cut straight is hard to weld. See
Figure 3-13. Edges to be welded must be straight and
cut to exact size.
Parts of a weldment should be properly aligned
and held in position during the welding operation.
Tack welding is usually adequate to hold parts during
welding. A tack weld is a small weld used to hold
A the entire thickness of the base metal. Generally, total
B
Figure 3-13. Poorly prepared base metal edges. The
edges in A are ragged. One edge in B is not cut straight,
which changes the width of the joint. Both joints would be
difficult to weld.
pieces in alignment. Parts may also be held mechani-
cally during the welding operation because the metal
expands, bends, and changes shape when heated.
Clamps or other devices, such as jigs and fixtures,
are used to hold weldments during welding. See
Figure 3-14.
3.3.3 Penetration Welding positions are determined by the posi-
tions of the weld axis and weld face. Figure 3-16 shows
A completed weld joint must be at least as strong the weld axis and weld face. The weld axis is an imag-
as the base metal. The weld must penetrate deeply into inary line running lengthwise through the center of a
the base metal to be strong. Penetration is the depth completed weld. The weld face is the exposed surface
of fusion of the weld below the surface. Total (100%) of a completed weld on the side on which the welding
penetration occurs when a weld penetrates through was done.
penetration is required only on a butt joint. The edges
of thick metal may need to be machined or flame cut
to achieve 100% penetration. Thick metal also may Weld face
have to be welded from both sides of the joint.
3.4 Welding Positions
Welders often must weld in a variety of positions.
Welds may be made in the flat, horizontal, vertical, or
overhead welding positions. See Figure 3-15. On welding
drawings, these positions are often abbreviated in the
tail of the welding symbol as F, H, V, and O. The Amer-
ican Welding Society refers to welding positions with a
number and letter combination. Groove joints in the flat,
horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions are referred Weld axis
to as 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G, respectively. Fillet joints in the Figure 3-16. The weld axis is an imaginary line running
flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead position are desig- lengthwise through the center of the weld. The weld face is
nated as 1F, 2F, 3F, and 4F, respectively. the exposed surface of the finished bead.

Butt Joint Corner Joint T-Joint Lap Joint Edge Joint

90°

Flat
70°

1G 1G 1F 1F 1G

Horizontal
A
2G 2G 2F 2F 2G

Vertical

3G 3G 3F 3F 3G
B
Overhead

Figure 3-12. Compare the 70° and 90° groove angles.

A—A 70° groove angle is cheaper to weld than a
90° groove angle. The shaded area represents an
unnecessary cost in filler metal and welder time. B—Look 4G 4G 4F 4F 4G
at the U-groove joint. The root of the weld can be reached Figure 3-14. These various clamps are used to position and
easily. Little filler metal and welder time are wasted. hold parts to be welded. (Bessey Tools North America) Figure 3-15. Each of the five basic weld joints may be made in four different welding positions.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

10 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 11

3.4.1 Flat (1G) Welding Position 3.4.3 Vertical (3G) Welding Position 80°−90° Weld
15° up axis
Welds made on a groove joint in the flat (1G) A weld on a groove joint in the vertical (3G) welding
welding position must meet these conditions: position must meet either of these sets of conditions: Weld face
● The weld axis must be within 15° of Condition A 0°
horizontal. See Figure 3-17. ● The weld axis is 80°–90° from horizontal. Horizontal Weld Weld
● The weld face is within 30° of horizontal. Weld axis axis
● The weld face is between 0°–360° from face
● The weld is made from the upper side of the horizontal. See Figure 3-19A.
joint. Condition B 15° down
● The weld axis is 15°–80° from horizontal.
View B-B
Weld face
3.4.2 Horizontal (2G) Welding ● The weld face is within 80°–280° from
horizontal. A
Position ● The weld is made from the upper side of the
150° 210°
Groove welds made in the horizontal (2G) welding joint. See Figure 3-19B.
position must meet these conditions:
Vertical
● The weld axis must be within 15° of
horizontal.
3.4.4 Overhead (4G) Welding Position 80°−150° 0°−360°
210°−280° View A-A
● The weld face must be between 80°–150° Welds made on groove joints in the overhead (4G)
or 210°–280°. See Figure 3-18. Angles are welding position are made under these conditions:
measured clockwise with 0° at the bottom. ● The weld axis is between 0°–80°.

