Welding for beginners
Start here if you are new to welding: first machines, first techniques, first mistakes to avoid.
Best Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets (2026): 5 Picks Compared
The best auto-darkening welding helmets in 2026, from an $80 YesWelder to the Lincoln Viking 3350, ESAB Sentinel A60 and Miller Digital Infinity, plus how to choose shade, lens and sensors.
STT Welding Explained: What Surface Tension Transfer Is and When to Use It
STT welding explained: how Lincoln's Surface Tension Transfer process works, how to dial in settings, pipe root tips, and how it compares to MIG, pulse MIG, TIG, RMD and CMT.
Best Stick Welders for Beginners (2026): 4 Picks for Every Budget
The best stick welders for beginners in 2026, from a budget ARCCAPTAIN ARC200 to the Hobart Stickmate 160, ESAB Rogue ES 201iP PRO and Lincoln AC/DC 225/125, plus how to choose amps, voltage, rods and features.
Types of Welding Processes: MIG, TIG, Stick and Flux-Core Explained
The main types of welding explained: MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), stick (SMAW) and flux-core (FCAW), plus oxy-fuel, submerged arc, and laser welding, with a comparison table and which process to learn first.
Best TIG Welders for Beginners (2026): AC/DC and DC Picks
The best TIG welders for beginners in 2026: Lincoln Square Wave TIG 200, AHP AlphaTIG 203Xi and ARCCAPTAIN TIG200P compared, plus how to choose AC/DC vs DC, HF start, pulse, voltage and what else you need to start TIG welding.
5 Types of Welding Joints (and the Welds and Positions to Know)
The 5 basic types of welding joints explained, with a diagram: butt, tee, corner, lap and edge joints, plus fillet vs groove welds, edge preparation, and welding positions 1F–4F and 1G–6G.