Faculty

WLDG-1428 Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Kristin Burke

Credit Spring 2026

Section(s)

WLDG-1428-007 (19138)
LEC MW 10:45am - 12:00pm RRC RRC5 5133.00

LAB MW 12:00pm - 1:20pm RRC RRC5 5133.00

WLDG-1428-012 (19143)
LEC MW 8:00am - 9:20am RRC RRC5 5133.00

LAB MW 9:20am - 10:35am RRC RRC5 5133.00

WLDG-1428-015 (19146)
LEC MW 4:45pm - 6:05pm RRC RRC5 5131.00

LAB MW 6:05pm - 7:20pm RRC RRC5 5131.00

Course Requirements

Examinations/ OSHA 10/ Other Assignments

This course consists of four exams (Safety Exam, Mid-term, Final Exam,Torch Final), and a requirement to complete OSHA 10 by the withdrawal deadline. It may also include quizzes and other assignments, at the discretion of your instructor. These assignments account for 40% of your overall course grade.

Safety examination: Chapter 2- Must score an 80 or higher to remain in the class

Mid-term examination: 3 and 28

Final examination: Chapters 4 and 7

Torch Final: Hands on final demonstrating proper torch use

It is the student’s responsibility to confirm exam content, format, and dates with your instructor.

OSHA 10 Requirement

Students taking WLDG 1428, WLDG 1430, or WLDG 1434 are required to complete OSHA 10 training. This training is available online. A recommended site for this training is www.careersafeonline.com. The training must be completed by the withdrawal deadline or per your professor’s instructions. Failure to meet this requirement may result in you being dropped from the course. If you have already completed the training, you may show your professor proof of completion to satisfy this requirement.

PROJECT LIST

Surfacing

Project Number

Skill

Grade (0,1,2,3,4)

Instructor’s Initials

1. Flat.......................... E-6010.................................................................................

2. Horizontal............... E-6010.................................................................................

3. Vertical................... E-6010.................................................................................

4. Overhead................ E-6010.................................................................................

5. Flat.......................... E-7018.................................................................................

6. Horizontal............... E-7018.................................................................................

7. Vertical................... E-7018.................................................................................

8. Overhead................ E-7018.................................................................................

Oxy-Fuel Cutting (OFC)

Project Number

Skill

Grade (0,1,2,3,4)

Instructor’s Initials

Cutting

9. Manual Torch.......................................................................................................

10. Track Torch..........................................................................................................

Tee Joints & Lap Joints

Project Number

Skill

Grade (0,1,2,3,4)

Instructor’s Initials

11. Horizontal (2F)....... E-6010.................................................................................

12. Vertical (3F)........... E-6010.................................................................................

13. Overhead (4F)........ E-6010.................................................................................

14. Horizontal (2F)....... E-7018.................................................................................

15. Vertical (3F)........... E-7018.................................................................................

16. Overhead (4F)........ E-7018.................................................................................

Edge Joints

Project Number

Skill

Grade (0,1,2,3,4)

Instructor’s Initials

17. Flat (1F).................. E-6010.................................................................................

18. Horizontal (2F)....... E-6010.................................................................................

19. Vertical (3F)........... E-6010.................................................................................

20. Overhead (4F)........ E-6010.................................................................................

21. Flat (1F).................. E-7018.................................................................................

22. Horizontal (2F)....... E-7018.................................................................................

23. Vertical (3F)........... E-7018.................................................................................

24. Overhead (4F)........ E-7018.................................................................................

Flare Bevel

25. Horizontal (2F)……..E-6010………………………………………………………………

26. Vertical Up (3F)……E-6010……………………………………………………………

27. Overhead (4F)………E-6010……………………………………………………………

28. Horizontal (2F)……..E-7018………………………………………………………………

29. Vertical Up (3F)……E-7018……………………………………………………………

30. Overhead (4F)………E-7018……………………………………………………………

V-Groove w/ backing

Project Number

Skill

Grade (0,1,2,3,4)

Instructor’s Initials

31. Flat (1F).................. E-6010.................................................................................

32. Horizontal (2F)....... E-6010.................................................................................

33. Flat (1F).................. E-7018.................................................................................

34. Horizontal (2F)....... E-7018.................................................................................

Calculation of Final Grade

To more accurately grade each student on their progress, each project will get a grade of 0, (not completed), 1 (poor weld quality), 2 (medium weld quality), 3 (good weld quality), 4 (exceptional weld quality). Total possible points available is the number of projects multiplied by 4. The Percentage Completed will be determined by dividing student’s total points earned by total points possible.

Projects............................ Percent Completed_________% x 60% = _________Points

Exams/ OSHA 10/ Assignments.................. Average of Grades_________% x 40% = _________Points

Total Points_______ Final Course Grade_______

Readings

Required Texts/ Materials/ Software

Jeffus, Larry, Welding: Principles and Applications, Delmar Publishers, Inc., current edition.

This excellent textbook provides a great deal of specific instruction and reference material on theory and applied welding skills. It can be purchased at the campus bookstore.

Required Supplies:

Supplies – All are required. Not having these required tools will affect your grade for this course.

You are required to purchase the following items for your classes. You are preparing to enter the profession of welding, and like other technical crafts, it requires specialized tools and equipment. Higher quality tools cost more initially, but they tend to last longer and usually result in savings over time.

Most tools are needed on the first day of class, some are needed by week 2. All other tools are required by mid-term.

Safety glasses*
Welding hood with replacement cover lenses *
Welding cap
Leather boots*
Gauntlets or gloves, according to your class*
Leather sleeves or jacket – (Not required if only taking WLDG 1434 - Intro to GTAW)*
Long sleeve heavy cotton work shirt*
Cutting glasses, shade 3 or 5*
Hand wire brush*
Chipping hammer*
Vice Grip™ 10R, or 10WR, or 10CR, or 12LC (at least one vice grip)*
Striker with flint replacements*
Soapstone*
needle-nose pliers with side cutter, if taking a GMAW course (Welder’s Plier such as Welpers™ recommended)*
12” combination square with steel blade, or 6”speed square*
4½” diameter angle grinder** – must have by end of week 2
Extra grinding disks (1/4”x4 ½”)** - must have by end of week 2
Extra wire wheels (4 ½”) **- must have by end of week 2
retractable tape measure **- must have by end of week 2
Ear plugs **- must have by end of week 2
10” crescent wrench
Tool box or bucket or tool bag
Face shield with clear lenses
Oxy/Fuel tip cleaner
Vice Grips™, two 11R each

*Indicates needed on first day of class

**Must have by end of week 2

Course Subjects

Course Description

WLDG 1428: Introduction to Shielded Metal Arc Welding. An introduction to the shielded metal arc welding process. Emphasis placed on power sources, electrode selection, oxy-fuel cutting, and various joint designs. Instruction provided in SMAW fillet weld is in various positions.

Student Learning Outcomes/Learning Objectives

Course Learning Outcomes

Select electrodes and amperage settings for various thicknesses of materials and welding positions; define principles of arc welding; explain electrode classifications; perform SMAW operations utilizing various positions, electrodes, and joint designs.

Program Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate welding skills sufficient to meet industry certified welder standards.
Interpret codes and safety standards that pertain to the welding industry.
Use proper hand, measuring, and layout tools, to fabricate welded projects or certification coupons.
Demonstrate work attributes and ethics that contribute to personal success and towards employment goals.