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….
Welding is more than just joining metals—it’s a practical skill that opens doors to endless DIY projects, high-demand careers, and rewarding hobbies. For anyone curious about getting started, this beginner’s guide will walk you through the essentials of welding, including techniques, tools, safety gear, and first projects. What Welding Is and Why It Matters Welding…
Whether you’re laying your first bead or working toward certification, understanding welding positions isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. These positions directly affect how your weld turns out, how difficult the job will be, and what kind of gear or technique you’ll need. Let’s walk through each position and what it means in the real world. The…
Mixing copper and steel in a welding project? That’s no easy job. These two metals have totally different personalities, and getting them to bond using a MIG welder can be frustrating if you’re not prepared. Still, it’s doable—with the right approach, tools, and expectations. Why Welding Copper to Steel Isn’t Straightforward Copper and steel aren’t…
Welding carbon steel to stainless steel is totally doable—and it comes up more often than you might think, especially in projects where strength and corrosion resistance both matter. You just need the right filler metal, proper prep, and a little strategy to make the weld hold strong and last. Use the Right Filler to Bridge…
Welding comes with its own language—and if you don’t speak it, things can get confusing fast. Whether you’re flipping through a welder manual or talking to someone in the shop, these terms pop up everywhere. Understanding what they mean will make your learning curve smoother, your welds better, and your gear choices smarter. Let’s break…
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…
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…
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…
TIG welding aluminum might seem intimidating at first, but with the right setup and understanding of the basics, beginners can quickly get comfortable with this rewarding welding process. Aluminum’s unique properties require a bit more finesse than steel, but it’s entirely approachable with the proper technique and preparation. Why TIG Welding Is Ideal for Aluminum…