Orbital welder with integrated track and gear drive

An orbital welding apparatus for forming a weld bead to engage adjoining segments of pipe, comprising:

• an annular track ring having an opening defined by an interior circumference and having an exterior circumference, said opening adapted for engagement with an exterior circumference of a said pipe;
• said track ring having a circular recess formed therein on a side surface;
• a travel carriage slidably engaged within said recess;
• a first motor engaged to said travel carriage, said first motor having a first axle engaged with a first gear;
• said first gear engaged with a gear track positioned in communication with said recess;
• rotation of said first motor imparting a translation of said travel carriage within said recess;
• a second motor engaged with said travel carriage, said second motor rotating a second axle;
• an arm having a first end engaged with said second axle;
• said arm having a second end engaged with a welding head;
• and
• whereby said welding head is positionable around an exterior circumference of said pipe to position a weld thereon by said translation of said carriage within said recess, and a distance of said welding head from said exterior circumference along a first axis, is adjustable by rotation of said second motor.