INTRODUCTION The methods of applying the various welding processes are categorized according to the degree of operator involvement in the performance of welding operations. In manual welding@ defined in the American National Standard Standard Welding Terms and Definitions@ AWS A3.0:2001@ as ??welding with a torch@ gun@ or electrode holder held and manipulated by hand@??1@ 2 the welder performs the welding function and maintains continuous control of the welding operations by hand. In semiautomatic welding@ defined as ??manual welding with equipment that automatically controls one or more of the welding conditions@??3 the welder manipulates the welding gun to create the weld while the electrode is automatically fed to the arc.1? American Welding Society (AWS) Committee on Definitions@ 2001@ Standard Welding Terms and Definitions@ AWS A3.0:2001@ Miami@ American Welding Society@ pp. 50?C51. 2 ?At the time of the preparation of this chapter@ the referenced codes and other standards were valid. If a code or other standard is cited without a date of publication@ it is understood that the latest edition of the document referred to applies. If a code or other standard is cited with the date of publication@ the citation refers to that edition only@ and it is understood that any future revisions or amendments to the code or standard are not included; however@ as codes and standards undergo frequent revision@ the reader is encouraged to consult the most recent edition. 3 ?American Welding Society (AWS) Committee on Definitions@ 2001@ Standard Welding Terms and Definitions@ AWS A3.0:2001@ Miami@ American Welding Society@ p. 67.?