A Beginners Guide to Welding

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If you wanna know about welding in a short time, then this is the post for you.

Unlike the other lengthy pieces, I won’t bore you with unnecessary details like the history and other stuff.

So, let’s get to the point. To know more detail you can check out WeldingPicks. It has some massive guide, product reviews, tips & tricks related to welders.

What Is Welding?

I would summarize the entire process in just two words; joining metals. Yes, in this process, we use heat to join different pieces of metals.

Many might confuse it with other procedures like brazing and smoldering. However, they are clearly different and don’t have many things in common.

One key difference is brazing and soldering do not affect the base metal.

Types of Welding

Now, there has many variations. There are a lot of different methods that you can choose from according to your needs. So, let’s get you acquainted with the welding methods.

• Oxy-Fuel

I guess you can get the idea of how the flame is created from the name of the method. You have to attach the torch to both oxygen and gas tanks to create the flame.

Now, it’s an ancient method dating back to the early twentieth century. Nevertheless, it’s still quite effective and will do the job well.

• Stick Weld

The electrode used in the process resembles a stick, hence, the method getting its name.

Now, the equipment for this method comes at a reasonable price. Also, the process isn’t affected by the wind.

However, as the process goes on, the electrode keeps getting shorter. Thus, after reaching a certain point, you’ll need to replace the electrode.

• TigWeld

It’s one of the most popular methods and preferred by me as well. The biggest difference it has with stick weld is that its tip doesn’t erode with time.

You’ll also get to use a torch with this one. An arc is created to complete the process.

The reason that you should use this method is that it’s quite precise and offers a very good result.

However, the downside of the method is that it occupies both your hand.

• MigWeld

If you hate complexity (well, everyone does), you’ll love this method. That’s because the method somehow turns into an easy and simple chore.

So, if you are a beginner, then this is the method you wanna start with.

Just like the previous method, this one also uses an arc. However, the true magic lies in how the arc is created.

Now, a mig welder comes with a gun. Not a real gun of course. The nozzle on the gun has an electrode wire attached to it. The moment it comes in contact with the metal, an arc is created.

Also, you won’t have to use both your hands for this method.

• Flux-Cored Arc Weld

This method has elements of both stick and mig welding in it.

For example, while using a stick welder, you’ll see that when the electrode burns, shielding gases are formed automatically. The same thing happens with this process.

That said, this method is equally dependent on the electrode as the MIG process.

What things you Need

Here we’ll talk about the equipment you will need

• Welding Machine

No matter which type of method you prefer, you’ll need a welding machine for sure. These machines provide the current required for the process.

There are several types of machines. Make sure that you get the one that checks all the right boxes for you.

• Regulators

If you want to ration the shielding gas, then you will need a regulator for that. Without the regulator, the shielding gas will be finished within seconds.

• Consumable Elements

To create heat, you will need a consumable element like an electrode.

• Guns

Welding guns will be required to make an arc.

Safety Equipment That You Must Get

If proper safety measures are not taken beforehand, then it might lead to a terrible accident. Hence, you need to get these equipment before you get started.

• Proper clothes
• Helmet
• Glasses
• Respirators

Conclusion

Now that you know all the essentials and it’s time to put your knowledge to work. So, get yourself a welding machine, and get started.