AWS Welding Handbook

[kingnero]

Can someone tell me what edition/year of each (?) volume would be a good thing to get?
I'm buying second hand (costs less $$$), so would an earlier edition still be a good idea?

As I'm a welding engineer in mainland europe, where we rarely use american codes, so an up-to-date version isn't really necessary. I've heard though that this book is an excellent reference work, so it would be nice to have. As long as the contect is still valid, it's good enough for me.

 

[gtaw]

The Welding Handbooks have little to with code, they are simply providing the reader with the latest/up to date technical information about subjects needed by the welding engineer.

Best regards - Al

 

[gtaw]

To add to my post, purchasing a "previous edition" of any handbook is like buying an encyclopedia that is twenty years old. It is better than a sharp stick in the eye, but it still is dated information.

Best regards - Al

 

[kingnero]

Is this series of books much different from, let's say, any metallurgy book, Roark's formulas or the Machinery Handbook?
I mean, content that was valid "back then", still works today?

I have no idea what these books contain, so if I'm wrong, please correct me. But I can't really believe that an edition of a few years old (maybe 20 years is stretching it a bit) wouldn't still be worth its salt.

 

[gtaw]

An old set of encyclopedias is not worthless, the information simply isn't the latest. Likewise, an old set of handbooks still has value. However, an engineer is in a different position than the layman. The engineer should be using up to date information when making decisions.

Best regards - Al

 

[Ron]

Agree with gtaw. I use various editions of handbooks and references because my practice is mostly forensic. I have to know the "state of science" at the time of the work; however, if you are providing general consulting, you need current reference material. If you only reference older material, your credibility as a consultant will suffer....not a good thing.

I realize it's tough to justify the expense of a handbook series when it is rarely used, so you might consider passing that expense on to your client....at least in part. Remember, as a consultant, your clients are paying you for opinions and information, both of which are expected to be right! They are usually willing to pay expenses as long as you rationalize the use of the purchase to their benefit.

 

[kingnero]

OK, thank you for your responses.
That wasn't exactly the reply I was hoping to get, but I will give it some thought.

 

[bb29510]

the code book you need is year 2010

ICC Master Special Inspector, Structural Masonry, Reinforced Concrete, Soils, Structural Bolted Joints, Structural Welding, AWS CWI D1.1

 

[gtaw]

The poster is asking about the Welding Handbooks, not a welding code.

Buying an old handbook is like buying a used pair of underwear. You can fill in the rest of the story yourself.



Best regards - Al

 

[kingnero]

I believe I quite understand your point. thanks for being bluntly honest (and I'm not trying to be funny nor cynical).
at about 200 USD a book (times three, as the 4th and 5th book aren't published yet but probably will in 2014), it's quite some cash for a one-man show.

 

[gtaw]

I'm in the same boat. I set aside about $3000 per year to keep my library of references current. It is the price of doing business.

Best regards - Al

 

[bb29510]

The original post ask about a code book and not handbook, go retread the original post. The code book has everything you need to know about welding

ICC Master Special Inspector, Structural Masonry, Reinforced Concrete, Soils, Structural Bolted Joints, Structural Welding, AWS CWI D1.1

 

[gtaw]

Not to be argumentative, but it might be useful to reread the entire thread. The header lists "AWS Welding Handbook" and the conversation includes "Is this series of books much different from, let's say, any metallurgy book, Roark's formulas or the Machinery Handbook"

It is easy to see where one might confuse the structural welding codes with the welding handbooks. However, a code hardly tells the reader "everything you need to know about welding." While I am a fan of the structural welding codes, they do not provide the reader with a tutorial on the subjects of welding metallurgy, welding processes, the influence of weld discontinuities, the basics of selecting appropriate NDE, etc. That's where the Welding Handbook comes in.



Best regards - Al

 

[kingnero]

As I mentioned before, I rarely encounter references to american codes (I don't do a whole lot of pressure equipment, where american codes are commonly used).
so I am not looking for codebooks, as I am aware that there, only the last version is applicable (except exceptions of course).