80° 280° A View A-A

Weld
axis Weld Weld B View B-B 0°
axis Weld axis
face
Figure 3-18. These are the specifications for the AWS 2G or
horizontal groove welding position. A—The weld axis must
be within 15° of horizontal. B—An end view (View B) with the 15°–80°
15° up from
horizontal Horizontal weld shown in blue. The weld face must be within 80°–150°
to or 210°–280°. All angles are measured clockwise with 0°
15° down at the bottom. Weld
Weld face
face
Weld
axis
● The weld face is between 0°–80° or 280°–360°.
A Weld axis Horizontal ● The weld is made from the lower side of the
Weld joint. See Figure 3-20.
face
Weld axis
3.5 The Welding Symbol Horizontal
0°–30°
The welding symbol described on the following
pages was developed by the American National Stan- View B-B
B
dards Institute (ANSI) and the American Welding 80°–280°
Society (AWS). It is described in detail in the publi-
Weld
face cation ANSI/AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for Welding,
Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination.
80° 280°
Horizontal The entire symbol, as shown in Figure 3-21 with
0°–30° all of its numbers and other symbols, is called the
welding symbol. Welding symbols are used on draw- B 0° View B-B
ings of parts and assemblies which are joined together
Figure 3-19. These are the specifications for the AWS 3G
by welding. A welding symbol may appear in any or vertical groove welding position. A vertical weld must
Weld axis
view on the drawing. Whenever two or more pieces meet either of the following sets of conditions. A—The
are joined by welding, the assembled item is called a weld axis must be between 80° and 90° from horizontal.
C weldment. When the pieces of a weldment are assem- Look at View A. The weld face may be rotated from 0°–360°.
Figure 3-17. These are the specifications for AWS 1G or flat groove welding position. A—The weld axis must be within bled, the lines along which their edges and surfaces B—The weld axis is 15°–80° from horizontal. Look at
15° of horizontal. B and C—The weld face must be within 30° of horizontal. come in contact are called joints. View B. The weld face must be within 80°–280°.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.
12 Modern Welding
Weld axis 80°
0°−80°
Weld face
Weld axis
View A-A
0°
Weld face
Figure 3-20. These are the specifications for the AWS 4G or overhead groove welding position. The weld axis must be
between 0° and 80°. Look at View A. The weld face must be between 0° and 80° or 280° and 360°. The weld is made
from the lower side of the base metal.
The drawing of a weldment seldom shows how
the edges are to be prepared or how the completed
weld appears. The drawing shows only how the parts
come together and what type of joint they will form.
Occasionally, when an unusual or very complex weld
joint is to be made, a “detail” drawing of the joint may
be drawn with the joint preparation and weld shape
shown and dimensioned. Refer to Figure 3-1 for the
types of welded joints and the types of welds used on
the various joints.
A complete welding symbol contains all the
information about a welded joint. The welding symbol
may appear in any view of the drawing. A welding
symbol applies to only one joint and applies to that
joint only until it changes direction. There are a few
exceptions to this rule—they will be discussed later
in this chapter. Some of the following information is
given to the welder on the welding symbol:
● How to prepare the edges of the base metal
prior to welding.
● What welding process to use.
● What type of weld to make.
● Where to place the weld.
● The size of the weld.
● The shape of the weld face.
● How to finish the weld surface after welding
is completed.
Much more information regarding the weld is
also given on the welding symbol. Dimensions on
a welding symbol may be in SI Metric units or US
Customary units of measurement.
Part of the complete welding symbol is the
weld symbol, which shows what type of weld is to be
placed in a joint. See Figure 3-21 for the position of
80°−280°
0°
View A-A
the weld symbol within the overall welding symbol.
Figure 3-22 shows the weld symbols used on an
ANSI/AWS welding symbol.
Information given in each part or area of the
welding symbol will be explained in later paragraphs.
A number of weld drawings, with their corresponding
welding symbols, will be shown to illustrate the infor-
mation given in the various areas of the complete
welding symbol. The edges of the weld joint, as they
would be prepared and fitted up prior to welding, will
be shown using hidden lines. A completed weld for
the welding symbol will also be shown.
3.5.1 The Reference Line, Arrowhead,
and Tail
The reference line, shown in Figure 3-23, is
always drawn as a horizontal line. It is placed on the
drawing near the joint to be welded. All information
to be given on the welding symbol is shown either
above or below this horizontal reference line. Infor-
mation given on a welding symbol is always shown
in the same location, as indicated in Figure 3-21. The
information is read from left to right whether it is
above or below the reference line.
The arrow may be drawn from either end of the
reference line. The arrow always touches the line that
represents the welded joint.
The tail is used only when necessary. It may
be used to give information on specifications, the
welding process used, or other details required but
not shown on the welding symbol. A number (such as
1, 2, or 3) may be used in the tail to refer the user to a
note elsewhere on the drawing. A company may use
Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 13
ANSI/AWS Standard Welding Symbols
Finish symbol Groove angle; included angle
of countersink for plug welds
Contour symbol
Groove weld size
F Root opening; depth of filling
for plug and slot welds
Depth of bevel; size or
A Length of weld
Pitch (center-to-center spacing)
strength for certain welds of welds
R Field weld
Sides
Other
symbol
side
Specification,
process, or S(E) L-P Weld-all-around
other reference
T symbol
Arrow
Both
side
Tail (may be omitted
when reference
is not used) Reference line
Weld symbol
(N) Arrow connecting
Number of spot, seam, stud, reference line to
plug, slot, or projection welds arrow side member
of joint or arrow
side of joint
Elements in this area remain as shown
when tail and arrow are reversed
Weld symbols shall be contained
within the length of the reference line
Figure 3-21. Specific locations have been assigned on the welding symbol for various information and sizes. (AWS
A2.4:2012, Figure 3, Standard Location of the Elements of a Welding Symbol, reproduced with permission from the American
Welding Society, Miami, Fl).
its own number or letter codes in the tail to indicate 3.5.3 The Arrow Side and Other Side
the welding process, procedure, finishing method, or
company specification. On the drawing of a welded part, the arrow of
the welding symbol touches the line to be welded. The
If no tail is used, a note such as “Unless otherwise
specified, all welds will be made in accordance with metal has two sides. The side of the metal which the
arrow touches is always the arrow side. The opposite
Specification No. XXXX,” will be displayed some-
surface from the arrow is called the other side.
where on the drawing.
Because of the joint position on many weldments,
there is no inside or outside, top or bottom, left or right.
3.5.2 Weld Symbols To simplify identifying the location of the weld, the terms
The weld symbol shown on the complete welding arrow side and other side are used. On the welding
symbol indicates the type of weld to be made on a weld symbol, the arrow side weld information is always shown
joint. It is a miniature drawing that shows how the below the reference line. The other side weld information
edge or edges of the joint are prepared before welding. is always shown above the reference line.
Figure 3-24 illustrates how some of the weld It is not always possible to place the welding
symbols shown in Figure 3-22 are used on a welding symbol on the side to be welded. The drawing is some-
symbol. Fillet, bevel-groove, and J-groove welding times too crowded and complicated. See Figure 3-25
symbols are always drawn so the vertical line is to the for examples of the use of the arrow side and other
left of the non-vertical lines. See Figures 3-22 and 3-24. side on the welding symbol.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

