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 product display of a yellow JEXUGK handheld inverter welder kit, including welding rods, orange gloves, ground clamp, brush, power adapter, and carrying case.

Do Handheld Welders Work for Small Fabrication and Maintenance

Handheld welders are proving themselves as reliable tools for light-duty welding jobs. These compact machines are popular among hobbyists, home DIYers, and even professionals who need something portable and simple to operate. Thanks to improvements in inverter technology, many handheld units now deliver stable arcs, easy starts, and enough power to handle basic repairs and…

A welder in a dim workshop welding an aluminum bar with a stick welder, sparks flying as the arc glows intensely, with a MIG machine in the background.

Welding Aluminum with a Stick Welder: A Tough but Useful Skill

Stick welding isn’t the top choice for aluminum—but sometimes, it’s all you’ve got. Whether you’re fixing a cracked trailer, repairing a part on the go, or just experimenting in your garage, you can weld aluminum with a stick welder. It’s not the cleanest method, and there’s a learning curve, but for quick jobs or outdoor…

Three high-quality welding machines—Lincoln, Miller, and Hobart—sitting on a concrete shop floor with cables connected, surrounded by industrial tools in a warmly lit workshop.

Best Brand of Welding Machine for Power, Precision, and Ease

If you’re shopping for a welding machine, the brand you choose can make or break your experience. It’s not just about price or power—it’s about how well that machine handles under pressure, how easy it is to set up, and whether it grows with your skills. Some brands consistently earn trust from welders for good…

A photograph captures a welder at work in close-up, welding a steel plate with visible sparks, wearing safety gloves and a dark welding helmet.

Best Welding Technique for Steel: Practical Methods That Actually Work

Welding steel is one of the most common tasks welders face, whether it’s for structural repairs, DIY builds, or shop work. Steel is strong, widely available, and adaptable—but picking the right technique makes all the difference in the final result. Let’s break down the best welding methods for steel and how they stack up in…

A high-resolution photograph showcases two welding rods, one labeled 6010 and the other 7018, resting on a metal workbench beside welding tools.

6010 Welding Rod vs 7018: Which One’s Right for Your Next Weld?

When you’re trying to choose between 6010 and 7018 welding rods, the right pick depends on more than just preference. These rods perform differently, work with different equipment, and suit different job types. Knowing what each rod is made for can help you avoid headaches, wasted material, and weak welds. Here’s a down-to-earth guide to…

A close-up of an aluminum MIG welding process, showing a gloved hand guiding a torch over a metal plate with stacked filler rods nearby.

What Filler Rod for Aluminum: Choose the Right Rod for Strong, Clean Welds

Welding aluminum isn’t quite the same as working with steel. It’s more sensitive to contamination, more prone to warping, and it demands the right filler rod to get solid, long-lasting results. If you’re using the wrong rod—even with a flawless technique—you could end up with weak joints or cracks down the line. Let’s break down…

A photograph captures welding action up close, focusing on a 7018 electrode creating a steady arc with visible sparks and molten metal.

Best Amperage for 7018 Welding Rod: Fine-Tune Your Settings for Cleaner Welds

Getting your amperage dialed in can make or break your weld—especially when you’re working with 7018 rods. These low-hydrogen electrodes are a staple in structural work, fabrication, and general-purpose stick welding. But they only perform at their best when the amps are just right. Let’s break down the best amp ranges for different rod sizes,…

A photograph captures a welding scene juxtaposed with an ancient Egyptian carving, symbolizing the evolution of welding from historic craftsmanship to modern industry.

When Was Welding Invented? Tracing the History Behind the Spark

Welding has deep roots that stretch back thousands of years. What started as ancient metal-forging evolved into one of today’s most important trades—powering everything from skyscrapers to spacecraft. If you’ve ever fired up a machine in your garage or laid down a clean TIG bead on a job, you’re part of a long, fascinating story…

A welder in a dark workshop using a MIG welding machine, wearing a modern helmet with a glowing blue strip, sparks flying from the steel as the arc lights up the workspace.

The Future of Welding Technology: What’s Changing and Why It Matters

Welding is going through a major shift. New tools and smarter machines are changing how welders work—whether it’s in a home garage or a full-scale fabrication shop. And these changes aren’t just hype. From easier setup to better safety gear, the future of welding looks more efficient, more precise, and a whole lot more user-friendly….