Definition
A gas welding technique in which the torch flame is pointed in the direction the weld is travelling, with the filler rod held ahead of the flame and the torch following behind it. The flame preheats the metal just ahead of the weld puddle. Used primarily on thin steel sheet up to about 1/8 inch thick.
Plain English
A way of welding where the torch points the same direction you're moving, with the filler rod leading the way and the flame following close behind to melt it into the joint.
Context Anchor
Seen in aircraft maintenance welding instructions, especially when discussing gas welding technique and the direction the torch and filler rod should move along a joint.
Derivation
From 'fore' (in front) and 'hand,' literally meaning 'with the hand forward.' The name reflects that the welder's hand and torch travel forward into fresh, unwelded metal — opposite to backhand welding, where the torch points back over the finished weld.
Why Pilots Care
Maintenance technicians working on steel-tube airframe structures or thin sheet repairs need to know which technique fits the material. Forehand welding gives better control and appearance on thin metal but is too slow and shallow for thicker stock.
Intuition Check
“Forehand” does not mean a tennis stroke here. It means a forward welding technique where the flame is aimed toward the unwelded part of the joint.
Example Sentence 1
The technician used forehand welding to join the thin steel skin, keeping the rod ahead of the flame as the bead progressed.
Example Sentence 2
During the wing spar rebuild, forehand technique gave better control of the weld puddle on the thin aluminum.