How to Set Up MIG Welder with Gas
When I first started learning how to set up a MIG welder with gas, I made just about every mistake possible — from cranking the gas flow rate too high to using the wrong wire type for the metal thickness…
How Should Low Hydrogen Electrodes Be Stored?
One thing I learned early in my welding career is that how you store low hydrogen electrodes can make or break your weld quality. I once grabbed a box of 7018 rods that had been sitting open in the corner…
How to Weld Thin Metal with Flux Core
Welding thin metal with flux core can be one of the trickiest jobs in the shop. It’s that moment when you’re trying to run a smooth bead, but the sheet starts to warp, or worse — you blow right through…
Why I Use KCl Solution in pH Electrodes (For Welders, 2025 Update)
Whether you’re a DIY welder tinkering in your garage, a hobbyist crafting custom pieces, or a pro sticking to AWS codes, understanding KCl’s role in pH electrodes is a game-changer for weld quality and safety. Why does this matter in…
How to Prevent Undercut in Welding
If you’ve ever run a bead and noticed those pesky grooves along the edges of your weld, you’re dealing with undercut. Figuring out how to prevent undercut in welding is a game-changer, whether you’re a DIYer fixing up a trailer…
How Does MIG Welding Differ from TIG Welding
When I first tried MIG welding after years of TIG, I was surprised at how different it felt — almost like trading a fine-tuned guitar for a drum kit. MIG vs TIG isn’t just a debate for metalworkers; it’s about…
What Welding Rods Need to Be Kept in an Oven
One thing every welder learns sooner or later is that not all rods can just sit on the bench overnight and still weld right the next day. Grab a handful of 7018s that have soaked up a bit of shop…
Flux Core Aluminum Welding Rods
Flux core aluminum welding rods are one of those things that had me scratching my head the first time I came across them. Most of us learn early on that aluminum is best handled with TIG for precision or MIG…
My Best Flux Core Welding Tips for Beginners
Flux core welding can be a bit intimidating for beginners — spatter flying everywhere, uneven beads, and metal burning through when you least expect it. It’s a common struggle, especially when you’re just getting used to how flux core wire…
How to Repair Rusted Metal with Holes
One of the trickiest jobs I’ve had in the shop was figuring out how to repair rusted metal with holes without making the damage worse. Rust eats away at the metal thickness until you’re left with weak, thin spots that…