Does Welding Damage Your Eyes Even with a Mask On: What to Know

Does Welding Damage Your Eyes Even with a Mask On: What to Know

Wearing a welding helmet is essential—but that doesn’t mean you’re fully protected from eye damage. Even when you’re suited up, there are a few common risks that can still affect your vision if your helmet isn’t doing its job or you’re using it in ways that leave gaps in coverage. Let’s look at how and…

A photograph displays three flux core welders for beginners—Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i, Titanium Easy-Flux 125, and Lincoln FC90—lined up on a wooden workbench in a home garage setting.

Best Flux Core Welder for Beginners: Start Strong Without Breaking the Bank

Getting into welding is easier than ever, especially with beginner-friendly flux core welders that don’t require shielding gas. These machines plug into a standard 120V outlet, use self-shielded wire, and are ideal for garage work, home repairs, and practice runs. If you’re just getting started, a good welder should be simple to set up, forgiving…

A high-resolution photo features two compact flux-core welders—Forney Easy Weld and Titanium 125—on a metal workbench in a workshop setting.

Forney Easy Weld vs Titanium 125: Two Entry-Level Welders Worth Comparing

If you’re shopping for a beginner-friendly welder that runs on 120V and doesn’t require shielding gas, you’ve likely come across the Forney Easy Weld 140 FC-i and the Titanium Easy-Flux 125. These two machines are designed for light-duty work, perfect for small garage projects, quick repairs, and anyone learning the ropes of flux-core welding. Both…

A portable stick welding machine by Arccaptain in action, producing sparks on a metal workbench in a dim workshop.

Arccaptain Stick Welder Review: Affordable, Portable, and Surprisingly Capable

Stick welders don’t have to be expensive to be dependable—and Arccaptain proves it. These budget-friendly machines are showing up in home shops, garages, and even small repair businesses, thanks to their compact design, helpful features, and solid performance for the price. If you’re looking for a welder that’s easy to use, light enough to carry…

a welder joins two steel plates with a bright arc, producing sparks in a dimly lit workshop, showing intense heat and focused precision

Does Welding Weaken Metal? What Welders Need to Know About Heat and Strength

Welding opens up a world of possibilities, from building heavy-duty trailers to fixing busted brackets in your garage. But if you’ve ever worried whether welding makes the metal around your joint weaker, you’re not alone. It’s a valid concern—and one that’s worth understanding. The short version? Welding can weaken metal, but it doesn’t have to….

A welder using the LOTOS MIG140 machine with visible sparks flying in a workshop setting, showcasing MIG welding in progress.

LOTOS MIG 140 Review: Compact Powerhouse for Garage Welders

The LOTOS MIG140 has built a reputation as a dependable option for hobbyists and DIY welders who want solid performance without spending a fortune. Whether you’re fixing up a trailer, tackling weekend fab jobs, or just learning the ropes of MIG welding, this machine delivers real value. Let’s dig into what makes this welder a…

A photograph captures a close-up action shot of a plasma cutter slicing through a stainless steel plate, with bright sparks flying across a dark metal surface.

Can a Plasma Cutter Cut Stainless Steel Accurately

Plasma cutters aren’t just for mild steel anymore. With the right setup, they can cleanly cut through stainless steel, making them a solid tool for everything from kitchen upgrades to garage-built custom parts. Stainless might behave a little differently than carbon steel, but it’s absolutely doable—even for beginners. Let’s walk through what matters when working…

A photograph captures an industrial plasma cutter slicing through a steel sheet, with bright sparks and focused arc light in a dimly lit workshop.

Do Plasma Cutters Use Gas or Compressed Air? Here’s the Real Deal

Plasma cutting is one of the fastest, cleanest ways to slice through metal—and it’s more accessible than ever. One reason for that? Most modern plasma cutters don’t need expensive gas cylinders. Instead, they run on something you probably already have in your shop: compressed air. Let’s get into how these machines work, what they actually…

A close-up of a plasma cutter slicing through a thick aluminum sheet, with sparks flying and a gloved hand guiding the torch in a workshop setting.

Can You Cut Aluminum with a Plasma Cutter Like a Pro

Plasma cutters are a go-to tool for slicing through steel, but they’re also a solid choice for cutting aluminum—if you know what you’re doing. While aluminum can be trickier to work with, the right machine and technique can give you clean, accurate cuts without much hassle. Whether you’re working on a DIY project, doing auto…

A LOTOS multi-function welding machine with attached TIG and stick leads sits on a steel workbench in a garage workshop.

Lotos CT520D Review: Cut, TIG, and Stick Weld Without Breaking Your Budget

For welders who want flexibility without filling the shop with multiple machines, the Lotos CT520D offers a smart all-in-one solution. It combines a 50A plasma cutter, a 200A TIG welder, and a stick welder into one compact, portable unit. That makes it a great choice for DIY welders, small shop owners, and anyone who needs…