Welding guides
How the main welding processes work, which to use for which job, and how to get cleaner welds.
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.
Butt Fusion Welding: How HDPE Pipe Is Fused, Step by Step
Butt fusion welding explained: how HDPE and polyethylene pipe is joined, the six steps, heater temperature, interfacial pressure, bead sizes and cooling times (ASTM F2620), equipment, and butt vs electrofusion vs socket fusion.
GTAW Welding (TIG): What It Is, How It Works and How to Do It
GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding, also called TIG) explained: how it works, equipment, shielding gas, tungsten types, settings charts for steel and aluminium, technique, pipe welding and certification.
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.
Welding vs Metal Fabrication: What's the Difference?
Welding vs metal fabrication explained: what fabrication includes (cutting, forming, machining, welding, assembly and finishing), the difference between a welder and a fabricator, tools, careers and how to get started.
How to Weld Stainless Steel to Mild Steel: Filler, Settings and Tips
How to weld stainless steel to mild (carbon) steel with TIG, MIG or stick: why 309L filler is the standard choice, dilution, settings, preparation, gas, and how to avoid cracking and rust at the joint.
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 Welding Machine Brands (2026): Who Makes the Best Welders?
The top welding machine brands and manufacturers in 2026: Lincoln Electric, Miller, Hobart, ESAB, Fronius, Kemppi and more, plus value brands like YesWelder, ARCCAPTAIN and Primeweld, and how to choose.
What Size Generator Do I Need for a Welder? (Chart and Calculator)
How to size a generator for any welder: a quick chart for 120 V and 240 V MIG, stick and TIG welders, how to read your welder's input amps, and whether a 3,000, 4,000, 5,000, 7,500 or 9,500 W generator will run it.
Best Clothes for Welders (2026): Jackets, Shirts, Gloves and What Not to Wear
What to wear for welding in 2026: the best flame-resistant welding jackets, hybrid and leather jackets, FR shirts, gloves and sleeves, plus pants, boots and caps, and the materials you should never weld in.
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.