Jim's Articles

Premium MIG welders equipments online store Ireland

Premium MIG welders equipments online shopping with Weldingsuppliesdirect Ireland? ESAB is a world leader in the production of welding and cutting equipment and consumables. Our innovative, world-renowned equipment and solutions are developed with input from our customers and built with the expertise and heritage of a global manufacturing leader. For each discipline, continuous development of methods, materials and know-how is being directed to meet the challenges posed by the diversity of industry sectors we serve. ESAB is organized to deliver efficient, high-productivity solutions to meet customer requirements in a manner that exceeds their expectations no matter the market segment. Continuous Improvement (Kaizen) Is Our Way Of Life – Set breakthrough objectives, experiment and learn every day, eliminate waste in our business processes, and benchmark the best, then better them. Living this value is done through understating that Change is a Must, and the use of Tools for Improvement. To live this value each ESAB associate fosters an environment of continuous learning employing the Colfax Business System Tools which is the basis of our culture.

USA market choice: Many veteran welders would agree that the greatest advantage that comes from a metal inert gas MIG welder is its speed. The pace of these premium and cheap welders is unmatched when compared to stick welding and TIG welding, both of which can take a bit longer. For this reason, the metal inert gas welder allows for much faster production rates than the other welding processes (which is a reason for their being used so often in mass production).

MIG welders are divided into transformer and inverter models. Briefly, transformer machines feature only mechanical parts that can adjust the output voltage “sequentially” while the unit is off. The output voltage is not stabilised and may decrease under load. Still, a simple design is the main benefit of transformer welders that facilitate their maintenance. Also, they are often cheaper. Inverter MIG welders are fitted with electronics that allow a smooth voltage adjustment, so it isn’t susceptible to drops and does not fall under load. Of course, power is the main feature of any electric tool. As for MIG welders, their power depends on the maximum amperage, more usually, the output range. This range determines the unit’s field of application. Powerful models can be used on small construction sites or in repair shops, while less powerful models are usually used for private needs. For example, the welders of up to 200A are great for home use; the 300A models are suitable for small repair shops, and if you need a high output and continuous work, consider welders over 300A. See extra info on MIG Welder.

GPPH’s tables offer an incredibly stable and sturdy construction. The table top is made from 15MM thick material, this is outstanding when compared to the typical 6MM – 10MM that is usually used on lower end welding tables. In addition to this, the steel used is S355J2+N grade that is carefully selected. The steel is also unpickled so as to prevent the material becoming bright and causing arc to flash bounce off the table making the working conditions difficult for the welder. Finally, the tables are not coated with paint as it can make the surface difficult to conduct. They are coated with an oil based preparation which protects the tables during transport. Anti spatter is suggested.

How to pick a welder tips: Stepped voltage or synergic: Synergic MIG’s have the edge when you’re welding stainless & aluminium as they are pre-programmed, easy to set up & portable. They also provide a better weld characteristic and so give cleaner weld bead with less/no spatter. Inverters: Considerably smaller and lighter and so ideal for site work. All inverters are stepless and so have infinite control. Also cheaper to run power wise. Budget: How much welding are you going to undertake? Gear your purchasing decision around the jobs you will be working on the most. Polarity changeover; A lot of welders at the light industrial end will to be able weld with gasless flux cored MIG wire. Is the switchover easy on the machine you’re considering. Availability of spares & after sales service: Ask where the machine is actually made. Even the more recognised brands largely outsource their production, which can lead to quality and after sales issues with lack of continuity of supply for spares.

Several tips on welding equipment, MIG and TIG welders, plasma cutters. TIG welding is similar to to a MIG welder as it uses an electric arc in the same was as MIG welding does but differs in a few ways. Instead of a continuous spool of consumable wire, a TIG welder uses long tungsten welding rods that are manually slowly fed into the weld puddle to join the metal. TIG welding requires gas, usually argon, to protect and cool the weld puddle from external contamination. TIG welding is more suited to welding thinner materials such as stainless steel and aluminium as you can get the power down lower to reduce the risk of blow through and can even weld two dissimilar metals. Suitable for tricky welds such as S curves but TIG welders are still capable of welding heavier materials depending on the machine. TIG welding takes more practice that MIG welding as the process is much more manual with controlling the torch, welding rod and gas by hand (and foot for the gas) but once mastered will produce the highest quality welds making it the better choice where perfect, precise welds are required but due to the manual process is the least productive.

