In the world of welding, MIG and TIG often get all the attention for their precision, versatility, and clean results. However, despite their advantages, stick welding — also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) — remains a critical technique for DIYers. The robustness, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness of welding this […]
Tag: metalworking
What Causes Welding Splatter and How to Avoid It
As an amateur welder, every arc you strike is an opportunity to refine your technique. Along the way, however, you may find yourself grappling with a common frustration: welding splatter. Those droplets of molten metal can turn your welding session into a messy affair, leaving you wondering what went wrong. […]
How to Weld Aluminum with a MIG Welder
Think you need a TIG welder to weld aluminum? Think again! A MIG welder equipped with a spool gun can handle a lot of basic aluminum welding projects. In this article, we’ll introduce you to a simpler, more accessible approach to welding aluminum. Whether you’re a seasoned welder or a […]
Making Your First CNC Plasma Project
For a lot people who make the jump to a CNC plasma cutter, one of their first projects is often a piece of decorative artwork like a sign. The risk is low, the reward is often high, and the learning curve is just steep enough to be a real lesson. […]
The DIY Fabricator’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Looking to set up your shop for some heavy duty fab projects? Or maybe just add that one tool you’ve always wanted? We’ve gathered up a selection of fabricators’ favorites priced for any budget. Take advantage of holiday specials for yourself, or put this list in front of someone who […]
Back At Ya – Factoring For Springback When Bending Metal
If you’ve ever bent a paper clip or opened a soda can, you know that you have to push the metal beyond the point you want it to rest. This effect is called “springback,” essentially an internal memory that results from the metal’s inherent resistance to changing shape when force […]
We have a Brake Pedal and The Firewall Becomes Three Dimensional
In the last update I was working on cutting out metal to make the firewall and mocking up my new brake pedal setup from Speedway. Since then I’ve been pretty busy making something from nothing. I had to initially tackle how I was going to mount the brake booster and […]
Patch Panels with a TIG Welder- How to use your TIG welder for rust repair
When we’re attending SEMA we talk to a lot of pro builders and fabricators. We want to know what the new trends, techniques, and products are that they used to get the results we’ve seen at shows and in the magazines that year. This is one of the ways we […]