AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)

In shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), what primarily protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination?

1. AA granular flux fed continuously from a hopper
2. BA vacuum chamber surrounding the arc
3. CAn external supply of inert argon gas
4. DThe gaseous shield and slag produced as the flux coating on the electrode burns and meltsCorrect

Why: SMAW (stick welding) uses a consumable electrode covered with a flux coating. As the arc heats the coating, it decomposes to create a shielding gas and forms a molten slag that both cover the weld pool, protecting it from oxygen and nitrogen. This is why SMAW needs no external gas bottle. Argon/CO2 shielding gas describes GMAW/GTAW; a granular flux from a hopper describes SAW.

During visual inspection, a fillet weld gauge is used primarily to:

1. AMeasure the leg size and check the throat/convexity of a fillet weldCorrect
2. BDetect internal porosity within the weld
3. CDetermine the chemical composition of the filler metal
4. DMeasure the electrical resistance of the base metal

Why: A fillet weld gauge physically fits against the weld to measure leg length and assess whether the profile is convex, concave, or within tolerance. Visual inspection tools measure geometry and surface conditions, not internal or chemical properties. Internal flaws require RT or UT, and composition requires laboratory analysis. Selecting the correct gauge for the weld type is a core Part B skill.