One of the “cardinal sins” that almost every shop commits is over-welding. This means that if the drawing calls for a 1/4″ fillet weld, most shops will put down a 5/16″ weld. The reasons? Either they don’t have a fillet gauge and are not exactly sure of the size of the weld they are producing or they put in some extra to “cover” themselves and make sure there is enough weld metal in place. But, over-welding leads to tremendous consumable waste. Let’s look again at our example. For a 1/4″ fillet weld, the typical operator will use .129 lbs. per foot of weld metal. The 5/16″ weld requires .201 lbs. per foot of weld metal – a 56 percent increase in weld volume compared to what is really needed. Plus, you must take into account the additional labor necessary to put down a larger weld. Not only is the company paying for extra, wasted consumable material, a weld with more weld metal is more likely to have warpage and distortion because of the added heat input. It is recommended that every operator be given a fillet gauge to accurately produce the weld specified – and nothing more. In addition, changes in wire diameter may be used to eliminate over-welding.

The Lincoln PowerMIG 210 is the ultimate MIG welder for versatility. It comes with the capability to perform MIG, Stick, TIG and Flux Core welding at both 120v and 240v. This is perfect if you’re looking to buy a MIG welder and are considering buying a TIG or Stick welder as well. Buying a multi-process welder like the PowerMIG 210 can save you a lot of money rather than buying separate machines. Lincoln are the market leaders when it comes to manufacturing quality and the PowerMIG 210 is top of the range to build quality and weld quality. The digital display on the front of the machine lets you easily key in your variables to get you get set up in no time at all with an easy to use user interface. See the full review here. Find additional details on https://www.weldingsuppliesdirect.ie/.

Top stamped concrete firm Waukesha Wisconsin

High quality asphalt repair company Madison Wisconsin? We use a durable patching compound to repair asphalt and apply a sealant to ensure that it remains durable. Therefore, our asphalt maintenance and repairs lasts for years to come. Why Should You Hire Us for Your Next Home Improvement Project? ?There are hundreds of different companies in the market right now. Therefore, it can be quite daunting to choose the best All Concrete Construction company for your home improvement projects. This is where we step in and save the day by offering a multitude of perks and benefits at your fingertips without stretching your budget. We believe in offering sustainability and affordability in the same package. This is why we employ the latest eco-friendly practices at every stage of our construction or repair process. Moreover, we do not believe in the “one size fits all” strategy, and this is why we offer tailored All Concrete Construction solutions to our customers.

What is Mudjacking? Do you have a driveway or sidewalk with a settled concrete slab? Mudjacking is one of the most common techniques for lifting and stabilizing old concrete. Also called concrete lifting or slabjacking, this is a highly effective way to get beautiful concrete walkways and long-lasting durability. It’s also a quick and easy method to repair your concrete. In this article, we show you all of our services, explain what is mudjacking, and go over mudjacking cost. We offer superior services, even to competitors. Whether you need driveway repair or parking lot repair, we’re the best concrete installation and repair team to call in Milkwaukee, Waukesha, and Madison.

??If you want the best asphalt repair, we are here for you. Our company provides high-quality, professional, and superior asphalt paving solutions for all kinds of driveways, parking lots, walkways, and other foundations. Over time, we’ve seen how asphalt changes. Moreover, correctly installed asphalt paving and driveways last for 20 years. We provide excellent Residential Asphalt Repair and sealant services to ensure that your surfaces stay strong year after year. When choosing asphalt for your paving or foundation materials, it’s important to know what asphalt is made from. This mixture of sand, stones, and liquid asphalt cement is heated and mixed together to an exact science, creating just the right consistency. Once added to a prepared base or subgrade material, the asphalt is poured in and allowed to cool. Discover more info on concrete madison wi.

