Tag Archives: welding

Do you really need an auto darkening welding helmet?

Posted on 01/13/2010 by Matt

One of the biggest misconceptions out there, is whether or not you need an auto darkening welding helmet (speedglass). I’m not going to lie to you, having an auto darkening welding helmet is a good thing to have if you … Continue reading →

Posted in Tools | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

Finding the difference between reverse and straight polarity.

Posted on 12/09/2009 by Matt

When you see the letters AC/DC on your welder, do you think of one of your favorite rock and roll bands? Seriously though, the difference is quite important to the final quality of your welds. AC (Alternating Current) and DC … Continue reading →

Posted in Stick Welding | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off

Mig welding sheet metal tips. Video

Posted on 12/02/2009 by Matt

Here is a quick video showing a good way to weld very thin metal with a wire feed welder. I use a backer strip in the video, but sometimes you won’t be able to use one. Starting and stopping will … Continue reading →

Posted in Mig Welding | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

The right and wrong way to tack weld. Video

Posted on 12/01/2009 by Matt

Another title to this post would be: “The effect that heat has on metal”. I tried to explain two different things on this video. 1. The correct placement of tacks.  2. The effect heat has on steel. If the video … Continue reading →

Posted in Fabrication | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

How to extract a broken bolt with your welder.

Posted on 11/29/2009 by Matt

We all know about tools like an easy-out. But I want to explain an easier way to extract broken bolts especially if they are large bolts. Now this is not to be used in all situations for the simple fact that welding … Continue reading →

Posted in Mig Welding | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off

How to square up a frame or large object for welding.

Posted on 11/28/2009 by Matt

There are a few well known processes for squaring an object among the many different trades. But for the average guy who is starting out learning welding and fabrication, might not know these things. And there are many experts out … Continue reading →

Posted in Fabrication | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off

A thing or two about tack welding.

Posted on 11/28/2009 by Matt

Tack welds are used mainly to temporarily hold steel in the right place for the final welding. If you do a bad job of tacking, the tacks will break during welding and the piece will move on you. The next … Continue reading →

Posted in Mig Welding | Tagged , , , | Comments Off

How to weld sheet metal with a stick welder.

Posted on 11/26/2009 by Matt

The real trick to welding thin metal is to use a wire feed. Just kidding, this tip is to explain how to do it with a stick welder. A wire feed or tig welder is ideal for sheet metal but, … Continue reading →

Posted in Stick Welding | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments Off

What is a good welder and a good welding rod?

Posted on 11/25/2009 by Matt

I have seen many blogs about welding and the thing that seems to be common with all of them is, they are way to technical and hard to read. I’m going to try and be different, by offering welding advise … Continue reading →

Posted in Stick Welding | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off