14 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 15

Weld Symbols and Supplementary Symbols Comparison of Welding Symbols and Actual Welds
Groove

Square Scarf V Bevel U J Flare-V Flare-bevel

Symbol for
Symbol for
square-groove
bevel-groove
butt joint Symbol for T-joint with
butt joint
fillet welds both sides
Plug Spot Back
Fillet or Stud or Seam or Surfacing Edge
slot projection backing
Completed Completed
square-groove bevel-groove
butt weld butt joint
Completed T-joint weld
Plug
Figure 3-24. Comparing welding symbols and actual welds. Phantom lines are not shown on a weld symbol. They are
used here, however, to illustrate that the weld symbol is a miniature drawing of the edge shape and the type of weld used.
The vertical line in the bevel-groove and fillet weld symbols is always drawn to the left.

Slot
Placement of Weld Symbols
Consumable Backing Contour
Weld all Melt Other Other side
Field weld insert or spacer Flush
around through Convex Concave side
(square) (rectangle) or flat
Arrow
Arrow side Other side
side
Backing
Arrow
side

Arrow Other
Spacer side side
Other Arrow
side side
Figure 3-22. Weld symbols and supplementary symbols. These may be part of the complete welding symbol. (AWS A2.4:2012,
Figure 1, Weld Symbols, and Figure 2, Supplimentary Symbols, reproduced with permission from the American Welding Society,
Miami, Fl) Other Arrow
side side

A B C
Weld symbol
Tail Figure 3-25. The side of the metal that the arrow touches is the arrow side. Placement of the weld symbol on the welding
Reference
line symbol determines whether the weld will be made on the arrow side or on the other side from the arrow.
Arrow

3.5.4 Root Opening and Groove Angle inch. The root opening size appears inside the weld
symbol on the complete welding symbol.
A
The root opening is the space between the pieces The included angle or total angle of a groove weld
C at the bottom or root of the joint. Prior to welding, the is shown beyond the weld symbol. See Figure 3-26.
two pieces to be welded are spaced apart the distance When preparing the edges for a V-groove welding,
B indicated by the root opening. This root opening may half the groove angle is cut on each piece. When
Figure 3-23. Reference line, arrow, weld symbol and tail of the complete welding symbol. A—Drawing and welding be specified on the drawing in metric units, in frac- placed together, the combined angles will total the
symbol. B—The edge shape of the metal. C—Completed weld. tions of an inch, or as a single-place decimal of an angle shown.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

