Welding Guides
Practical guides for understanding welding electrode classification, rod selection, and process differences.
These guides cover the fundamentals that welding spec sheets assume you already know. If you are trying to figure out what the numbers on a rod mean, which process to use, or how to choose between two similar consumables, start here.
Available Guides
MIG vs TIG vs Stick Welding: Which Process to Use
Side-by-side comparison of MIG, TIG, and stick welding. Speed, cost, skill level, weld quality, and which process fits each job.
How to Read Welding Rod Numbers
What the numbers on a welding rod mean. Breakdown of the AWS electrode classification system with examples.
How to Store Welding Rods (Low-Hydrogen & General)
Complete guide to welding rod storage. Which rods need ovens, rebaking temperatures, moisture limits, and how to tell if a rod is bad.
Welding Polarity Explained: DCEP, DCEN, and AC
What DCEP, DCEN, and AC polarity mean in welding. How polarity affects penetration, heat distribution, and which rods work on which polarity.
How to Choose Aluminum Welding Wire (ER4043 vs ER5356)
Aluminum filler wire selection guide. When to use ER4043 vs ER5356 based on base metal alloy, crack sensitivity, strength, and anodizing.
Flux-Core vs MIG: Which Process Should You Use?
Comparison of flux-core and MIG welding processes. When to use each, equipment needs, cost, and which produces better welds for your application.
Welding Rod Sizes: Which Diameter for Which Thickness
How to pick the right welding rod diameter for the metal thickness. Size chart with amperage ranges for common stick electrodes.
Welding Shielding Gas Selection Guide
Which shielding gas for MIG and TIG welding? Compare argon, CO2, 75/25 mix, tri-mix, and 98/2 by metal type, transfer mode, and cost.
Low-Hydrogen Electrode Storage and Baking Guide
Rod oven temperatures, atmospheric exposure limits, and reconditioning procedures for E7018, E7018-1, E7016, and other low-hydrogen stick electrodes.
Stainless Steel Welding: Filler Selection, Prep, and Heat Control
How to weld stainless steel correctly. Filler metal selection for 304, 316, and dissimilar joints. Interpass temps, back purging, and contamination prevention.
Aluminum Welding: Filler Selection, Cleaning, and Common Problems
How to weld aluminum with MIG and TIG. Choose between ER4043, ER5356, and ER4047 filler rods. Cleaning procedures, settings, and troubleshooting.
Welding Position Guide: 1G Through 6G Explained
All welding positions explained with rod recommendations for each. Flat (1G), horizontal (2G), vertical (3G), overhead (4G), pipe (5G/6G) positions.
Welding Defects and Causes: Diagnosis and Prevention
Identify and fix porosity, undercut, lack of fusion, cracking, slag inclusions, and other welding defects. Rod selection and technique corrections.
What Is Stick Welding? How SMAW Works
Stick welding explained in plain language. How shielded metal arc welding works, what equipment you need, advantages and limitations, and when to use it.
What Is MIG Welding? How GMAW Works
MIG welding explained. How gas metal arc welding works, what equipment you need, shielding gas basics, and when MIG is the right choice.
What Is TIG Welding? How GTAW Works
TIG welding explained. How gas tungsten arc welding works, equipment needed, filler rod selection, and when TIG is the right process.
Related
Weld Defect Troubleshooter
Diagnose weld defects by electrode type. Select the problem, pick your rod, get causes and fixes.
Which Rod for My Job?
17 application guides matching jobs to specific electrodes.
Electrode Comparisons
46 side-by-side breakdowns with spec tables and verdicts.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.