Abstract: A method and apparatus for training a welder to avoid welding either too fast or too slow is disclosed. The welder learns to weld more efficiently by the steps of a) forming a welding sample, wherein the welding sample has one or more predetermined spots (marks or markings) along its length; b) starting an application on a computer; c) starting a welding torch; d) simultaneously to step c) communicating a spoken command to the application on the computer; e) beginning welding on the welding sample, thereby creating a weld; f) communicating a spoken command to the application on the computer when the weld has reached a predetermined spot along the welding sample; and g) immediately receiving a communication from the application on the computer in response to the spoken command of step f).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a welding operation are disclosed. A power source is in communication with a microphone present in an article of welding apparel such as the welding helmet of a welder. The welder provides spoken commands which instruct the power source to perform an action such as turning on a welding torch or increasing the speed of the feed of wire to the weld. This obviates the need for the welder to stop the welding operation and manually adjust the power source.

Abstract: A welding arrangement for welding first and second sheets of material to one another, the sheets having different figures from one another, employs a source of energy, illustratively a laser, for producing a primary beam of energy and propagating the beam toward a focusing element and a splitter. The splitter is formed of stepped mirrors that facilitate adjustment of the distance between the beams. The distance can be adjusted in response to the width of a gap between the sheets to be welded. The welding beams impinge upon respective ones of the sheets to be welded with an intensity characteristic that is responsive to the thickness of the sheets. Thus, the thicker sheet will be subjected to a higher intensity beam to insure penetration sufficient to effect a good continuous weld. One or more heat sources are provided to preheat the sheets of material so that thermal expansion will close the gap between them.