Tool Reviews

First check whether the column is safe to repair A cracked steel column is a structural problem, not just a welding project. Before buying a welder or striking an arc,…

What bollard fabrication demands from a stick welder A steel bollard is usually a length of pipe or tube welded to a base plate, sometimes with a cap or reinforcing…

Outdoor pipeline maintenance puts a stick welder in a tough spot: the power source may be a generator, the joint may be windy or awkward to reach, and a repair…

What thick gate hinges demand from a stick welder A farm gate hinge weld has to survive repeated swinging, impact, weather and the occasional gate used as a lever. The…

Repairing a steel water trough is usually a short weld in an inconvenient place. The practical challenge is controlling heat on thin, rust-thinned sheet without leaving a pinhole or burning…

What bucket repairs demand A loader bucket takes impact, abrasion and repeated bending. A repair weld that looks tidy can still crack if it lands on worn or cracked steel,…

What a stick welder needs to do on a trailer frame Heavy trailer frames put more demand on a welder than light repair work. You may be joining thick tongue…

Choosing a TIG Welder for Mild Steel Mild steel is a forgiving TIG material, but thin sheet and small parts still punish poor heat control. The useful features are a…

What the job requires Welding aluminum plate up to 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) is a different buying decision from welding thin sheet or steel. Aluminum conducts heat quickly, so a…

What railing repairs demand from a TIG welder Stainless railings are often made from thin-wall tube, commonly around 0.035–0.065 inch thick. That leaves little room for slow starts, oversized filler,…