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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
25 of the Best Welding Accessories
What welding accessories should you invest in? While there’s no set list of welding accessories you must own, most welders have a typical inventory of both basic and specialized tools. We’ve gathered a list of 25 of the best welding accessories below for your reference. Ranging in price from under $20 to above $100, these…
High-Powered Art: The Expense of Engraving
Why is engraving so expensive? Engraving requires extremely accurate equipment, intricate step-by-step processes, and the proper tooling, among other things. Though engraving has come quite a long way since the days of hand carving, the true expense lies in the details. Total up the man-power, hours of labor, high-end machine costs, and you’ll begin to…
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…
Quick Guide to Welding Your Engine Block: A Mechanic’s Hail Mary
How can you successfully repair a cracked engine block by welding it—and is it actually possible? Repairing a cracked engine block via welding first requires proper diagnosis. Given the engine block can be repaired by welding up the crack, certain precautions must be taken to ensure success. There are a variety of methods used in…
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…