If you are looking for a stamped concrete driveway in your beautiful home, you are in the right place. While our competitors may advertise themselves as expert stampers, we possess the right set of tools and employees to offer you the best concrete driveway in the area. At the end of the day, you will get a harmonious combination of beauty and durability in your home. We understand how to get the best and the most superior results without giving up innovation and creativity. This is why we’re able to offer you a bespoke driveway for your beautiful home.

You can even apply colors to poured concrete or even go for a type of decoration that can improve your driveway’s visual beauty. You can invest in lovely designs, and we’re going to be there to help you. Concrete is also much cheaper to maintain than other materials used for foundations. To clear any stains and grime, you can rinse it off quickly or spray it with dish soap. To avoid further damage, you can also apply protective sealants to the concrete. Moreover, it does not take too long to mount concrete slabs. Before it is fit for heavyweight use, these foundations are normally poured and then take a few days of curing and drying. The installation also requires some excavation, and the soil around the region is graded. Find extra information at this website.

Premium holiday airport taxi transfer services in UK this winter

Premium vacation taxi services in London this winter? A good old-fashioned caff. Since 1900 this workers’ café has provided carbs and protein in eggy, meaty and pan-fried form to the good people of east London. Traces of bygone eras, like art deco interior details and Formica tables have earned E Pellicci Grade II-listed status, but what diners love best is that the fry-ups, grills and Italian plates are still all dished up by the same family. As strange as it might sound, you’re going to want to chase down your fry-up with a helping of bread-and-butter pudding – it’s a customer favourite. Venue says We now offer call & collect, delivery and takeaway with Just Eat. Plus, feed the family with our Pellicci Family Favourite Fridge Fillers.

There are so many spots for food in Gatwick. I absolutely always grab a cheese and celery sandwich from M&S before I catch the train. If I arrive early for my flight I usually sit in Costa with an iced coffee and a cheese and tomato toastie (the best). If you want a more substantial meal there are places like Giraffe and Wetherspoons before security in the South Terminal, and Jamie’s before security in the North terminal. Nandos and Wagamamas and a couple of others are after security in the South Terminal and there’s WAY more choice after security in the North Terminal. Basically there’s no shortage of places to eat.

Let us transfer you in style and stress free our friendly Drivers and Chauffeurs will pick you up from your place of work or your home and we can also collect you from the Airport on your return Home. More importantly, the advanced booking will enable you to find your preferred vehicle at your budget. Here are some other benefits you can go through. Affordable: We, Holiday Taxis, offer affordable transport services. Also, there will not be any hidden costs. You can expect reliable support without hurting your budget. See more info on Holiday Taxis.

It’s a long wait so why not watch a movie. You will need your laptop and a USB flash drive. At the touchscreen kiosks, you can download your favorite film on the drive and load it on to your laptop. These are not available at all airports in the US yet. Digiboo and iTunes are the most popular ones at the moment. Take advantage of samples of lotions and hand creams to hydrate your skin. You are going to need it if you have arrived from a long flight. Zero cost and gives you a chance to explore the whole shopping scene.

Heathrow Airport has its own App! You can download the App for free. This provides you with information about your journey, such as flight updates. Plus, here you’ll find the Heathrow Airport Map to help you find your way around the duty-free shops and locate your favorite place for a bite to eat. If you have any questions while you’re in the airport, you can always Tweet the social media team @HeathrowAirport. The nice people at Heathrow will provide you with information about everything from updates about your flight and where to get the best pizza.

Kensington Gardens is open from 6 a.m. until dusk each day. You can get there from the nearest tube stations of High Street Kensington (Circle and District lines), Lancaster Gate (Central line) and Bayswater (District line). Named after the Prince Regent (King George IV), this regal space has hundreds of acres of formal gardens to admire, as well as some 12,000 roses in the Queen Mary’s Gardens. For kids more interested in playing than roses, there are four playgrounds and central London’s largest outdoor sports area. Try and spot the park’s local hedgehog population. The park is also home to London Zoo — the world’s oldest scientific zoo, opened in 1828. It’s home to penguins, lions, flamingos, camels, hippos and much more. Discover more info on https://www.airporttransfersonline.co.uk/.

