Welding Tips and Tricks

Does anyone know a good source for metal ID information? I have not had any training of any sort and this is one area I struggle in. Any information is appreciated.

What do you specifically mean with "metal ID"?
-Jonathan

I would imagine that he means something along the lines of a spark test... i.e. identifying metal based off sparks/chips/streamers that it throws off when hit with a grinder.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spark_testing

No color, but has a good description of all the different ferrous metal sparks/trails.

http://www.scrapmetaljunkie.com/241/the ... g-metals-2

Better pictures, and in color.

Yes I was referring to spark testing or any other means of identifying metals.

Matt,
What you have identified is an age old problem that has no real solution that's 100% accurate. Magnets work to see if it has Iron in it but that's all, could still be some grade of stainless. Aluminum, if you figure it out, I'm all ears. As to steel you're still just guessing at best and some people get pretty good at guessing, but are still just guessing.

At work I rely on drawings and hope the original builder put in what was spec'd out. Other than that I'm hoping somebody knows a real answer to your question, because I honestly don't.

Len

You'll find this helpful . He knows his shiit. Be patient with him.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9Ukt7y ... YM9ry3-uuP