AWS D1.1 vs D1.3: Welding Standards for Automotive Work
Understood: AWS D1.1 suits thicker automotive structural welds, while D1.3 covers thinner sheet metal—but which standard fits your project?
Category Automotive Welding Guide
Your complete guide to automotive welding with Ryan Mitchell — a 38-year-old professional welder with 17+ years of real-world experience in collision repair, custom fabrication, and classic car restoration.
In this category, Ryan breaks down everything you need to know: MIG, TIG, spot, stick, and resistance welding techniques, weld joints and types, common defects (porosity, undercut, burn-through, etc.), troubleshooting tips, welding parameters, materials, and all the essential terms every auto tech and DIYer should master.
Whether you’re repairing a daily driver, building a custom chassis, or restoring a vintage muscle car, you’ll find clear, practical, shop-floor advice designed to help you weld stronger, smarter, and safer.
New articles added regularly. Start learning today and take your automotive welding skills to the next level.
Which Welding Position Is the Hardest and Why?
Now discover why one welding position tests every skill, with gravity, angles, and bead control making it the toughest challenge.
What Are OEM Welding Procedures and Why Do They Matter?
Discover what OEM welding procedures really are and why they can make or break quality, compliance, and your next weld.
How to Weld a T-Joint for Auto Body Fabrication
Master the art of welding a T-joint for auto body fabrication, but beware of common pitfalls that could compromise your project’s strength and durability.
Car Frame Straightening vs Welding: What Is the Difference?
Straightening or welding: which repair fits your damaged frame? See the key differences before you choose.
How to Read Auto Body Weld Diagrams and Repair Specs
Join the dots in auto body weld diagrams to decode repair specs and avoid costly mistakes, but there’s one crucial symbol most people miss.
How Welding Position Affects Weld Quality and Strength
I’ll show how welding position reshapes bead quality and strength, and why mastering the toughest angles can make all the difference.
Getting Started With Automotive Welding as a DIYer
Begin automotive welding with confidence, but discover the tools, settings, and safety tips that can make or break your first repair.
How to Use a Flap Disc for Grinding Automotive Welds
Perfect your automotive weld grinding skills with a flap disc—discover essential techniques and tips to achieve a flawless finish. Don’t miss out!
What to Expect From a Community College Auto Welding Program
Starting in the shop, a community college auto welding program teaches safety, tools, and repairs before revealing the skills that transform beginners into pros.