16 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 17

When a bevel-groove or J-groove weld is used, only If the weld is not to remain in an “as welded”
one piece of metal is cut or ground. The arrow at the end condition, a finish symbol is used on the welding
of the welding symbol is bent along its length to the left or symbol. See Figure 3-27. The finish symbol indicates
right to point to the piece that is to be cut or ground. See the method of finishing. A surface texture or degree
Figure 3-26, view D, and Figure 3-27, view A. of finishing may also be added if required. If all welds
are to be finished in the same manner, a note on the
drawing may indicate the finish used. Users of the
3.5.5 Contour and Finish Symbols finish symbol may create their own finish symbols.
The shape or contour of the completed weld bead The American Welding Society lists the following
is shown on the welding symbol as a straight or curved finish symbols:
line between the weld symbol and the finish symbol. C: Chipping
The straight contour line indicates that the weld bead G: Grinding
is to be made as flat as possible. The curved contour M: Machining
line indicates a normal convex or concave weld bead.
R: Rolling
See Figure 3-27. H: Hammering
60°
3.5.6 Depth of Bevel, Size or
Root opening
1/8 Strength, and Groove Weld Size
60 30°
Groove angle The “S” position on the welding symbol indicates
the depth of bevel or the depth of preparation for a
A groove-type joint. Information in the “S” position may
45 1/8″ C also indicate the size or strength of certain welds.
1/16 B The size of a fillet weld is the length of the
legs (sides) of the triangle that can be drawn inside
1/16″ the cross section of the finished weld, as shown in
Figure 3-28. The lengths of the legs on a typical fillet
weld are equal, so only one dimension is given in the
D
45° F “S” area of the welding symbol. If the fillet weld has
E unequal legs, the size of each leg is shown in the weld
Figure 3-26. Root opening and groove angle. A and D symbol. The weld shape of this fillet weld may be
show the weld symbol for a groove weld. B and E show shown on the part drawing to indicate which is the
the pieces cut and set up for welding. C and F show the short leg. See Figure 3-29.
completed weld. Note that the bend in the arrow at D points Weld size or strength information is also required
to the left piece, which is the part to be cut or machined. for resistance spot or seam welds, electron beam
E1
L1 E2 L2
a1 a2
S1 S2
A B
Figure 3-28. Comparing the weld size and strength of a
concave and a convex fillet weld. The fillet welds at A and
B appear to be the same size (dimension “a”). The leg
size (L1 and L2) appears the same in both welds. However,
the actual weld size in A (S1) is smaller than the actual
weld size (S2) in B. Also, effective throat E1 is smaller than
effective throat E2.
welds, and plug and slot welds. This information also
appears in the “S” position. The size of a spot weld is
the diameter of the weld at the point where the two
pieces of base metal contact each other.
Groove weld size is given in parentheses in the
“E” position on the welding symbol. Groove weld
size is the depth to which the weld penetrates into the
base metal. See Figure 3-30 for examples of depth of
bevel and groove weld size. In Figure 3-30A, the depth
1
4
1/4 (3/8)
1/4″ 3/8″
A
5/8″
3/8″ 5/8″
B
1″
3/8 (5/8)
5/8″ 3/8″
3/8 (5/8)
Figure 3-30. The depth of the edge shape and groove
weld size. A—The edge shape is cut 1/4″ deep. The weld
size or depth of penetration is 3/8″. B—The edge shape is
a double-V-groove. The edge shape is cut 3/8″ deep and
the depth of penetration is 5/8″ on both sides of the joint.
of bevel is 1/4″ and the groove weld size is 3/8″. In
Figure 3-30B, the “S” dimension states that the metal is
cut to a depth of 3/8″ on both sides. The “E” dimension
shows that the depth of the weld is 5/8″ on both sides.
The required groove weld size (depth of weld)
and depth of bevel (depth of preparation) are generally
determined by welding codes or specifications, or by a
welding engineer. When no groove weld size is shown
for a single-groove or double-groove weld, complete

1/4″
Weld Contour and Finish Symbols
Contour
symbol 1/16 A B 1/4″
45 C
45
Finish G Indicates on which part
C
symbol the long leg is made Long leg
A C Contour Finish E Contour Finish 1× 1 horizontal
symbol symbol symbol symbol 4 2
1/4″ 1/4″
Normal contour, Weld to flat Concave
surface chipped contour and contour,
then grind then chipped
1/2″
C D
B D F
Figure 3-29. Fillet weld size and shape. A—The single dimension indicates both legs are equal and 1/4″ in size. The
Figure 3-27. Weld contour and finish symbols. In A, C, and E, contour and finish symbols are shown on the welding depth of the weld is 3/16″. B—The finished weld. C—Two dimensions in parentheses indicate unequal legs. Relative size
symbol. B, D, and F illustrate the shape and finish of the completed weld face. of the legs is shown on the working drawing. D—The finished weld.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