Tree removal help with treeartisans.com

Tree pruning help with treeartisans.com? Not enough water is harmful for the tree, but too much water is bad as well. Over-watering is a common tree care mistake. Please note that moist is different than soggy, and you can judge this by feel. A damp soil that dries for a short period will allow adequate oxygen to permeate the soil. You can check soil moisture by using a garden trowel and inserting it into the ground to a depth of 2″, and then move the blade of the trowel back and forth to create a small narrow trench. Then use your finger to touch the soil. If it is moist to the touch, then they do not need water.

First we will write some advices on tree care and after that we will introduce Tree Artisans, a tree services company in Colorado Springs. If your area constantly deals with drought you will want to consider trees listed as drought-tolerant. Some drought-tolerant species include Arizona Cypress, Japanese Zelkova, White Fir, and Kentucky Coffeetree. On the opposite side of the spectrum if your area deals with a large amount of moisture or wet conditions, here are a few trees that will do better in wet conditions: Baldcypress, Shellbark Hickory, Red Maple, Silver Maple, Paper Birch, River Birch, and Weeping Willow.

Compacted soil: When you plant a tree in your backyard, the roots need room to spread out. This can be difficult when planting in compacted soil and heavy clay. Poor quality, compacted soil is an especially common problem if your home has been recently built, as many contractors use construction fill – soil scraped from other sites which may include debris – to shape the landscape. If the tree’s roots have no room to grow and face constant soil pressure, the result may be crushed roots, poor water and nutrient uptake, and stunted growth. You can counter this threat by using best practice planting methods along with vertical mulching or mixing in organic matter into the compacted soil. The Morton Arboretum has an excellent video primer on planting trees.

Tree removal and trimming are complicated operations that require trained professionals and highly specialized equipment. We advice against undertaking this tasks trying to avoid paying the costs required to hire a specialized arborist. But you can educate yourself and make the best decisions for your courtyard or garden. A tip : There are a variety of importation questions you should ask a tree service that you may hire. They should be more than happy to answer these questions if they are not already mentioned on their website or in a conversation.

Looking for the best choices if you want to cut down the tree maintenance costs? Start with picking the right trees for Colorado! Russian Hawthorns are one of the most drought-tolerant trees on our list. Again, establishing these trees with two seasons of normal watering will get their root systems healthy and strong enough to withstand dry conditions. Susan highly recommends Russian Hawthorn. It was the first tree she nominated for our list! Russian Hawthorns mature at 15 to 20 feet tall and wide with an upright oval form and slightly spreading lower branches. These hawthorns have beautiful, finely-cut, dark green leaves, turning yellow in the fall. The white flowers emerge in clusters in late spring. They mature into richly-colored dark red berries late in the season. Read additional details at this web site.

Most deciduous species of trees are at risk if stressed by insect defoliation, weather, poor soil conditions, or other factors. One of the best things you can do is simply to keep your trees healthy with regular maintenance including proper irrigation and mulch, fertilization, and removal of dead wood. Healthy trees are better able to withstand an infestation. Once the damage is obvious, it’s probably too late to treat effectively for optimal protection. Be sure to inspect your trees for any signs of infestation in early spring. For more information call Tree Artisans at 719-822-6733.

Tree owners often need to move or transplant trees from a nursery or within the yard. Yard trees may have been planted too thickly or threaten to outgrow available space. Size is a critical factor in transplanting. The larger a tree, the more difficult it is to transplant. Before starting a mulching project, become familiar the critical root zone (CRZ) or tree protection zone. This zone is generally defined as the area under a tree and out to its dripline. Improving conditions in this protection zone will also result in major health benefits to a tree. Even though leaving your trees alone can be the best way to protect them, it’s also a good idea to observe them regularly so you’ll know when they change. A diseased tree is best diagnosed early. Changes you should monitor range from rapid discoloration to stunted growth. Knowing what your tree looked like when it was healthy can also be helpful when calling an arborist – a specialist in caring for trees, shrubs and other woody plants – to consider solutions. Getting yourself a guide to trees and their diseases will be key in considering a diagnosis for a tree on your property that’s changed noticeably. According to Mark Chisholm, a third-generation, certified arborist in New Jersey, “There are some great online tools that can help you learn how to identify the trees on your property, including the Arbor Day Foundation’s “What Tree Is That?” guide.

