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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
Welding Extension Cords: Lengthen Your Metal-Melting Power
How safe are welding extension cords to use? Purpose-made welding extension cords can bring a sense of portability to your welder. However, there are certain stipulations which you should follow when buying and/or creating your own welding extension cord. The welder (both operator and machine), length of cord, power supply, and many other details affect…
Rod Ovens: What Are They and Do I Need One?
Those proficient at stick welding already possess expertise in temperature management, shielding gas, travel speed and more. You would expect no less from them in terms of equipment and materials prep. Stick welders should carefully maintain everything involved in the welding process. A rod oven is a good example. What are rod ovens and do…
What Are Dimes in Welding?
What Are Dimes in Welding? If there ever was a signature weld, it would be the “stack of dimes” weld. A pretty stack of dimes says, “This welding job was done by a pro.” What are dimes in welding? The “dimes” in welding are the hardened, round puddles of metal and filler created during the…
There’s a Hole in Your Table, Dear Welder
Do you want a welding table with holes? Holes intentionally placed within the structure of a welding table serve quite a variety of purposes. These holes can be of any shape and/or size, really, and are meant to either help hold a tool or work piece that is being welded. Welding tables are useful both…
Welding Positions and Types: A Quick Guide
What are the different welding positions and what special considerations are there for each type? The American Welding Society defines four welding positions. The plane of the weld, as well as the type of weld required, defines a welding position. A pairing of numbers and specific letters denote a weld position. The numbers 1-4 denote…