How Strong Is JB Weld on Aluminum?
I remember working on a small aluminum repair once — a cracked bracket that would’ve been a hassle to TIG weld cleanly. I didn’t want to drag out the welder for such a small job, so I reached for JB…
How Much Does a Stick Welder Make? Real Earnings
If you’re grinding away at a day job and wondering if a career in welding could put more cash in your pocket, I’ve been right where you are. Back in my early days, fresh out of a community college welding…
What Causes Worm Tracks in Flux Core Welding?
There’s nothing more frustrating than running a flux core weld and seeing those annoying little squiggles — the infamous worm tracks — appear across the bead. I used to blame the wire, then the metal, then my technique, until I…
How to Use Rustoleum on Rusted Metal
If you’ve ever tried to clean up a rusted piece of metal for a project, you know how stubborn that stuff can be. You scrub, sand, maybe even hit it with a grinder — and somehow, the rust still comes…
How to TIG Weld Different Thickness Metals
Getting the hang of TIG welding different thickness metals took me some time — and a few burned-through edges along the way. TIG gives beautiful, clean welds, but it’s also less forgiving when you’re jumping between thin sheet metal and…
What Is the Strongest Glue for Plastic on Wood?
Ever tried to fix something where plastic meets wood and found every glue you use either peels off or turns gummy after a few days? Yeah — been there. In the shop, whether I’m working on a custom fabrication project,…
My Stick Welder Settings Chart for Clean Strong Welds
Getting the stick welder settings just right can make or break your weld. Too cold, and the bead just sits on top; too hot, and you’re burning through your metal before you even get started. That’s where a good stick…
TIG Amp Chart for Stainless Steel
Getting the right amps for TIG welding stainless steel can be a real balancing act. Too little heat, and the puddle won’t flow smoothly — too much, and you’ll end up with burn-through, warping, or that ugly rainbow tint from…
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…