Tree Prune is a very effective method. For the visibility and safety of your streets and sidewalks, private shrubs and trees overhanging public property, the community expects the house owner to maintain the mentioned clearance guidelines, using the appropriate pruning. At the same time this will help to avoid the damage to private tree and plants by reducing accidental collisions and breakage. Mark off your work area around the tree to protect passersby and co-workers. If you are working on a tree that extends near or over a road, wear high visibility clothing. Take into consideration the speed limit of that road and its shoulder width to determine what cones and signs are needed. It’s always a good idea to work with another person who stays on the ground while you’re climbing. In the event of an emergency, both you and your partner should have training in CPR and first aid. But i think you are better hiring a professional tree service company.

UK travel attractions with quality Gatwick airport cars service

UK travel points of interest and top Heathrow airport cars service? A riverside icon on London’s South Bank dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It’s the younger, hipper sibling to Pimlico’s Tate Britain. To be inspired and challenged – even by the architecture. Tate Modern is based in what was Bankside Power Station. Its 2016 Switch House extension added gallery space and incredible 360-degree views of the London skyline. Step inside to discover works by the likes of Warhol, Matisse and Bourgeois, all part of the free permanent collection. The Tate Boat (decorated with Damien Hirst dots) runs up and down the Thames between Tate Modern and Tate Britain every 30 minutes during gallery opening hours. Just tap in and out with an Oyster or contactless card as you would on the tube or bus.

If you’re stopping over in Heathrow overnight in between your connecting flight, you’re probably going to want to get some shut-eye. You’ll find you’re in good company if you want to take a nap in the seating areas. However, if you’re after greater comfort check out the YOTELAIR hotel (terminal 4). There are pod-like cabins with comfortable memory foam mattresses with private bathroom facilities to enjoy. If you only want a few hours of sleep, this is a great option to freshen up after a nap. Heathrow is much more than an airport. You can shop until you drop. You’ll find all the big brands at part of the shopping experience. But, don’t concentrate on shopping while you’re there, and forget you’ve got a flight to catch.

Gatwick airport is located in west Sussex which is actually quite far from the London city. So whenever you reach the airport you should hire Gatwick airport transfers services so that you have a comfortable journey. Some of the airport services provided by our company are discussed below: Reading Airport Transfers– There are various modes of transport from Gatwick airport to the other parts of the city. You can hire from the airport, There are buses, trains, taxis for smaller groups of people and minibuses for larger groups of people who visits the city.

The magnificent York Minster is second in importance in the Church of England only to the cathedral at Canterbury. It stands in the center of historic York, surrounded by half-timbered homes and shops, medieval guildhalls, and churches. In turn, York’s romantic streets are surrounded by three miles of magnificent town walls that you can walk atop for spectacular views over the city and its surroundings. While here, visit the National Railway Museum, one of England’s most visited tourist attractions. York is also a good base from which to explore northeast England, in particular the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors. Elsewhere in this corner of the country, you’ll find some of England’s most beautiful historic towns and cities, including Durham – famous for its castle and cathedral – and Beverley, which also boasts an attractive minster. Discover additional information at Airport Cars Heathrow.

First up, there’s the largest Royal Park in London — Richmond Park. This park is located a fair way southwest of the city and makes a great day trip from London, especially if the weather is pleasant. This space is world-famous for being home to 600 wild deer. Keep an eye out for these majestic creatures, though don’t get too close — especially over summer — when mother deer will fiercely protect their young. Richmond Park also has a wonderful view of St Paul’s Cathedral from a vantage point on the western side of the park. It’s so big you could walk for miles within the park’s many walking trails. Being so large, Richmond Park can be accessed from several train stations — it’s about a 20-minute walk from Richmond tube station (District line and London Overground). You can also take a Richmond train from Waterloo station and get off at Norbiton and then a 15-minute walk from the south edge of the park. Richmond Park is open from 7 a.m. in summer and 7:30 a.m. in winter, closing at dusk each day.

