Process, gear, and settings that hold
Gas Metal Arc Welding: Transfer Modes, Gas and Setup
Compare GMAW transfer modes, see sourced wire settings, and match shielding gas, polarity and equipment before diagnosing spatter, porosity or poor fusion.
By Cole Brandt · 2026-10-05 · 7 min readLatest
Welding Gas: Choose by Process, Metal and Transfer Mode
Match welding gas to MIG, TIG or flux-cored wire, check flow at the torch, and troubleshoot shielding problems before turning up the regulator.
Welding Wire: Choose the Type Before the Diameter
Choose welding wire by construction, base metal, classification, gas and polarity. Then check diameter, feeder compatibility, storage and arc problems.
MIG Welding vs TIG Welding: Choose the Right Process
Compare MIG and TIG for steel, stainless and aluminum. Check speed, heat control, shielding gas and equipment before choosing a process for your next job.
Stick Welder Guide: Selection, Setup and Troubleshooting
Match a stick welder to your electrodes, input power and duty cycle, then check polarity, the work circuit and technique before changing amperage.
Welding Mask: Choose the Helmet, Shade and Fume Protection
Choose a welding mask by hazard, process, shade and fit. Distinguish welding helmets, clear face shields and respiratory protection.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmet: Selection, Settings And Checks
Match an auto darkening welding helmet to your process, shade requirements and TIG current. Learn what the controls change and when to stop welding.
More articles
Gas for MIG Welding: Choose by Metal and Transfer Mode
Choose MIG shielding gas for mild steel, stainless or aluminum, set a practical flow rate, and diagnose porosity before turning up the gas.
TIG Welder Guide: Selection, Setup and Troubleshooting
Match a TIG welder to your metals, input power and duty cycle, then check polarity, shielding gas and tungsten before changing settings.
MIG Welder Guide: Selection, Setup and Troubleshooting
Compare power, duty cycle and feeding requirements, then check MIG wire, gas, polarity and common faults before changing voltage or wire-feed settings.
MIG Welding Equipment: Build a Matched Setup
Build a complete MIG setup by matching power, wire, gun, gas and work leads. Check duty cycle, hidden costs and equipment faults before adjusting settings.
MIG Welding Machine Setup: Settings and Fault Checks
Match wire, gas, polarity and feed parts before tuning your MIG welder. Find the first checks for stubbing, burnback, porosity and poor edge fusion.
Extension Cord for a Welder: Gauge, Length and Plug Selection
Choose a welder extension cord by input current, voltage, length, plug and cord-set rating. Diagnose voltage drop without overlooking unsafe connections.
TIG Welder With Foot Pedal: Selection and Setup Guide
Check TIG foot-pedal compatibility, AC/DC capability, package contents and current limits, then troubleshoot missing or erratic amperage control.
Flux-Core Welding Definition: FCAW-S vs. FCAW-G
Learn how FCAW uses tubular wire and slag, how self-shielded and gas-shielded variants differ, and why polarity must follow the wire data.
What Do the Numbers on Welding Rods Mean?
Decode welding rod numbers for tensile strength, position, coating and current, plus H4R suffixes and why TIG rod codes work differently.
Stick Welding Setting Chart: Amps and Polarity
Compare published settings for common mild-steel rods, verify supported current, and correct arc problems without treating a chart as a qualified procedure.
6013 Welding Rod Uses, Amperage, Polarity and Limits
See where E6013 excels, where it falls short, and how rod diameter, polarity, amperage, joint condition and technique shape the result.
Welding Undercut: Causes, Diagnosis, and Repair
Identify welding undercut, trace likely causes, and decide whether the groove requires a settings change, measurement or approved repair.