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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
14 Essential Beginner Welding Tools You Have to Buy
If I want to start welding, which tools should I invest in? Beginner welders should purchase a quality welder, first and foremost. In addition, you’ll also need to buy supplemental tools, accessories, safety gear, and shielding gas. Despite the initial investment, it’s important to privilege quality over a cheap price tag when welding. As the…