Welding helmets come in all shapes and sizes, and are one of the most important of a welder’s tools. Like my other tools, I get real attached to my welding helmets. I’ve had favorite helmets that were just like and old friend, and I almost couldn’t get rid of them even though they were beat up and ragged.

I’ll tell you right off, that you want a welding helmet that is lightweight and comfortable. A heavy helmet will tire your neck and back and is awkward and cumbersome. There are all kinds of different types and styles out there, but the most important thing to me is that the helmet it is light weight and durable…in other words tough. Welding helmets take a beating in the shop and field getting thrown around and stacked upon in tool boxes

Continue reading The Basics of Welding Helmets

This
article will cover some welding defects that are sometimes overlooked or not
considered. Each welding project requires careful considerations. They include:

• The process, the type of welding i.e. stick, MIG, TIG.
• The composition of the base metal and thickness.
• The welding position, i. e. flat, vertical, horizontal, overhead.
• The weld joint and type.
• Electrical supply and equipment.
• And finally, the welding techniques to be used.

Continue reading Welding Defects and Remedies

I saw a lot of bad welding techniques on cable TV shows last night. I’m not talking about, poor fusion, or weld defects such as undercut or porosity. I’m talking about the utter disregard for safety!

There’s a lot more to welding technique than just running a bead. All kinds of bad things can happen if you aren’t educated in, or just plain disregard safety. I’m hoping young hobbyist and people new to the trade aren’t copying the welding technique WITHOUT the safety factors.

Continue reading Welding Technique and Safety

There is not enough weld testing being done in the booming welding hobby field. If a new welder doesn’t know what they are doing, they may get themselves, or someone else hurt or killed. The cable TV shows have done a miserable job of getting that message out, while allowing all kinds of non-existent safety practices and violations to be aired! I’m picking on cable TV because while they’ve done a fantastic job of putting welding in the spotlight, they’ve done a miserable job of educating people about the importance of safety, and sound welds.

The only way you know you are making sound welds is to see if they pass tests.

Continue reading The Importance of Weld Tests

Welding supply companies are constantly changing the way welding equipment and welding supplies are sold. With the advent of the internet, welding websites have been popping up in order to sell welding products such as rods and wire, welding machines, welding helmets and safety products.

Welding supply firms need to harness the power of the internet in order to access a more discriminating market. Long ago are the days where wholesalers can control manufacturers, distributors and other welding supply channels in the industrial sector. These antiquated ways of doing business are slowly disappearing because of the convenience of online shopping. Any welder can simply find welding supplies online, compare pricing, and make an educated purchase in order to save money on pertinent welding equipment needed for the welding job he or she needs to perform with skill.

Continue reading Buy Welding Supplies Online and Save Time and Money

Welding is absolutely one of the hardest trades there is when it comes to proving yourself. There are codes, specifications, and procedures that have to be mastered, then proven time after time. Certification papers make you a “certified” welder. They show you’ve passed a welding test. (The Importance of Weld Tests )

Being a certified welder means you can pass a test, but it does not necessarily mean you are a good hand. Someone who goes to welding school may spend hours doing nothing but welding test plates. If they have any talent at all, and with all that practice, they will probably pass the code to become certified. But it’s a whole different story out on the job site. Welding in a booth at school ain’t the same as standing on a 2″ wide beam, 20 floors up in the air, with the wind blowing like crazy. Continue reading Welding Certification

There is some mystery involved with the term“welding flux.” Hopefully, this article will give you a better understanding of what flux is, what its functions are, and how to store flux and consumable stick and wire electrodes.

Fusion VS. Non Fusion: When soldering copper or brass, a non-fusion process, the area has to be cleaned first. The most common chemical used for this is muriatic acid. After the joint or area to be soldered is cleaned the metal is evenly heated and the “flux” is applied; it’s usually brushed on. When the metal is heated solder is added manually and the metals become joined. (The same process holds true with “brazing.” In brazing steel, the area is cleaned, the metal is heated and the brazing rod is heated and dipped into the can of “flux” and used that way.)

Continue reading What is Welding Flux