Published on WeldingChamps.com

While traditional stick welders knew very little about gases with their welding, the rise of the MIG and TIG welding machines over the last 70–80 years has brought in the need for gas as a common commodity in most workshops.

Why are there so many different kinds, though? And what are they used for?

As we jump into the leading gases and mixtures used in the welding world, it’s fascinating to learn how much we have progressed over the short time since they were first implemented. …

Published on WeldingChamps.com

Are you wondering how hot a plasma cutter gets? As it’s the most effective means of cutting metal with heat, it needs to be an incredibly hot system. A plasma cutter can chew through up to 200 inches of material per minute. Scientists and engineers have been working on improving the technology to increase the heat. So far, from less than 35 inches per minute to 200 inches per minute, they have gained tremendous traction. This is just the start of what we believe can be achieved with plasma. Some people are even creating it in their microwaves with grapes. …

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If you’re interested in welding as a career, you’ve come to the right place. We love welding and know how brilliant a career choice it is, but it’s not for everyone. Like every option in life, there is a good and a bad side to it, and you shouldn’t make a decision until you have an honest opinion of both sides.

That’s exactly what we’re doing in this article. First, we discuss 10 reasons welding is a good choice, and then six reasons welding is a bad choice.

10 Reasons Welding is a Great Career Choice

1. It’s easy to get into

Becoming a welder requires no formal education, and sometimes, not even experience. The more you know, the better, but it’s a great trade because you can start from the bottom in a workshop and learn it all on the job. …

Do you want to be a better MIG welder? Just as athletes need methods to increase performance, so welders have different techniques to improve their welds. The more you learn about these techniques and perfect each one through practice, the better a welder you will be.

There are numerous different techniques that we will walk through under the categories of travel speed, torch angle, and welding patterns. Then there are five MIG welding procedures: flat welds, horizontal welds, vertical down, vertical up, and overhead welding. We will look at these and learn the different techniques needed for each one. …

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When you’re starting out, it can feel like a horrific nightmare trying to TIG weld stainless steel. Have you ever set your welder up exactly the same as your pro workmate and yet still produced ugly welds? It’s always a demoralizing feeling.

However, with a few tips, you can turn all that around. From the right rods to a clean workpiece, gas tips, speed, and a few other essential tips, your next TIG job can turn out a masterpiece. Dive in and learn the eight tips you can embrace to improve your next TIG welding project.

1. Use the Right Tungsten Rod

There are various types of tungsten rods to choose from. What they contain, whether it’s pure tungsten or a tungsten rod with some additives, won’t make much difference to your weld quality. Some will start arcing easier than others, and some will last longer than others, but what you need to be concerned about to ensure weld quality is the diameter of your tungsten rod. …

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Many people dream of owning their own successful company: making the income a successful business owner makes, working their own hours, and having the best team. Maybe you’re dreaming of this.

If you’re a welder, this may be the perfect option for you. The opportunities in the business climate around the world are incredible for those interested in taking the plunge, but there are some fundamental principles any aspiring company owner needs to learn first.

It’s not just about starting a welding business. That’s the easy part. It’s about how to start a company that will succeed. Read this guide to starting a lucrative welding business with a mind to embrace the principles discussed, and you’ll know the steps to take for success. …

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Are you the type of person who can’t get enough of welding and want to make a few bucks on the side? How about earning more with some extra freelance work, along with your ordinary day job? Many full-time welders are making a fortune on the side. Some of them are new to welding, while others weld for a hobby and can still get consistent cash flow from freelance jobs.

It’s becoming increasingly more common for welders to get into side work because of the growing demand for welders, and the lower prices side hustlers can charge without overheads while still earning more than an employer would consider paying them. …

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Do you struggle with the terminology of welding joints, or not know how to weld a specific joint in the best way for your project? Without a thorough guide or significant experience, it can be challenging. Read on and you will learn the six joints, their differences, and what to watch for when welding them.

There are two types of welds performed in six different joints. All of them are simple to understand, and when each name is explained, you will appreciate the helpful word-hooks each name has to remember.

The Two Types of Welds

These two welds can be performed in exactly the same way. There can be a difference in their strength depending on how they are prepared and executed within their settings, but it’s mainly the space you’re welding into that determines its name. …