Master essential welding techniques and practical tips to improve your skills, boost efficiency, and get cleaner, stronger welds every time.
MIG welding is one of the most accessible and widely used welding methods—especially for home shops, small garages, and light fabrication. It’s quick to learn, works well on a variety of materials (especially mild steel), and doesn’t require advanced skills to produce strong, clean welds. If you’re trying to decide whether MIG is right for…
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…
Knowing which welding method to use can make a big difference in the quality of your work — whether you’re fabricating metal furniture, fixing a trailer, or just learning the ropes in your garage. Each technique comes with its own strengths, limitations, and ideal use cases. Some are better suited for beginners, while others offer…
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…
When you’re working with aluminum, 6061 often ends up being the go-to choice. It’s strong, versatile, easy to weld, and machines well. But once you start ordering material, you’ll likely see two common options: 6061 T6 and 6061 T651. At first glance, they seem almost identical. However, there are important differences that can affect your…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…