Welders work on a variety of structures and other objects, including heavy machinery, bridges, and nuclear power plants. Welders use all types of welding equipment in a variety of positions, such as flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead. They may perform manual welding, in which the work is entirely controlled by the welder, or semi-automatic welding, in which the welder uses machinery, such as a wire feeder, to perform welding tasks. They generally plan work from drawings or specifications or by analyzing damaged metal, using their knowledge of welding and metals. They select and set up welding equipment and may also examine welds to insure they meet standards or specifications.
Some welders have more limited duties.
They perform routine production work that has already been planned and laid out. These jobs do not require knowledge of all welding techniques. In many production processes where the work is repetitive and the items to be welded are relatively uniform automated welding is used. In this process, a welding machine operator monitors the machine, which performs the welding tasks. Welding machine operators set up and operate welding machines as specified by layouts, work orders, or blueprints.