18 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 19

3/8 60° penetration is required. See Figures 3-30 and 3-31 for
(3/8) 1/8 examples of depth of bevel and groove weld size.
5/8″
60
3.5.7 Length and Pitch of the Weld
In many welded parts, it is not necessary to weld
3/8″
A B
1/8″ continuously from one end of the joint to the other.
To save time and expense, where full strength is not
.8″ required, short sections of weld may be spaced across
.5 the joint. This is called intermittent welding.
.5 (.6) On intermittent welds, the length dimension is
45 used to indicate the length of each weld. The pitch
dimension indicates the distance from the center
.6″ of one weld segment to the center of the next. See
Figure 3-32 for examples of such welds. The length
.5″ and pitch dimensions are always shown to the right of
the basic weld symbol on the welding symbol.
C When intermittent fillet welds are required on
both sides of a welding joint, they may be one of two types.
One type is chain intermittent welding; the other is
staggered intermittent welding. The welds on either
side of a chain intermittent weld begin and end at the
D .5″
same spot. The welds line up with each other on each
Figure 3-31. Groove weld size. Groove weld size or side of the joint. The weld symbols also line up on each
depth of penetration is shown in parentheses at A and C. side of the reference line. Staggered intermittent welds
Note, at B, that the groove weld size is less than the metal are offset so the welded segments do not line up on
thickness. At D, it is greater than the depth of bevel. each side of the joint. This is shown on the welding
symbol by offsetting the fillet weld symbols. See
Figure 3-32, views C and D.
Continuous and intermittent welds may be made
on the same joint. In such a case, the drawing will use
dimensions to show where each weld symbol’s effec-
tiveness begins and ends. See Figure 3-33, view A.
A spacing different from the regular pitch is
used between the end of the continuous weld and the
beginning of the intermittent weld. See the 4″ dimen-
sion in Figure 3-33, view B. This spacing is equal to
the intermittent pitch minus the length of one inter-
mittent weld. The spacing between the continuous
and intermittent welds in Figure 3-33, view B, equals
the pitch minus the length, or 6″–2″ = 4″, as shown.
3.5.8 Backing Welds and Melt-
Through Symbols
Weld joints that require complete penetration may
be welded from both sides. A stringer bead (single
pass weld without a weaving motion) or a cover pass
12″
1/4
A
(single pass using a weaving motion) may be all that is
required on the side opposite a groove weld to ensure
complete penetration. In such cases, a backing weld
symbol is used, Figure 3-34A. The melt-through
symbol is used when 100% penetration is required on
one-side welds, Figure 3-34C.
3.5.9 Weld-All-Around and Field
Weld Symbols
Directions given on a welding symbol are no
longer of any value when the weld joint makes a sharp
change in direction, such as going around a corner.
When the joint changes direction sharply, either a new
welding symbol or a weld-all-around symbol may be
used. The weld-all-around symbol indicates that the
same type weld joint is to be used on all edges of a box
or cylindrical part. See Figure 3-35.
Some parts are assembled and welded in the shop.
It is often necessary to take parts to the job site or into
the field to make final assemblies and welds. When
16″ 12″
1/4 2-6 1/4

12″ 4″ 2″ 4″ 2″ 4″ 12″
3″
3″
B
3″
1/8 3-6

6″

B 6″
A 6″

2-4 Figure 3-33. Continuous and intermittent welds. Note that the dimensions on the top welding drawing limits use of the
4″ welding symbol to the distance shown. Note also that the spacing between continuous and intermittent welds is equal to
2-4 2″ 2″ the pitch minus the length of one intermittent weld (4″ in this application).

Backing weld
1/16 symbol
D Size 45 Complete penetration
or melt-through
Melt-through
symbol

2″ 2″ 2″ A B C D
C 4″ 4″ Backing weld 1/16″

Figure 3-32. Length and pitch dimensions of weld. A—Note the placement of length (3) and pitch (6) specifications on Figure 3-34. Backing weld and melt-through symbols. A backing weld may be used to obtain 100% penetration when
the welding symbol. B—This image shows a series of 3″ long welds that are 6″ apart from center-to-center of the welds. welding is possible on both sides, as shown in A and B. The melt-through symbol is used on welds that are welded from
C and D—Staggered weld. Notice staggered fillet symbols in C. one side only and require 100% penetration, as shown in C and D.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

