What Size Welding Gas Cylinder for MIG or TIG? Argon|CO2

Welding gas bottles.

Choosing a Gas Tank Size for MIG or TIG Welding If you’re new to MIG or TIG welding, you probably don’t know how much welding you’ll do, let alone how much welding gas you’ll go through. But it makes sense to have some idea of how long a welding gas bottle will last before deciding … Read More

MIG Welding With 100% Argon Shielding Gas

MIG Welding with 100% Argon Shielding Gas

Running out of MIG gas in the middle of a project is a problem most welders will eventually face.

Since many of us also have a tank of pure Argon on hand for other types of welding, would MIG welding with 100% Argon on mild steel allow you to finish your project without a trip to the gas supplier?

Or, is it possible to MIG weld with Argon alone, and get by with using 100% Argon welding gas for all your MIG and TIG work?

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How to MIG Weld Aluminum Without a Spool Gun

MIG welding aluminum without a spool gun.

You’ve heard the horror stories about MIG welding aluminum without a spool gun—but you’re still thinking of giving it a try. I get it. Spool guns are expensive and have drawbacks. It’s no secret that aluminum welding is tricky even if you’re using a $250 spool gun. But if you’re up for the challenge—and have … Read More

MIG Welding with 100% CO2 Shielding Gas

MIG Welding with 100% CO2 Gas Cover Image

Ever wonder why some welders prefer MIG welding with 100% CO2 shielding gas instead of using a blend of argon and CO2 that’s designed for MIG? Used to shield the weld from contamination, CO2 is plain-old carbon dioxide. It’s the same stuff used to extinguish fires, carbonate your beer and soda, and keep them cold. … Read More

Flux Core Aluminum Welding Wire: What You Need to Know

Flux Core Aluminum Welding Wire

Do you have trouble finding flux core aluminum welding wire? You’re not alone. There’s plenty of confusion on this topic and even some deception. Also referred to as gasless aluminum welding wire, it sounds like a suitable option for a minor welding job. And one that can save you hundreds on MIG welding gas and … Read More

Can You Weld Black Iron Pipe? (Is It Safe?)

Can You Weld Black Iron Pipe

With threaded connections and a choice of sizes, it’s easy to create projects from the black pipe and fittings found at home improvement stores or in scrap metal piles. But can you weld black iron pipe?  Its unique feel and appearance add a great vintage/industrial look to any plans—but do you have any idea what … Read More

What is a Tweco® Style MIG Gun?

what is tweco style featured image

How many innovative product designs can you name that have lasted half of a century? In 1969, Tweco Products, Inc. (formerly Townsend Welding Equipment Company) introduced a new MIG assembly design. Tweco’s invention used a single cable to transfer gas, welding wire, and electrical power to the MIG gun. The MIG gun was also a … Read More

What Shade Lens for MIG Welding? The Easy Way to Be Safe

What shade lens for mig welding featured image.

Hands-down, my auto-darkening helmet is my favorite piece of welding safety equipment. I appreciate the technology that not only makes a product safer but more comfortable and enjoyable to use. Adjustable auto-darkening welding helmets protect your eyes from radiation and bright welding arcs with lens coatings and electronic shades from DIN 3 to a super dark DIN … Read More

How to Reduce Spatter When MIG Welding: Top 4 Fixes

Excess MIG welding spatter on lawn tractor hitch.

As a beginner hobbyist welder, I was getting more spatter around my welds than expected—sometimes a lot more! My grinding skills improved more quickly than my welding skills—so I needed to learn how to reduce spatter when MIG welding. I found that the top causes of excessive weld spatter fall into four categories. You’ll find … Read More