Laser beam welding parameters have experimentally investigated, using a continuous wave 3kW $CO_2$ laser with the various travel speeds, beam mode and laser beam power in low carbon steels. An optimum position of focus and the effect of shielding gas on penetration depth with varying the flow range of 0.5 to 5.1m/min have been combined to investigate the effect of laser power and travel speed on penetration depth and bead width. It is found that the optimum position of focus in 3kW class laser is 0.5 to 1.5mm below the surface of the material. The flow rate of shielding gas affects the penetration depth and He is more effective than Ar. The penetration depth in laser welds of low carbon steels is between two and four times of the bead width. Laser beam welding of butt joints in 2mm thick carbon steel has been carried out to establish a weldability lobe. The lobe indicating acceptable welding conditions is introduced.