Welding 101
35 articles
Can You Weld Painted Metal?
Welding through paint can leave a joint weaker than it looks. This article explains the effects on weld quality, the fume and fire hazards, and how much paint to remove. It covers hidden coatings behind or between parts and precautions for older or unknown paint.
Read article
How to Read a Weld Puddle: A Beginner Guide
Learn how to read a weld puddle by watching its leading edge, sides, width, and movement. This beginner guide explains what a good puddle looks like, what common changes mean, and how to adjust travel speed, angle, arc length, or stickout across four common welding processes.
Read article
Can Welding Goggles Be Used as Sunglasses?
Welding goggles should not replace sunglasses, even though their dark lenses may look similar. They are built to protect against intense arc radiation, which can make ordinary outdoor vision uncomfortably dark and potentially unsafe for daily activities.
Read article
Can a Generator Run a Welder? Complete Generator Guide Welding
A generator can run a welder, but only when its output matches the machine’s electrical demands. This guide explains how to choose the right generator size, prevent unstable arcs and equipment damage, and weld safely wherever grid power is unavailable.
Read article
What Is Travel Speed in Welding?
Travel speed in welding affects bead shape, fusion, penetration, heat input, and distortion. Learn how to calculate it and identify signs of moving too fast or too slowly. Adjust your MIG, TIG, or stick technique to produce cleaner, more consistent welds.
Read article
Best Tungsten Electrode for TIG Welding Aluminum
Choosing the right tungsten electrode can make aluminum TIG welding easier to control. Learn how to choose, prepare, and size tungsten electrodes for TIG welding aluminum.
Read article
MIG Gun Parts Explained: A Guide to MIG Torch Components
A MIG gun, also called a MIG torch, delivers wire, current, and shielding gas to the weld. Learn how MIG gun parts work together, how worn components cause common welding problems, and what to check before replacing a part or choosing a gun for your welder.
Read article
What Do the Numbers on Stick Electrodes Mean? E6010, E6011, E6013 & E7018
Confused by stick electrode numbers like E6010 or E7018? Learn how to read welding rod classifications and understand how common electrodes differ in strength, coating, and welding performance. This guide covers the meaning of the most common stick electrode numbers.
Read article
What Is Arc Length in Welding? How It Affects Weld Quality
Arc length affects how smoothly the arc burns and how easy the weld pool is to control. This guide explains what arc length means in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding and how it affects weld quality. It also shows how to spot common arc-length problems and keep the arc consistent.
Read article