Welding Your Own Roll Cage: A Quick Reference Guide
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 Knives: The Good, the Bad, and the Just Plain Ugly
Can you weld knives? While it’s certainly possible to weld a knife, it’s not always practical. Consider the value and purpose of the knife in question. An intermediate-to-advanced understanding of metals increases the chances of success; however, welding knives is often left to the experts or simply used as a last resort. Your broken knife […]
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 With a Car Battery and Coat Hanger: How it’s Done
How can you weld with a car battery and a coat hanger? Using the battery as a power source and the coat hanger as your filler rod, you can successfully weld. However, it’s better to link more than one battery together. This will allow you to achieve the proper amount of amperage needed to start […]
What is Metal Fume Fever and How Can I Prevent It?
Can you recognize the signs and symptoms of Metal Fume Fever? Metal Fume Fever (MFF) is an occupational hazard where the inhalation of zinc oxide smoke causes welders to feel ill. It is more dangerous in welders with heart and lung conditions or multiple exposures. Prevention starts with regular testing of the air on the […]
Welding Around Automotive Electronics
Welding is not all steel frames, bars, butt joints, angles and sheet metal. Sometimes you have to work on projects where you’re welding in close proximity to sensitive electronic gear that for one reason or another, needs to stay right where it is while you weld. A perfect example of this is automotive welding. So […]