2017 CA SkillsUSA State Welding Fabrication Contest
Playground Teeter Totter
This project involves the construction of a teeter totter suitable for playground use. Now is the time to use
your creativity to brainstorm, design and practice your project to be built. You will have six hours to
fabricate this project. Effort should be made to utilize as much of the materials provided as possible.
Note 1: We encourage you to donate this piece of playground equipment to your local school or park. If you
choose to attempt to offer a donation, please consult the Public Playground Safety Handbook at
http://www.cpsc.gov/PageFiles/122149/325.pdf for design considerations (pinch points, sharp edges, etc.)
and post-contest finishing (paints, coatings, etc.). Donation is not required but is encouraged.
Note 2: Welds will be evaluated based upon the code requirements listed in Part B Examination Book of
Specifications of the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) Examination. Copies of Part B can be found at
https://app.aws.org/w/r/certification/docs/Book_of_Specs_Eng.pdf. Pay particular attention to pages 6-9.
Project Theme:
Playground Teeter Totter
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Unit must involve a mechanical component that will allow for balanced movement.
Unit must include seats, foot rests and handles for safe operation.
Minimum of (4) drilled holes.
Minimum of (4) provided ¼”-20 x 2” bolts and matching nuts must be used.
Project must be safe for use by children ages 3 and older. No sharp edges.
All fasteners, connectors and exposed surfaces should be smooth and should not be likely to cause
laceration or clothing entanglement.
If bolts are cut, cuts must be clean with no sharp edges.
Functionality and balance will be judged.
Dimensional drawing must include
o height of upper seat when opposite seat is at its lowest point
o balance point
Materials Provided:
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(1) 3” x .125 wall x 20’ square tubing
(1) 1 ½” x .120 wall x 10’ round tubing
(2) 1 ¼” x .250 wall x 1’ mechanical round tubing/pipe
(6) ¼”-20 x 2” bolts with matching nuts
(12) ¼” washers
(1) 4’ x 4’ x 11gauge sheet steel
CA Skills State Welding Fabrication Contest (Updated August 2016)
Project Requirements:
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Minimum Project Requirements:
 5 SMAW Welds of 3” or greater (Two 3F vertical up welds required)
 5 GMAW Welds of 3” or greater (Two 3F vertical up welds required)
 5 GTAW Welds of 3” or greater (Two 3F vertical up welds required)
 5 FCAW Welds of 3” or greater (Two 3F vertical up welds required)
 5 OFC Cuts of 5” or greater total of 25” of cut material using OFC process
 80% of Total Weight of Material is required for project
Items that must be supplied by Teams:
 All Personal Protective Equipment
 Hearing and/or ear protection
 Welding helmet with appropriate filter plate/lens and protective cover plate/lens in a flip or slide
front. Auto darkening shields are permissible.
 Spare spatter and filter lenses/plates for arc welding helmet and oxyacetylene goggles
 Stainless steel wire brush
 A CD containing all electronic file(s) must be turned in at orientation:
o A (.pdf) file and a (.dxf) file is preferred.
 (2) Printed 11”x 17”Copies of Project Print(s) : 1 set for team, 1 set for judges
 One-page, typewritten résumé, turned in at orientation
 Students are permitted to bring grinders, a drill and a 12” chop saw.
 Templates are not acceptable.
 Teams may bring their own hand tools but are not needed to complete the project.
 Official Contest Attire: 100% cotton khaki colored long sleeved shirt and pants
 All leather work boots must be worn (steel-toe not required).
Tools Supplied by Committee to each team: (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
 Welding Machines
o Miller Electric XMT 350 power source used for ALL welding processes and/or Lincoln
Electric Invertec 350 (or equivalent at site)
o Voltage Sensing Suitcases may be used for GMAW/FCAW
o Smith OFC Torch and/or Harris OFC Torch
CA Skills State Welding Fabrication Contest (Updated August 2016)
Judging Categories:
 Safety
 Welding Skills
 Cutting Skills
 Teamwork
 Fabrication Accuracy
 Blueprint minimum requirements
o Title block
o Proper Critical Dimensions
o No tolerances are acceptable
o Proper Welding Symbols
o Proper Finishing Symbols
o Proper views needed to fabricate the project
 Verbal Project Description of Design: 2-5 minute description of your project design that will be
given to the judges before you compete
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Other Information
 When fabricating, sometimes parts and/or steel pieces are not supplied with the correct
dimensions. If the dimensions are different than your prints, “on the job” corrections must be
made. Notify the judges if materials are not the correct dimensions prior to any material prep. The
judges will take that into consideration when judging.
 There may be a potential acetylene supply shortage this year. Teams should practice with alternate
fuel gases such as propylene and propane in the event that acetylene is unavailable for the contest.
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Face shields AND safety glasses must be worn while grinding
Helmets or oxyacetylene goggles must be worn while cutting
Welding jackets must be worn while welding
Safety glasses must be worn at all times
Only one grinder and one welding machine may be used at a time due to close proximity of
teammates
Grinding sparks on the welding equipment or other people will result in a deduction in points
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) OSHA Approved:
*Not Provided by Committee
 Safety Glasses
 Hearing Protection
 Leather Work Boots
 Welding Gloves
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Welding Jacket
Face Shield
OFC cutting goggles or glasses
CA Skills State Welding Fabrication Contest (Updated August 2016)
Safety:
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