What should be the condition of rails before starting a welding procedure?

The correct state of the rails before initiating a welding procedure is that they should be dry and warmed. This is crucial because moisture or cold surfaces can adversely affect the welding process. If the rails are wet, it can lead to steam formation during the welding, which may cause spattering and ineffective bonding of the metals. Additionally, cold rails can contribute to poor heat distribution, making it difficult to achieve the necessary temperatures for effective thermite welding.

Warming the rails helps ensure that they are at an optimal temperature, which promotes better melting of the thermite material and the base metal, resulting in a stronger weld joint. Moreover, a warm surface reduces the risk of introducing any water vapor that could interfere with the molten weld pool. Therefore, maintaining a dry and elevated temperature condition is essential for successful welds in thermite welding procedures.