The hypnotic crackle of electricity, the molten dance of metal, the transformation of raw materials into intricate creations – welding is more than just a skill, it’s an art form. But just like any art, mastery requires exploration, practice, and understanding the tools at your disposal. So, grab your helmet, fire up your welder, and let’s dive into the diverse
Continue reading 
The crackle of the torch, the molten metal dancing in the light, the satisfaction of joining two pieces into one – welding is a skill that sparks curiosity and excitement. But where do you begin? Fear not, aspiring welder, for this guide unveils the ABCs, transforming you from a wide-eyed observer to a confident torch-wielder in no time! A is
Continue reading 
It is impossible to start off any article on welder training without stating what everyone already knows. First and foremost, there’s a shortage of welders in the U.S. and there doesn’t seem to be a surefire fix for this any time soon. As the situation exists today, the older welders in the workforce are reaching retirement age at a faster
Continue reading 
I had the privilege of acquiring theLincoln Electric (K1170)AC225 Stick Arc Welder, and it has undeniably transformed the way I approach my welding projects. This comprehensive review will delve into my in-depth exploration of this welding machine, where I will provide detailed accounts of my personal experiences and observations. Strengthen Capability and Accuracy The Lincoln Electric (K1170) AC225 Stick Arc
Continue reading 
Finding time to get away from the shop can be difficult. But when the time away is connected with potential investments that might make the company more efficient and create more manufacturing capacity, that’s time well spent. With that in mind, it’s no wonder that so many metal fabricators attendFABTECHon an annual basis. More than 40,000 made the trek to
Continue reading
How much wood would a welder weld if the welder could weld wood? Todd Noe wasn’t really interested in finding out while a student at San Dieguito High School in Encinitas, Calif. He didn’t like waiting around to move on to the next step. “I didn’t have the patience for wood—to let the thing sit up with some wood glue
Continue reading
Editor’s Note:On Sept. 20, Jason Becker, host of theArc JunkiesPodcast, recorded an episode titled “WPS, PQR, WPQR, and other acronyms,” withLincoln ElectricCharlie Cross, welding technical specialist, and Padraic Bean, weld process consultant. The episode, part of theAWSWelding Wednesday series, focused on welding procedures and procedure qualification records and their importance in delivering quality fabrications. Developing a welding procedure specification (WPS)
Continue reading 
When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) and its subset, machine learning, many in the metal fabrication industry see them being applied only in a distant future. Those methodologies expanded to engineering, biotechnology, marketing, and other fields beyond manufacturing. They ushered in Six Sigma and other tools to improve business processes by reducing the number of defect opportunities, minimizing variation,
Continue reading 
Welders recognize the significance of having the right tools, from the power source down to the torch and every piece that connects them. Yet, surprisingly, the most overlooked element is also arguably the most vital to the entire welding process: the tungsten electrode. It serves as the final connection that brings the weld to life. Tungsten Material Electrodes are made
Continue reading 
In 2017, William Polacek, president/CEO ofJWF Industriesin Johnstown, Pa., saw opportunity—like so many other metal fabricators at the time—and set forth to grow the company. To do that, the company needed welders, so it ramped up the recruitment efforts. At the time, Polacek stated that he wanted the diversified metal fabricating company (today with locations in four states and with
Continue reading