What is typically the first step in preparing steel for welding?

The first step in preparing steel for welding is cleaning the surfaces. This is crucial because any contaminants, such as rust, oil, dirt, or paint, can significantly affect the quality of the weld. If the steel surfaces are not thoroughly cleaned, it can lead to defects such as porosity, insufficient fusion, or weak welds. Cleaning ensures that the metal surfaces are ready for a strong bond during the welding process.

While steps like preheating, fitting the pieces, and coating with primer are important aspects of the welding preparation process, they come after the surfaces have been cleaned. Each subsequent step aims to enhance the overall quality and integrity of the weld, but none can be effectively performed if the initial cleaning does not take place.