How do I weld my own roll cage? Welding a roll cage requires applying a variety of techniques and mathematical calculations. Among the factors to consider are the interior dimensions of the vehicle, applicable safety regulations, and your particular set of welding skills. By no means a beginner’s project, building a roll cage can, however, be an incredibly rewarding experience. …
The Ultimate List of Welding Resources
Where can I find the best welding resources? From learning how to weld to perfecting your technique, there are plenty of welding resources available, both online and in-person. Traditional welding classes are offered at many community colleges and technical schools. The wealth of online welding knowledge includes videos, tutorials, write-ups, guides, and much more. It’s possible to find out almost …
Why Perform Plasma Cutting Under Water?
The notion of plasma cutting underwater might surprise newbies, but they quickly learn that it’s nothing new. In fact, they may discover that they prefer performing plasma cutting underwater to conventional methods. Several reasons suggest that underwater plasma cutting truly is the way to go whenever possible. Why perform plasma cutting underwater? You perform plasma cutting underwater for these and …
How Do You Ground a Welding Table
How Do You Ground a Welding Table? When setting up a welding circuit, you know that clamp that you call a grounding clamp? Don’t call it a grounding clamp. Call it a “return” clamp, because it returns the current to your welder. That differs from an earth ground. An earth ground makes a physical connection to the ground via a …
Plasma Cutting and Composite Materials – Special Considerations?
What exactly is plasma cutting and can welders adapt it for newer composite materials? Plasma cutting is a welding process for cutting materials that conduct electricity. It is quick, cheap, and precise, which makes it popular for all sizes of jobs. Technology continues to advance every year. However, when using composite (combo) materials instead of standard ones, like steel, watch …
The What, Why, and How of Metal Brakes(bending)
Most metal bending is done with a brake, but do you know how and why that is? Bending is a process in manufacturing that can create a variety of shapes – channel, U or V-shaped. A brake is a metalworking machine that welders use to bend the sheet metal. There are multiple sizes and styles of brakes that can bend …
Teach Yourself to Weld At Home: A Beginner’s Guide
Can you teach yourself to weld? While teaching yourself to weld isn’t easy, there are many ways you can learn and practice welding at home. There are many books, tutorials, YouTube videos, classes, and in-person opportunities that can teach you the basics of welding. Focusing on one type of welding will set you up for success. We recommend starting with …
Welding the Future: Will it be by Hand or Machine?
Will welders be replaced by robots? Automated, or machine welding already exists in our workforce. However, the progression towards replacing welders with machinery will only continue to gain momentum. That being said, there will almost always be a need for experienced welders to program and monitor their automated counterparts. Special welding tasks remain the responsibility of skilled welders who are …
Plasma Cutting With and Without Air: Which Should You Choose?
Can you use a plasma cutter without an air compressor? Plasma cutters typically come with an air compressor, but some units come without this component. Air compressors can help you cut more precisely. They can also make your plasma cutter portable for off-the-grid jobs. However, they do come with some downsides. While you can plasma cut with or without air, …
Grab Hold: Choosing the Best Welding Pliers
Who makes the best welding pliers? Choosing the correct welding pliers for your application requires careful consideration. You should take into account the type of welding, the material(s) of the pliers, your budget, and your personal preferences. Finding the right set of welding pliers can take time, but once you’ve found a pair you like, they should last you quite …