Welding

10 articles

Comparison of MIG welding and Stick welding processes, showing the distinct arcs, sparks, and operational styles of each technique in a workshop setting.
Trades

MIG vs. Stick Welding: Understanding Their Trade-offs

A portable welding machine like the HITBOX ARC200mini3, weighing just 2.

Rick Donovan·June 21, 2026
A skilled tradesman performing SMAW welding, with a bright arc and flying sparks joining two heavy metal components in a workshop setting.
Trades

SMAW welding: Is it still a tradesman's best bet?

The electric arc in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) can reach temperatures exceeding 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit, an intense heat that instantly melts metal for a weld.

Rick Donovan·June 9, 2026
Split image comparing MIG and TIG welding processes with a focus on automotive structural repair applications.
Automotive Services

MIG vs. TIG Welding: Choosing the Right Technique

The molten pool during TIG welding can reach up to 19,000 Kelvin (over 33,000 degrees F), a temperature demanding precise application for critical automotive structural repairs.

Luis Ortega·June 6, 2026
Close-up of a welder's hands using a TIG torch with sparks flying, highlighting the precision of modern welding equipment in a workshop.
Automotive Services

How to Choose Modern Welding Equipment: A Buyer's Guide

An entry-level MIG welder can cost as little as $500, but a truly capable MIG or TIG setup can quickly climb to $3,500.

Luis Ortega·June 5, 2026
A welder in full protective gear, including helmet and gloves, working amidst flying sparks, highlighting the importance of PPE for safety.
Safety

What is Personal Protective Equipment for Welding Safety?

Welding arc temperatures can reach a scorching 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a heat so intense it can instantly vaporize metal and cause severe, irreversible eye damage to unprotected workers.

Ben Foster·May 14, 2026
A focused welder working in a dimly lit industrial environment, with sparks flying, highlighting the inherent dangers and need for safety precautions.
Safety

Essential Welding Safety Precautions and Risks

In 2003, a 44-year-old farmer died from electrocution while welding with a very old, disrepaired SMAW-type Hobart welder, according to stacks .

Ben Foster·April 26, 2026
Diverse young adults learning welding, carpentry, and electrical skills in a bright, modern training facility, symbolizing future career opportunities.
Trades

Scout programs open new facilities for skilled trades training

The Boy Scouts of America will open 50 new skilled trades education centers by 2025, backed by a $150 million investment.

Rick Donovan·April 21, 2026
A welder preparing for AWS certification using online resources in a modern workshop setting, highlighting the future of welding education.
How-To

Best Online Welding Classes for AWS Certification Prep in 2026

A 2-Week Online CWI Seminar and Exam (D1.

Scott Ramirez·April 17, 2026
A skilled welder in full safety gear, intensely focused on a welding arc, with bright sparks illuminating the scene in a modern industrial workshop, showcasing the precision and power of metal fusion.
Trades

A Comprehensive Guide to Welding Techniques and Applications

Welding is the powerful, precise art of fusing metal, essential for modern construction, manufacturing, and repair. This guide breaks down Stick, MIG, and TIG techniques, their applications, and critical safety.

Rick Donovan·April 5, 2026
A welder's gloved hand precisely positions a stick welding electrode, creating a bright arc and sparks on a metal workpiece in a workshop setting.
Materials

How to Choose Welding Electrodes: A Properties and Applications Guide

Choosing the right welding electrode is crucial for strong, safe welds. This guide demystifies electrode classifications, properties, and applications to help you make informed decisions.

Kyle Brenner·April 1, 2026