Tool Reviews

Removing a rusted fastener with a plasma cutter is often faster than trying to save it. A plasma arc can slice through a seized bolt, nut, bracket, or exhaust clamp…

Cutting a notch in square steel tubing is a different job from cutting a straight plate. You need a torch that can pierce or start cleanly, follow a marked curve…

Steel roof panels are usually thin enough to cut with a modest plasma cutter, but fabrication work exposes the weaknesses of cheap machines quickly. Long cuts, repeated parts, dirty sheet,…

Removing a welded bracket from a steel frame is a different job from cutting new plate. You usually need to separate the bracket without gouging the frame, work around awkward…

Beveling plate edges with a plasma cutter is fast, but the best machine depends on whether you are making a few weld-prep cuts by hand or producing repeatable bevels on…

Building a steel pipe rack on site is a good job for stick welding. The process handles mill scale, light rust, outdoor wind, and long extension cords better than MIG.…

Stainless steel grating is a demanding plasma-cutting job because it combines relatively thick load bars with open spaces, reflected heat, and many chances for the torch to lose its arc.…

Repairing a steel snowplow blade is usually a job for a stick welder, not because stick welding is fashionable, but because it handles dirty, weathered steel better than most other…

Cutting steel plate around a bolt pattern is harder than making a straight cut. You need enough power to pierce the plate, enough control to stay close to the layout,…

Welding thick steel plate with a 7018 rod is mainly a power and technique problem. The machine must hold a stable arc at high amperage, recover quickly between starts, and…