If you forget your medication, which A LOT of people when it comes to holiday, then stop into one of the MANY pharmacies dotted around Gatwick airport. The pharmacist will usually be happy to give you an emergency supply once your medication is nothing controlled (strong painkillers/antidepressants etc). They might need to contact your local pharmacy at home, but that shouldn’t be a problem for most people. It’s better to try and get an emergency supply than to go without your medication!

Once you apply for Global entry, you can avoid the long lines at immigration. This is one of the most painful airport experiences. No frustrating waiting or filling out boring questionnaires. With Global entry, you go to the special kiosks, key in some details and they recognize you from your fingerprints. You are in! It only costs $100 for five years and if you hold an American Express Platinum card, they will pay the fee for you. This system is operational in 26 US airports. American, Canadian, Swiss, and Dutch citizens can apply. To do so, fill out an online questionnaire and be prepared for a background check which includes a 30-minute interview. If you are a frequent flier to Canada, apply first for the Nexus entry because that will automatically get you on to the Global one without re-applying (it will also save you $50).

Since London will be the central location regarding European countries and West Region, celebrate this any tourist hotspot plus a fantastic meeting level regarding world holidaymakers. London Airports Transfers offer holidaymakers a high amount of ease and comfort and adaptability with excellent facilities all the way from the international airport to any destination in London. For just about any indicate level flight inside European countries, step into Gatwick airport Airport terminal. Many drivers specializing in Heathrow airport transfers are certified to share a few tips with you to help you to propose the fastest transit through the airport and departure en route to your final destination. Discover additional information on airporttransfersonline.co.uk.

Premium welding tables and MIG welders online shopping by weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk

Premium welding tables and MIG welders online store in the UK? Out of a huge product range of the Dirty Pro Tools, we have found a top-grade MIG welder that turned out to be so good that we have decided to add it to this shortlist. It is the tool for welding metalware of medium thickness with the output range from 50? to 60?, best for sheets up to 2 mm thick. In addition, a pretty powerful converter of this welder allows working for about 6 minutes at 50?. So, you’ll be able to weld thin pieces for a good while, and the fan will provide a decent cooling of the tool. However, when the MIG welder overheats, the red light will flash telling you to stop welding and make a pause. By the way, you can pick either of 4 available amperage settings and adjust the wire feeding speed for reliable and straight welds. We were pleased by the package that includes a face shield, a clipping hammer, a brush and a spool of welding wire, so you can start welding right after unpacking the unit. So, this Dirty Pro Tools welder is one of the most affordable models for people seeking a mid-power machine to weld fine metal sheets.

ESAB is a world leader in the production of welding and cutting equipment and consumables. Our innovative, world-renowned equipment and solutions are developed with input from our customers and built with the expertise and heritage of a global manufacturing leader. For each discipline, continuous development of methods, materials and know-how is being directed to meet the challenges posed by the diversity of industry sectors we serve. ESAB is organized to deliver efficient, high-productivity solutions to meet customer requirements in a manner that exceeds their expectations no matter the market segment. Continuous Improvement (Kaizen) Is Our Way Of Life – Set breakthrough objectives, experiment and learn every day, eliminate waste in our business processes, and benchmark the best, then better them. Living this value is done through understating that Change is a Must, and the use of Tools for Improvement. To live this value each ESAB associate fosters an environment of continuous learning employing the Colfax Business System Tools which is the basis of our culture.

