A photograph captures a light-skinned welder in his workshop, mid-process, wearing a tan jacket and black welding helmet while welding a metal T-joint with sparks flying.

Is Welding Hard to Learn? What to Expect as a Beginner

Welding can look a little intimidating — all that bright light, loud pops, and protective gear — but the truth is, it’s a very learnable skill. Plenty of beginners pick it up with some patience, the right setup, and a few solid hours of practice. It’s not effortless, but it’s far from impossible. Whether you’re…

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…

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 working on an aluminum piece in a workshop, with bright sparks illuminating the work area, while using a TIG welding setup with a visible CO₂ tank in the background.

Can You Use CO₂ for TIG Welding: What Every Welder Should Know

TIG welding is known for its precision and clean welds, often used in projects requiring superior aesthetic and structural quality. While argon is the industry-standard shielding gas, some welders ask whether CO₂ can be a substitute. It’s a fair question, especially when cost and availability are considered. However, TIG welding and CO₂ generally don’t mix…

A welder is skillfully joining two pieces of aluminum using a TIG welding torch, with bright sparks and a clean workshop setup in the background.

How to TIG Weld Aluminum for Beginners: A Simple Starting Guide

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…

A MIG welding torch and a TIG welding torch placed side by side on a rustic metal surface, highlighting their design differences.

MIG vs TIG Welders: Key Differences Explained for Every Skill Level

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding are two of the most commonly used welding techniques in the industry, each offering unique strengths and applications. Whether you’re a beginner choosing your first welder or a seasoned professional deciding on a machine for a specific project, understanding the difference between MIG and TIG…

A close-up of a welder performing TIG welding on a steel workpiece, showcasing precise torch control and bright arc.

TIG Welding Steel Settings: Fine-Tune Your Arc for Stronger Welds

When done right, TIG welding steel offers a high level of precision, control, and cleanliness. But achieving those strong, beautiful welds depends heavily on dialing in the correct settings. Whether you’re working with mild or stainless steel, getting your amperage, gas flow, and tungsten setup right is essential for professional-quality results. This guide walks through…

A welder working on an aluminum piece in a workshop, with bright sparks illuminating the work area.

What Kind of Welder Do I Need to Weld Aluminum?

Welding aluminum requires a different approach compared to steel. Known for its lightweight nature and high thermal conductivity, aluminum poses unique challenges for welders. Whether you’re fabricating bike frames, repairing engine parts, or creating artistic pieces, choosing the right type of welder is essential to achieving clean, strong welds. Understanding Aluminum’s Welding Characteristics Aluminum has…