The handbook summarizes the information required by an amateur welder on the basics of welding. Modern electric arc and gas (gas melting) welding, as well as electron-beam, electrolytic, electric welding underwater, electroslag, diffusion induction, plasma, contact, forge, foundry, laser, friction, explosion welding are considered. There are many interesting examples, useful tips, important warnings, figures and tables. Tested in practice methods of self-manufacturing of welding machines, options for purchasing a finished product are considered.