How to pick a welder tips: Stepped voltage or synergic: Synergic MIG’s have the edge when you’re welding stainless & aluminium as they are pre-programmed, easy to set up & portable. They also provide a better weld characteristic and so give cleaner weld bead with less/no spatter. Inverters: Considerably smaller and lighter and so ideal for site work. All inverters are stepless and so have infinite control. Also cheaper to run power wise. Budget: How much welding are you going to undertake? Gear your purchasing decision around the jobs you will be working on the most. Polarity changeover; A lot of welders at the light industrial end will to be able weld with gasless flux cored MIG wire. Is the switchover easy on the machine you’re considering. Availability of spares & after sales service: Ask where the machine is actually made. Even the more recognised brands largely outsource their production, which can lead to quality and after sales issues with lack of continuity of supply for spares. Read more details at MIG welder.

Welding Supplies Direct are the UK distributor for GPPH welding tables, manufactured to the highest standards in Europe. GPPH’s range of welding benches and tables are laser cut for precision and are used in every branch of industry. These welding tables offer perfect flatness (+/- 0.5MM) & are made from 15MM thick S355J2+N grade steel. Our modular welding benches come equipped with a hole system of all sides (tabletop & all sides); the holes are 28MM in diameter and have a chamfered edge for easy tool assembly. You have the option of standard legs or castors being fitted, too.

Several tips about welding equipment, MIG and TIG welders, plasma cutters. MIG welders use a wire welding electrode on a spool that is fed automatically at a constant pre-selected speed. The arc, created by an electrical current between the base metal and the wire, melts the wire and joins it with the base, producing a high-strength weld with great appearance and little need for cleaning. MIG welding is clean, easy and can be used on thin or thicker plate metals. Similar to MIG welding, flux-cored arc welding (FCAW)* is a wire-feed process but differs in that self-shielded flux-cored welding does not require a shielding gas. Instead, flux-cored wire is used to shield the arc from contamination. This is a simple, efficient and effective welding approach, especially when welding outdoors, in windy conditions or on dirty materials. The process is widely used in construction because of its high welding speed and portability.

USA market pick: Lincoln Electric is an Ohio-based company started all the way back in 1895. For over 120 years, Lincoln has produced some fine quality welders, and the Handy is certainly one of them. At about $300, this welder is a bargain while also offering great results. For around $200 dollars more than the $99 Goplus, users can expect an uptick in overall power and performance. As this Lincoln welder is well known for being both reliable and durable, welders who aren’t expecting an overabundance of power will love this machine. People who have purchased the Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG welder remark that it is stable and long-lived even with daily use. The Handy Lincoln welder is able to weld mild steel from 24 gauge up to 1/8 inches thick. It has four output power settings that the user can dial in. The fan cooling system reduces the risk of it overheating.

One of the “cardinal sins” that almost every shop commits is over-welding. This means that if the drawing calls for a 1/4″ fillet weld, most shops will put down a 5/16″ weld. The reasons? Either they don’t have a fillet gauge and are not exactly sure of the size of the weld they are producing or they put in some extra to “cover” themselves and make sure there is enough weld metal in place. But, over-welding leads to tremendous consumable waste. Let’s look again at our example. For a 1/4″ fillet weld, the typical operator will use .129 lbs. per foot of weld metal. The 5/16″ weld requires .201 lbs. per foot of weld metal – a 56 percent increase in weld volume compared to what is really needed. Plus, you must take into account the additional labor necessary to put down a larger weld. Not only is the company paying for extra, wasted consumable material, a weld with more weld metal is more likely to have warpage and distortion because of the added heat input. It is recommended that every operator be given a fillet gauge to accurately produce the weld specified – and nothing more. In addition, changes in wire diameter may be used to eliminate over-welding.

If you’re a beginner welder but don’t mind splashing the cash for a top of the range welder, then try the Millermatic 141. Miller have really pushed the boundaries of usability with this welder and it features an auto-set feature for an easy set up, and infinite voltage and wire speed control. All you have to do is select the thickness of the metal you’re welding and you’re ready to start welding straight away. If you open up the machine you can tell that all the parts are great quality and really durable as well. There are more powerful welders on the market for the price, but there’s nothing better for welding up to 3/16 inch steel. See the full review here. Find additional details on https://www.weldingsuppliesdirect.co.uk/.