20 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 21

Weld-all-around 3.5.11 Plug and Slot Welds 45°

symbol
1/4
A B
Field
weld
symbol
0.3
Weld-all-around
D symbol
Figure 3-35. Weld-all-around and field weld symbols. Note the 0.3″ fillet in D and E is welded in the field. It is welded all
around the angle iron both front and back.
welds are to be made away from the shop, a field
weld symbol is used, as in Figure 3-35, view D. On
the print, the field weld symbol is a small flag located
at the arrow end of the reference line. The field weld
symbol may be drawn above or below the reference
line. Refer to Figure 3-22. If a weld is to be made in the
shop, the field weld symbol is not used.
1/4″ fillet welded
all-around Occasionally, it is necessary to weld two pieces
together at points that are not located on the edges. This .5″
is done by creating a hole in one piece and welding
.25″
the two pieces together through this hole, as shown in
Figure 3-37. The holes are usually round, but may be of
any shape. Holes may be drilled, flame-cut, or machined. A
If the hole used is round, the weld is called a
plug weld. A weld made in a hole that is not round
Perspective
is known as a slot weld. The weld symbol used for
view the plug weld is shown in Figure 3-38. The size of the ∅.5 .25
C
plug is shown to the left of the weld symbol. In either 45
a plug or slot weld, the sides of the hole may be coun-
tersunk (slanted). If a countersink is used, its angle
is indicated beyond the weld symbol, as shown in B
Figure 3-38. (See also location “A” in Figure 3-21.) The
depth of the weld is shown inside the weld symbol. See
Figure 3-38B and location “R” in Figure 3-21. A plug
0.3″ fillet welded in the weld’s exact location on the weldment is shown on the Figure 3-38. Plug weld symbol. A—Cross section of a
field (on site) and all assembly drawing. completed plug weld. The desired dimensions are also
around (front and back)
shown. B—The weld symbol used to complete the desired
weld.
E
The length, width, angle of the countersink, and
the location and spacing of the slots for a slot weld,
are not shown on the basic weld symbol. These
dimensions are shown on the assembly drawing.
3.5.10 Multiple Reference Lines See Figure 3-39. The depth of filling for a slot or plug
When a sequence of operations is to be performed, A B weld is shown inside the weld symbol. In Figure 3-39,
two or more reference lines may be used. The reference the depth of filling for the slot weld is 1/2″. If there
line nearest the arrow indicates the first operation. is a series of plug or slot welds, the center-to-center
The last operation to be performed is on the reference distance is shown to the right of the weld symbol. The
line furthest from the arrow. See Figure 3-36. pitch (“P”), or center-to-center distance of welds, is
presented to the right of the weld symbol.

3.5.12 Spot Welds

Second weld A spot weld is another method of joining two or
more pieces together with a weld not at the edge of a part.
To set up a spot weld, parts are overlapped, usually in a
lap joint. A weld is made at the surfaces where the parts
contact. No hole or slot is cut into any of the parts. The
C weld can be made by resistance spot welding. The weld
can also be made from one side by melting through the
first panel and melting into the second panel.
The spot weld symbol is a small circle. The circle
may be on either side of the reference line, or it may
First weld Third weld straddle the reference line. If the weld is accomplished
A B
from the arrow side, the weld symbol should be below
Figure 3-36. Use of multiple reference lines. A—Three reference lines are used. The first weld is a backing weld. The Figure 3-37. Plug and slot welds. A—The hole and slot the reference line, as in all other welding symbols. If
second operation is to perform the bevel-groove weld. The final operation is a contour fillet weld. Note that no sizes were are shown as cut in one piece. B—Cross sections of the the welding is done on both sides, as in resistance spot
used in this example. B—The completed joint. completed welds. C—The welding symbol for the plug and welding, the circle straddles the reference line. See
slot weld. Figure 3-40.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

22 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 23

Projection welding is another process used to
1.5″ produce spot welds. To indicate which piece has the
6″ 6″ projections on it, the circle is placed above or below
See
detail
the reference line.
.5 6
B The following information is given for a spot weld:
size, strength, spacing, and the number of spot welds.
The weld size is given to the left of the spot weld symbol.
If the weld strength is specified in the welding symbol,
4″ it is also shown to the left of the spot weld symbol and
given in pounds or newtons per spot. The weld spacing
7.0″ Detail is found to the right of the spot weld symbol. The number
B of welds desired is shown in parentheses, centered above
or below the spot weld symbol, Figure 3-41.
The welding process to be used is shown in the tail
of the welding symbol. See Figure 3-41 for examples of
the welding symbols used for spot welding. The welding
symbol may be placed in any view of a drawing.
A B
3.5.13 Seam Welds
Figure 3-39. Slot weld drawing and welding symbol. A—The location of the slot welds and the welding symbol are A seam weld is another method of joining two or
shown on the assembly drawing. B—Size dimensions for the slot weld may be shown in a detail drawing on the assembly more pieces together. Parts are assembled in either a
drawing. lap joint or a butt joint. No hole or slot is cut into any
of the parts. The weld can be made by resistance seam
welding. The weld can also be made from one side by
1kN
2.5 melting through the first piece and melting into the
EBW second piece.
The weld symbol may straddle the reference line
if the joint is welded from both sides, as in resistance
seam welding. For other processes used for seam
welding, the symbol can be placed above or below
the reference line. This indicates from which side of
the part the weld is to be made. See Figure 3-42. The
process to be used is shown in the tail.
The size (width) of the weld and strength of the
weld are shown to the left of the weld symbol. The
strength is given in pounds per linear inch or in
newtons per millimeter. The length of the seam may
be shown to the right of the weld symbol.
3.6 Review of Welding Symbols
Figure 3-43 shows examples of various welds and
positions of welding. The ability to visualize the resulting
weldment after reading the welding symbol is a very
important skill for the welder to master. If you are not
sure of the information given on the welding symbol or
the location of needed information on the symbol, go back
over this chapter. Reviewing this chapter periodically as
you move through the material covered in this book will
help build your print-reading confidence. You may also
wish to refer to ANSI/AWS A2.4, Standard Symbols for
Welding, Brazing, and Nondestructive Examination.

