A photograph captures welding in progress, focusing on a stick electrode creating a bright arc with sparks and smoke, while forming a clean bead on a clamped metal workpiece.

What Polarity for Stick Welding: Full Guide for Stronger Welds

Polarity plays a major role in how your stick welds turn out. The right setting gives you solid penetration, clean welds, and better control of the puddle. The wrong one leaves you fighting spatter, poor fusion, and weak welds that won’t hold up under stress. Here’s a clear breakdown of which polarity works best, depending…

Bundle of 6010 welding rods, showcasing their distinct green tips and reddish body for welding tasks. Image for illustration purposes only.

What Is 6010 Welding Rod Used For: Real-World Jobs It Handles Best

6010 welding rods are a staple for many stick welders, especially those tackling tough jobs in the field. While 6010 isn’t usually the first rod beginners pick up, it’s one of the most trusted options when you need solid penetration, dependable root passes, and strong welds in challenging conditions. Here’s a clear breakdown of what…

A photograph provides a close-up view of two welded joints: a rough 6011 weld on steel and a smooth 6013 weld on rusty metal, with both rods labeled.

Welding Rods 6011 vs 6013 for Different Welding Jobs

When you’re learning stick welding, you’ll quickly run into 6011 and 6013 rods. They’re two of the most common choices, but they behave very differently once you strike an arc. Choosing the right one can save you a lot of frustration, depending on what you’re welding and how much prep work you’re dealing with. This…

A detailed close-up of a welding rod fusing a cast iron engine component, with bright sparks and molten metal along the weld seam.

Best Welding Rod for Cast Iron: Top Choices for Strong Repairs

Welding cast iron requires a little more care than working with regular steel. The metal is brittle, prone to cracking, and doesn’t handle heat changes well. That’s why choosing the right welding rod is so important. The right filler gives you a better chance of producing a strong, lasting repair. Whether you’re patching up an…

A high-resolution photograph displays a selection of welding machines from different global brands, lined up in a professional workshop setting.

Top 10 Welding Machine Manufacturers in the World for Reliable Welders

Choosing a welding machine usually starts with picking a brand you can count on. Some manufacturers have built their reputations by producing machines that deliver steady arcs, solid build quality, and features that make welding smoother—whether you’re working in your home garage or running a busy fab shop. Using a mix of manufacturer details, welder…

A close-up of a TIG welding torch with glowing tungsten electrode and ceramic gas cup, creating a bright arc over a molten weld puddle on metal.

Can You TIG Weld Without Gas? Why Shielding Gas Is Non-Negotiable

TIG welding depends on shielding gas to protect your weld from contamination. Unlike processes like stick or flux-core MIG, TIG doesn’t have built-in flux to keep oxygen and moisture out. Without gas, things start to go wrong almost immediately. Still, many beginners wonder if they can skip the gas to save a little money or…

A welder fuses a cast iron component to a steel plate, with visible sparks and a focused arc under controlled lighting.

Can You Weld Cast Iron to Steel and Get Strong Results?

Welding cast iron to steel is absolutely doable, but it’s not the kind of job you want to rush into. These two metals behave very differently when heated, and unless you prep properly and use the right filler, your weld could crack—or completely fail—after cooling. If you’re tackling a repair that involves joining cast iron…

Can You Sand J-B Weld Steel Stick for a Smooth Finish?

Can You Sand J-B Weld Steel Stick for a Smooth Finish?

J-B Weld Steel Stick is a reliable go-to for quick metal repairs when you don’t have access to a welder or just need a fast fix. It’s a hand-mixable epoxy putty that bonds to metal and cures into a solid, sandable material. Many welders and DIYers rely on it for filling gaps, rebuilding worn parts,…

A PrimeWeld TIG225X welder sits on a metal workbench, featuring its black case, red control knobs, digital display, welding cables, and TIG torch nearby.

PRIMEWELD TIG225X Review: Reliable TIG & Stick Welder for Home Shops and Small Fabricators

Reliable welding gear can make or break your projects. When you’re working on aluminum, steel, or stainless, you want a machine that delivers smooth arc control, stable performance, and real durability without draining your bank account. That’s exactly why so many home welders and small shop owners recommend the PRIMEWELD TIG225X. This 225-amp AC/DC TIG…

A close-up of a J-B Weld ExtremeHeat metallic paste container next to a rusted exhaust manifold with a sealed crack using the gray paste.

J-B Weld ExtremeHeat Reviews: A Solid High-Temp Fix That Actually Works

When you’re dealing with cracked exhaust manifolds, busted fireboxes, or engine blocks, high heat demands more than just your average epoxy. That’s where J-B Weld ExtremeHeat steps in. This 3 oz metallic paste is designed to handle temps up to 2400°F, making it a go-to option for welders, mechanics, and DIYers needing a reliable fix…