One thing I’ve learned quite well throughout my welding years is that every type of welding has its limitation. MIG welding is one that I use quite often but of course, it’s best for certain types of metals, particularly certain thicknesses. It’s important to keep in mind the functionality and the capabilities of your tools so that your welding job is accurate and flawless. … [Read more...] about How Thick of Metal Can You MIG Weld?
What is the Best Way to Weld Thin Metal?
I’ve always found thin metal to be challenging to work with. It seems as though it’s the hardest to get to cooperate, to an extent. Of course, thin metal can be weak although it’s not usually brittle. The thinness and the contents of the metal often are the challenge and I have to prepare myself to work with them appropriately. What is the best way to weld thin metal? MIG … [Read more...] about What is the Best Way to Weld Thin Metal?
Can You Weld Over Painted Metal?
Oh, boy, that’s a really great looking paint job! The problem is, I now have to weld that beautiful piece. The painted layers just won’t do, or will it? There are a lot of variables in welding, including a lot of processes to be familiar with. So can you weld over painted metal? Yes, it is possible to weld over painted metal but as you weld, it will have to burn off the … [Read more...] about Can You Weld Over Painted Metal?
How Do You Prepare Metal for Welding?
You’re all psyched up for a welding job. Maybe it’s your first one or maybe you’re a seasoned welder and you’re just really excited for the upcoming job. You grab your gear and your tools and you hit the road to your welding location. When you arrive, the piece you are going to be welding is greasy and coated in grime. You notice some rust flaking and your excitement quickly … [Read more...] about How Do You Prepare Metal for Welding?
What is the Easiest and Hardest Metals to Weld?
In the welding industry, you quickly learn that there are numerous types of metals. There are some metals I will never work with and some metals I work with all the time. The metal you work with might also vary based on the type of welding you are doing. So what are the easiest and hardest metals to weld? Mild steel is by far the easiest metal to weld with. Keep in mind that … [Read more...] about What is the Easiest and Hardest Metals to Weld?
When Is It Too Cold to Weld?
A lot of professional welders have to work in every month of the year – even the cold ones. Your clients rely on you to get the job done no matter how cold it is. But, when is it too cold to weld? Metal below freezing temperatures can cause the weld not to penetrate the base metal. To fix this you can either bring the metal into a warmer place and bring it up to room … [Read more...] about When Is It Too Cold to Weld?
How to Strike an Arc with a MIG Welder – 2 Simple Methods
I can remember the first time I switched on a welder and picked up the welding gun to make my first weld. My hands shook as I pointed the nozzle down towards the metal and then I slowly squeezed the trigger. Suddenly a sharp blast of sparks exploded from the end of the welding gun as I quickly released the trigger. As I looked down at the metal I realized I had made an … [Read more...] about How to Strike an Arc with a MIG Welder – 2 Simple Methods
Can You Mig Weld Aluminum Without a Spool Gun
In my early days of being a welder, I was always curious about different ways I could weld things together. Aluminum was no exception to that rule and after a little bit of tinkering around, I was able to use a MIG welder to weld aluminum together. Can you MIG weld aluminum without a spool gun? Yes, you can weld aluminum with a MIG welder. To do this you will need to … [Read more...] about Can You Mig Weld Aluminum Without a Spool Gun
Best Tape Measure for Welding – A Complete Buyer’s Guide
One of the first things I learned as a welder is that you need a reliable set of tools for the job. I’m not just talking about welding tools, I’m also talking about basic tools like hammers, chisels, pliers, tape measures and more. As you know, these tools can vary greatly and there are literally hundreds, maybe even thousands, of them available to choose from. The thing … [Read more...] about Best Tape Measure for Welding – A Complete Buyer’s Guide
Should You Weld Up or Down – Which Will Penetrate the Best
One thing I learned early on as a welder is that you almost never weld in the same position. One moment you might be welding flat the next you could be doing a vertical down. It's these vertical welds that can be a bit tricky if you don't do them right. So should you weld up or down when it comes to a vertical weld? A vertical up weld will penetrate better while a … [Read more...] about Should You Weld Up or Down – Which Will Penetrate the Best