EWB
2.5mm .1 .62
.25″ .62″ .62″ .62″ .62″
.25″ (5)
.1″
A
Point
of fusion

A B

.38
RSW
600

.38″ .5″

B .25″

C D
1
.5″ 1.0″ 1.0″ .5″ RSW
.25
(3)
Figure 3-40. Spot welds. A—An electron beam spot weld. Its size at the point of fusion is 2.5mm. Its required strength is
1 kilonewton(kN). The weld is made from the other side. B—A resistance spot weld. Its size is 3/8″ and its strength is 600 Figure 3-41. Welding symbols for multiple spot welds. A—The desired spacing of a series of electron beam spot welds is
pounds. The weld is made from both sides and the symbol straddles the reference line. shown. B—The working drawing and welding symbol for the electron beam spot welds. C—Appearance of finished welds.
D—Three .25″ diameter resistance spot welds at 1″ spacing are shown on the welding symbol on the working drawing.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

24 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 25

Perpendicular Perpendicular
.1″ to weld axis Weld to weld axis
axis

A .38 B EBW
RSEW .1

.38″

A
Weld axis
D Perpendicular A
C to weld axis Electrode
Figure 3-42. Seam welds. A—An illustration of a seam weld made with the electron beam. Its size at the fusion point axis
Electrode
is .1″. B—The welding symbol and weld symbol for the electron beam seam weld shown in A. C—A finished seam weld Plane defined by weld axis
made using the resistance welding process. D—This welding drawing and weld symbol will produce the weld shown in C. axis and electrode axis Perpendicular
Weld to weld axis
axis
Vertical 3.7.1 Travel Angle Plane
T-weld
defined
The travel angle is the angle measured from by weld
Flat edge Horizontal a line perpendicular to the weld axis in the plane
weld butt weld axis and
defined by the weld axis and the electrode axis. electrode
Figure 3-44 shows a groove weld in the flat position. axis
The weld axis and a line perpendicular to the weld
axis are shown in Figure 3-44A. Figure 3-44B adds
a plane and an electrode. The plane goes through the
weld axis and the electrode axis. Figure 3-44C shows B
how the travel angle is measured. The travel angle is Weld axis
the angle between a line perpendicular to the weld Perpendicular Travel angle B
Overhead to weld axis
lap weld
axis and the electrode. The angle is measured in the Electrode
Horizontal plane containing the weld axis and the electrode axis. axis Travel Electrode
T-weld The travel angle shown is about 20°. angle axis
Plane defined by weld Perpendicular
Plug weld Figure 3-45 shows a fillet weld in the horizontal axis and electrode axis to weld axis
Flat lap weld position. The weld axis and a line perpendicular to the Weld
Overhead Flat butt weld axis are shown in Figure 3-45A. Figure 3-45B axis
double butt weld Plane
Flat double
adds a plane and an electrode. The plane goes through defined
weld the weld axis and the electrode axis. Figure 3-45C
butt weld by weld
shows how the travel angle is measured. The travel axis and
Figure 3-43. Examples of various types of welds in electrode
angle is the angle between a line perpendicular to the
various positions. axis
weld axis and the electrode. The angle is measured in
the plane containing the weld axis and the electrode
3.7 Electrode Angles axis. The travel angle shown is about 20°.
When the top of the electrode leads the welding
The American Welding Society uses two terms end of the electrode, and the welding arc is pointing Weld axis
back toward the weld bead, the travel angle is called a C C
to describe the position of the electrode, gun or torch.
These terms are used throughout this book and in drag angle or a drag travel angle. This is also known Figure 3-44. Travel angle in a groove weld. The travel angle Figure 3-45. Travel angle in a fillet weld. The travel
industry to describe the position of the electrode in as backhand welding. If the welding end of the elec- is measured from the electrode axis to a line perpendicular angle is measured from the electrode axis to a line
relation to the material being welded. The two terms trode points forward in the direction of travel, the to the weld axis in the plane defined by the weld axis and the perpendicular to the weld axis in the plane defined by the
used to describe the electrode angle, or position, are angle is called a push angle or a push travel angle. electrode axis. A—The weld axis and a line perpendicular to weld axis and the electrode axis. A—The weld axis and
the travel angle and the work angle. This is also known as forehand welding. the weld axis are shown. B—The plane determined by the a line perpendicular to the weld axis are shown. B—The
weld axis and the electrode axis is shown. C—The travel plane determined by the weld axis and the electrode axis
angle is shown. is shown. C—The travel angle is shown.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

