Spot welding, or resistance spot welding, is a welding process used to weld sheet metal by applying heat and pressure with an electric current through a copper alloy electrode.

There are different types of spot welders, spot welders for 18650 batteries are different to hand held squeeze-type spot welders. Squeeze-type spot welders have large metal electrode jaws which go either side of the metal sheets, creating heat and pressure in a small spot to weld them together. Battery spot welders have electrodes on the same side and are typically used for connecting 18650 batteries.

This guide will explain all about Argon gas cylinders and which one is best for you. You will need to use a different type of Argon gas cylinder depending on your welding process. If you’re TIG welding, you’ll typically use 100% Argon. If you’re MIG welding, you’ll typically use an Argon/CO2 mixture.

Aside from your primary welding tools such as the welder and your safety equipment, there are lots of other small tools that will help you out when welding. To get the best results you’ll want to have tools that can help hold your metal in place while you weld, and mark the metal you’re using. If you’re creating slag you’ll also need tools to clean it up afterwards. Here’s our list of useful welding tools that will help you and are good to have around the workshop.

Many beginner welders don’t realize the damage that can be caused to the eyes by not wearing the sufficient welding safety equipment. The welding arc produces harmful radiation which can damage the eyes and cause the unpleasant “welders flash.” Safety glasses are a way of blocking out UV light and infrared wavelengths emitted from the welding arc. Welding glasses are great because they also protect the eyes from any flying debris and can help reduce irritation from fumes. Updated March 4th 2020

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a welder? If your partner, family member or friend is a welder and has a birthday coming up then you might look at getting a cool welding gift for them. 

If you want something a bit different to the stuff you’ll usually find down your welding store, this guide shows some of the best gifts for welders from across the internet with lots of affordable options under $20.

Welding without wearing gloves is extremely dangerous. When you’re welding you’ll be working at extreme temperatures so you need to protect your hand from sparks, UV radiation, sharp edges, molten metal, electrical hazards, heat, flames and more. Updated Feb 11th 2020

If you’re a beginner welder or looking to buy your first welder, you’ll probably want something that’s inexpensive, easy to use, gets good results and doesn’t have loads of unnecessary features or power. We’ve selected our top welders for beginners based on this criteria.

The best welders for beginners are MIG welders that run off 120v power because they’re easy to use and you can run them off your standard household power source. We’ve also included the best stick welder for beginners and the best TIG welder for beginners in our top picks, in case you’re looking to branch out into one of those welding processes.