Miller Thunderbolt 160 DC Stick Welder Review: Rugged Performance in a Compact Size

If you are searching for a reliable and portable stick welder, the Miller Thunderbolt 160 DC might be exactly what you need. Designed for beginners and seasoned welders alike, this machine offers powerful performance in a lightweight frame, making it ideal for home projects, farm repairs, and light industrial use. This review dives into the…

Does Stick Welding Require Gas? Everything You Need to Know

Does Stick Welding Require Gas? Everything You Need to Know

Stick welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is one of the most widely used welding techniques due to its versatility and affordability. A common question among beginners and professionals alike is whether stick welding requires gas. Understanding the role of shielding gas in welding processes can help determine if stick welding is…

How Does Stick Welding Work? A Simple Guide to Strong and Reliable Welds

How Does Stick Welding Work? A Simple Guide to Strong and Reliable Welds

Understanding the Fundamentals of Stick Welding: How Does It Work? Stick welding, known technically as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a process that creates strong, durable welds by using an electric arc. It’s one of the most widely used welding techniques due to its versatility and simplicity. Here, we will explore how stick welding…

A welder wearing protective gloves and a dark helmet performs stick welding, creating bright sparks and smoke as the electrode fuses two metal pieces at a right angle on a workbench.

Discover What Stick Welding Is Used For Across Trades and Projects

Stick welding remains a trusted method for joining metal in demanding environments, offering a rugged, reliable solution when other processes fall short. Also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), it stands out for its simplicity, portability, and adaptability. While it may not always produce the cleanest welds, its ability to work in tough conditions…

A welder in protective gear fusing metal on a workbench, with sparks and blue arc lighting in a dim workshop.

What Is Welding: A Beginner’s Guide to How Metal Gets Joined

Welding joins two pieces of metal together by using heat, pressure, or both. It’s one of the most essential techniques in metalwork. From repairing a cracked lawnmower frame to building massive steel structures, welding makes it all possible and keeps industries running. Here’s a clear look at what welding is, how it works, and where…

Close-up comparison of 308 and 309 stainless steel welding rod packages, side-by-side on a metal workbench.

308 vs 309 Welding Rod: Choosing the Right Filler for Stainless and Mixed Metals

When you’re welding stainless steel, your choice of rod directly affects the weld’s strength, appearance, and corrosion resistance. Among the most common stainless fillers, 308 and 309 welding rods are often compared. Each one shines in specific situations depending on the metals you’re working with and the job at hand. Let’s take a closer look…

Close-up of a welder using a 6013 welding rod on thin metal in a home workshop, with bright welding arc, visible sparks, and protective gear.

6013 Welding Rod Uses: Where This Electrode Works Best

The 6013 welding rod is a staple in many home shops, garages, and small fabrication setups. It’s known for being easy to use, forgiving for beginners, and versatile enough for a wide range of light welding jobs. Whether you’re repairing a trailer fender, building a gate, or working on lawn equipment, 6013 rods can get…

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…

Close-up view of E7018 welding rods resting on mild steel with a clean weld bead, on a rusted workshop surface.

Best Welding Rod for Mild Steel: Top Choices Explained

When it comes to welding mild steel, the rod you choose can make or break your weld quality. Whether you’re working in your garage, tackling structural repairs, or fabricating new parts, having the right rod helps ensure stronger bonds, cleaner welds, and fewer headaches. Welding mild steel isn’t complicated—when you’ve got the right rod. A…