26 Modern Welding Chapter 3 Welding Joints, Positions, and Symbols 27

Plane defined Perpendicular Drag travel Push travel Perpendicular

by weld axis to weld axis angle angle to weld axis
Perpendicular Electrode and electrode axis Push travel angle
to nonbutting Perpendicular axis Drag travel
surface to nonbutting Electrode angle
surface axis

Plane defined by weld

axis and electrode axis
Weld
Weld axis
axis Weld Plane
axis defined
by weld
axis and
electrode
axis
Nonbutting
A surface B Nonbutting
surface
Plane defined
by weld axis
Electrode and electrode axis Weld
Perpendicular axis axis
to nonbutting
Figure 3-47. Travel angles on a groove weld. Push
surface
travel angles, or forehand welding, has the flame, gun, Figure 3-48. Travel and work angles on a fillet weld. Work
or electrode pointing in the direction of travel. Drag travel angles can range from to 0° to 90°. Typical work angles for
angles, or backhand welding, has the flame, gun, or fillet welds are 30° to 60° and would be measured from the
electrode pointing opposite the direction of travel. vertical piece in this illustration.
Weld
axis

Work Nonbutting
angle surface
C
Figure 3-46. Work angle for an inside corner joint. The work angle is measured from a line perpendicular to the major
or nonbutting surface to the plane containing the weld axis and the centerline of the electrode. A—The weld axis and a
line perpendicular to the nonbutting surface are shown. B—The plane defined by the weld axis and the electrode axis are
shown. C—The work angle is shown.

3.7.2 Work Angle 3.7.3 Commonly Used Angles

The work angle is the angle measured from a line
perpendicular to the major or nonbutting surface to
the plane containing the weld axis and the centerline
of the electrode.
Figure 3-46 shows a fillet weld in the horizontal
position. The weld axis and a line perpendicular
to the major or nonbutting surface are shown in
Figure 3-46A. Figure 3-46B adds a plane and an elec-
trode. The plane goes through the weld axis and the
electrode axis. Figure 3-46C shows how the work angle
is measured. The work angle is the angle between a
line perpendicular to the nonbutting surface and the
plane containing the weld axis and the electrode axis.
The work angle shown is about 45°.
The work angle drawn in Figure 3-44C is zero.
Usually when welding a butt weld the work angle is zero.
The electrode is in line with the weld bead. Often when
welding a fillet weld the work angle is 45°. Angles do not
change when describing horizontal, vertical or overhead
weld angles. The angles are measured as described. The
weld axis is in a different orientation, but the measured
angles remain the same.
Drag or push travel angles usually range from
zero to 40°. Some welding applications use a greater
travel angle. Figures 3-47 and 3-48 show the range of
drag angle, push angle, and work angle for butt and
fillet welds. A large push angle, up to 85° is used for
gouging.
This sample chapter is for review purposes only. Copyright © The Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. All rights reserved.

28 Modern Welding

Test Your Knowledge

Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper. Do not
write in this book.
1. List the five basic welding joints.
2. List five things the welding symbol will tell the
welder about the weld that is to be made.
3. Why is the tail used on the welding symbol?
4. When used on the welding symbol, what does
the weld symbol tell the welder?
5. The information below the reference line refers
to the _____ side of the weld.
6. Where does the root opening appear on a groove
weld symbol?
7. What information is shown in parentheses in “E”
position in Figure 3-21?
8. On a chain intermittent welding symbol, are the
fillet weld symbols aligned or offset?
9. An intermittent fillet weld with the length and
pitch dimensions of 4-10 has how much space
between the weld segments?
A
2-6
1/16
45
G
Refer to the welding symbol above when answering
Questions 11 through 16:
11. Which piece of metal is to be ground, machined,
or cut prior to welding?
12. What does the small, half-round symbol mean?
13. What shape is the weld face to be and what
method will be used to finish it?
14. Is the weld made in the shop or on site (in the
field)?
15. At what angle is the one piece ground, and how
far apart are the pieces at the root of the weld?
16. Is the weld made continuously, or is it intermit-
tent? If intermittent, how long is each weld?
How far apart are the welds, center-to-center?

(4)
0.25
RSW
1/4

1/4

Refer to the welding symbol above when answering

Questions 17 through 19.
10. On a separate sheet of paper, sketch the 17. What type of weld is to be made?
complete welding symbol for the weld 18. How many welds will be made?
sketched in the space above. The metal part
shown is not to be ground or cut prior to 19. What size are the welds?
welding, and the weld is to be continuous 20. What kind of weld symbol(s) may straddle the
rather than intermittent. reference line?