Welding Blog
Guides, articles and comparisons written for practical welding decisions.
304 vs 316 Stainless Steel: Welding Differences
304 vs 316 stainless welding explained: chemistry, filler choice, sensitization, ferrite, hot cracking, corrosion and fume safety for picking the right grade.
Flux-Cored vs MIG Welding: When to Use Each
Flux cored vs MIG welding compared: shielding, wind tolerance, deposition, spatter, fume, cost, and clear rules for choosing the right wire process.
Shielding Gas Comparison: 100% CO2 vs Argon Mix for MIG Welding
CO2 vs argon welding gas compared for MIG welding: penetration, spatter, transfer modes, cost and safety, plus how to choose for your steel and thickness.
TIG vs MIG Welding: Which Should You Choose?
TIG vs MIG welding compared on precision, speed, cost, skill, materials and safety, with a practical framework for choosing the right process for your job.
Confined Space Welding Safety Checklist
Use this confined space welding safety checklist to plan entry, test the atmosphere, control fumes and fire, and prepare an effective rescue before work begins.
Aluminum TIG Welding: AC Balance Settings Explained
Learn how aluminum TIG welding AC balance controls oxide cleaning versus penetration, which percentages to start with, and how to fix common arc problems.
Preheating and Interpass Temperature Control Guide
Learn how preheat and interpass temperature welding limits work: why steel is preheated, how minimums are set, where maximums apply, and how to measure them.
Understanding the Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ) in Welding
Learn what the heat affected zone in welding is, how its microstructure forms, what can go wrong in steel, stainless and aluminium, and how to control it.
Welding Fume Exposure: What the OSHA/EU Limits Mean
Welding fume exposure limits explained: how OSHA and EU limits work for chromium VI, manganese and total fume, and what to do beyond the numbers.
How to Read a Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)
Learn how to read a WPS: what each section means, how essential variables and heat input limits work, and the mistakes that turn good welds into rejects.
Stick Welding Troubleshooting: Common Defects Explained
A practical troubleshooting guide to common stick welding defects — what causes porosity, undercut, cracking, and more, and how to fix each one.
Best Stick Welding Electrodes for Beginners
A practical guide to the best stick welding electrodes for beginners, covering E6013, E6011, and E7018, plus sizing, polarity, and storage.
Common MIG Welding Defects and How to Fix Them
A practical guide to diagnosing common MIG welding defects, from porosity and undercut to cracking and warping, with clear root causes and fixes.
MIG Welding Wire Speed and Voltage Chart Guide
A practical MIG welding wire speed and voltage chart for steel, aluminum, and flux-core wire, with tuning tips and a troubleshooting guide.
Tungsten Electrode Types and Grinding Angles Explained
Learn tungsten electrode types, AWS color codes, and the grinding angles that control arc shape, penetration, and weld quality in TIG welding.
TIG Welding Amperage Chart: Settings by Material Thickness
A complete TIG welding amperage chart covering steel, stainless, and aluminum by thickness, plus tungsten, gas flow, and pulse settings.
The Complete Guide to Welding Equipment
A complete guide to welding equipment: machine types, consumables like electrodes and shielding gas, essential accessories, costs, safety, and buying advice.
Welding Metallurgy Basics
Learn welding metallurgy basics: heat input, the heat-affected zone, phase changes, hydrogen cracking, preheat, and how to control weld quality.
How to Become a Certified Welder
Learn how to become a certified welder: training options, AWS certification tests, costs, timelines, and tips to pass your first weld test.
Welding Safety 101
A complete guide to welding PPE: helmets, filter shades, FR clothing, gloves, respirators, and the standards that keep welders safe from arc, heat, and fumes.
What Is Flux-Cored Welding?
Learn what flux-cored welding (FCAW) is, how FCAW-S and FCAW-G differ, which wire and settings to use, and the mistakes that trip up beginners.
What Is Stick Welding?
Learn what stick welding (SMAW) is, how it works, which electrodes to choose, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip up most beginners.
What Is MIG/MAG Welding?
Learn what MIG/MAG welding is, how it works, which gases and wires to use, and how to avoid the mistakes that trip up most beginners.
What Is TIG Welding?
Learn what TIG welding is, how it works, the equipment you need, and beginner-friendly tips to weld cleaner, stronger joints with confidence.