Choosing the right TIG welding filler rods used to confuse the hell out of me—especially when I was bouncing between aluminum jobs, stainless repairs, and mild steel fabrication all in the same week. One day I’d grab ER70S-2, the next ER308L, and sometimes I’d guess wrong and wonder why my puddle wasn’t wetting in right … Read more
Setting up my MIG welder with gas the right way made a huge difference in how clean and smooth my welds turned out. I remember switching from flux core to gas MIG and thinking it would be a simple plug-and-play job — but between adjusting gas flow, choosing the right filler wire, setting voltage and … Read more
Dialing in aluminum MIG settings can be a whole different challenge compared to welding steel. The first time I ran aluminum wire through a MIG gun, I struggled with burn-back, bird-nesting, and a puddle that felt way hotter and faster than I expected. That’s when I realized how important a solid aluminum MIG welding wire … Read more
Figuring out the maximum fillet weld size for plate thickness is one of those things that took me a while to really understand. When I was starting out, I thought bigger welds always meant stronger joints — so I’d pile on extra filler, crank up the amps, and create huge fillet welds on thick plate. … Read more
When I first got into flux core welding, dialing in the right amperage felt like a guessing game. One pass would be too cold with no penetration, and the next would be so hot I’d be blowing holes through thin steel. That’s when I realized how much easier life gets when you follow a solid … Read more
TIG welding aluminum was one of those skills that took me a while to truly get comfortable with. I could run decent steel welds all day, but the moment I switched to aluminum, the puddle moved faster, the heat built up quicker, and suddenly my clean bead turned into a melted mess. That’s when I … Read more
When I first started welding in my garage, I figured it would just be a hobby — a place to practice beads, fix broken tools, and experiment with MIG, TIG, or flux core wire on scrap metal. But once neighbors started asking if I could repair a trailer hitch, build a gate latch, or weld … Read more
Getting the hang of how to use a Miller welder was a game changer for me in the shop. I remember setting one up for the first time and wondering if I had the right settings for my metal thickness, whether my MIG vs TIG choice made sense, and how much arc control I really … Read more
If you’ve ever thought about taking your welding skills to Indiana or you’re already in the state wondering what the pay looks like, you’re not alone — a lot of welders ask the same thing. With all the different processes we use on the job — from MIG and TIG to stick and flux core … Read more
Welding thin metal with an arc welder is one of those jobs that’ll humble you fast. I’ve had plenty of moments where I struck an arc on thin sheet metal, only to watch it blow a hole before I could even steady my hand. Stick welders run hot, and without good arc control, the metal … Read more