Can You Put Rustoleum Over Rust?
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve walked into the shop, ready to start a weld, only to find a piece of mild steel covered in rust. It’s a common frustration, whether you’re running MIG vs TIG, setting up…
Alfred Chase
Lincoln Welder Settings Chart
When I first got my hands on a Lincoln welder, I thought dialing in the right settings would be straightforward—but I quickly realized that voltage, amperage, wire feed speed, and metal thickness don’t always play nice together.…
How to Build a Custom Welding Table for Your Garag
I tried welding on a flimsy workbench that wobbled every time I struck an arc — and believe me, nothing kills your weld quality faster than chasing stability while trying to control your puddle. That’s when I realized a solid,…
Stick Welding Amperage Chart I Use for Rods & Metals
When I first started running beads with stick, one of the biggest headaches I had was figuring out the right amperage setting for different rods and metal thicknesses. Too low, and the arc would stick and sputter; too high, and…
What is the Cause of Porosity in Arc Welding?
If you’ve ever pulled off your hood to find tiny holes pockmarking your weld bead, you’ve likely encountered porosity in arc welding. It’s one of those frustrating defects that can turn a solid weld into a weak, unreliable joint. As…
MIG Welding Problems and Solutions
I can’t count how many times I’ve been in the middle of a MIG weld, thinking everything was set up right, only to run into spatter everywhere, poor penetration, or that dreaded bird-nesting at the wire feed. One of my…
How to Adjust an Oxy-Fuel Welding Torch Properly
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen new welders struggle with flames that are either too weak to penetrate thicker metal or too aggressive, leaving the joint brittle and full of porosity. Back when I first started learning…
What Protective Clothing Is Needed in Arc Welding?
Back when I first struck an arc in a cramped garage corner, I thought my biggest challenge would be dialing in the right settings for different rods and metal thickness. But I learned the hard way that even perfect arc…
Clean Mild Steel for Welding: 6-Step Prep Guide
How to Clean Mild Steel for Welding What’s in This Article Why Cleaning Mild Steel Matters What Is Mild Steel and Why Does It Get Dirty? Tools and Materials for Cleaning Mild Steel Before You Begin Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning…
TIG Welding Aluminum: Tips, Tricks, and Techniques That Work
If you’re diving into TIG welding aluminum tips and tricks, you’re in for a rewarding challenge. Aluminum’s a beast to weld. It’s light, conductive, and prone to quirks, but with the right know-how, you can lay down clean, strong beads…