Welding Guides

In-depth guides that pull together information from across the site, process, material, equipment, and technique, into a single start-to-finish reference. Where the rest of the site goes deep on one topic, these guides answer a whole question, like “how do I weld this metal?” or “what should I buy first?”

New to welding or buying your first machine? Start with MIG vs TIG vs Stick to understand the three main processes and which fits your work, then the best welders for beginners for picking a first machine and home welding shop setup for power, ventilation, and the basics of a safe workspace.

Welding a specific metal? We have dedicated walkthroughs for welding aluminum, welding stainless steel, and welding thick steel, each covering the process choice, joint prep, and the problems that come up most often.

Working on pipe or tube? The pipe welding guide covers positions, passes, and where code requirements come into play.

Every guide here is a reference, not a substitute for hands-on training or the code that governs your project. Check the reference charts for starting parameters and the troubleshooting guides when a weld goes wrong.