What's the Difference Between A MIG and a TIG Welder

Do you want to understand the difference between a MIG and a TIG welder? Well, you have reached the right place. In the article below, we will explain the major differences between these two different types of welding and whether there are any particular advantages of choosing a particular type of welding.

Before you begin, you need to understand that both these types of welding are arc welding processes wherein an inert gas and metal electrodes are used for the welding process. Both these types of welding are easy to learn and these welding processes can typically be used on almost all the common materials.

As far as MIG welding is concerned, the acronym stands for metal inert gas welding. It is also known by many other names including metal active gas welding. In this method, a consumable metal electrode and shielding gas is used for the welding process. An electric arc is used in this process for heating the material and for joining the pieces.

The electrode acts as a filler which is melted and deposited on the area that is being welded. It can be semiautomatic or automatic in nature. Typically, argon gas is used in this process which is also combined with carbon dioxide in certain cases. One of the biggest advantages of this welding process is that it is considered user-friendly as well as quick as compared to some of the other welding processes.

This process of welding also tends to be cheaper as compared to the TIG welding process. However, it also has certain disadvantages as compared to the other welding processes. This particular welding process leads to production of a less stable arc which means the sections produced through this welding process may not be as stable as compared to sections produced through other welding processes. This type of welding process also leads to creation of more smoke, sparks and fumes which makes the other welding processes cleaner as compared to this particular type of welding process.

The TIG welding process is an acronym for tungsten inert gas welding. In this type of welding, a tungsten electrode is used for the welding process and the gas used is argon gas. The fundamental difference between this type of welding process and the above-mentioned welding process is that the electrode is non-consumable which means an external filler needs to be provided. In some cases, no filler is used.

This type of process is a semiautomatic welding process and a foot pedal is typically used for controlling the arc. This type of welding is typically used for combining nonferrous metals but it can also be used for welding iron alloys. The biggest advantage of using tungsten electrode is that it leads to reduced contamination in the process. It also leads to creation of fewer fumes and sparks as compared to the above-mentioned welding process.

Overall, both these welding processes have a lot of similarities except that tungsten is used in the TIG welding process. Both these have their own advantages and disadvantages and choosing one over the other will depend on the particular application as well as the cost of welding and certain other factors

What Is A Plasma Cutter And How Does It Work?

Plasma cutters in basic terms is a type of tool that is able to cut through different types of materials that are electrically conductive, such as metals like aluminium, brass, copper and others. This is possible in the way of creating a very high-temperature electrical channel made up of ionized gases which is called plasma. The plasma cutters come in different versions from hand-held, small machines which are used by hobbyists onto automated, large CNC cutters used by numerous industries.

Plasma cutters comes in a number of sizes and shapes and today there are even very big plasma cutters that operate with robotic arms to achieve precise incisions and cuts to hand-held, compact plasma cutters which are common in most handyman shops.

Plasma Cutter is in fact a very broad term. These are machines that feature various individual components, while the material-quality and design of each of these components is factored into the overall price. The machines with components of a higher quality may cost more, yet this is not an indication that the lower priced plasma cutters are not desirable. For handyman projects and hobbyists, these cutters perform their tasks well.

Main Components Of Plasma Cutters

• Power Cable And Power Source
•  Work Clamp that comes with a cable
• Hand-held torch that comes with a cable
• Consumable that include Electrodes and Tips
• Air Compressor

What Are Plasma Cutters Used For?

Artists and hobbyists use plasma cutters for cutting out different designs and shapes of different metals to create pieces of artwork. Salvage yards, auto-repair shops, along with construction sites frequently use plasma cutters for rough-cut metal sheets. Dependent on the skill of the user and the cutter tip that is used, precise and very fine cuts can also be made.

Plasma Cutting Guide

Plasma cutting is a simple and fast way to cut metals which conduct electricity. It cuts through brass, copper, aluminum, steel etc. Operating hand-held plasma cutters is very easy. All that is required is to attach the machine to an air-compressor along with a 415V or 240V supply, connect up an earth-lead to a workpiece, connect the provided torch to the plasma cutter, choose a cutting amperage. Now use the switch featured on the handle of the torch, and move it along the metal while the plasma-arc cuts through the metal.

Because there is no need to carry around a heavy gas bottle, most plasma cutters are somewhat portable, while the heat-affected zone is minimized with small cut widths in comparison to oxy-fuel cutting which is a fantastic advantage.

Plasma cutters use a DC voltage to heat up the compressed air to extremely high temperatures where it will ionize atoms which is what creates the plasma arc. This will flow through the cutting tip hole which is typically between 0.9mm and 1.5mm at temperatures between 25,000 and 30,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The plasma jet pushes through while melting the metal and pushing the molten metals away. This is far more focused in comparison to the oxy-fuel cutting along with the r

How Stud Finders Work To Save You Time

There are a lot of very heavy things that you'll end up having to mount on your walls when you first move into a home. Things like shelves, TVs, cabinets, and other things that hang on a wall need to have their mounts fastened directly into the studs or you risk having them fall later on. When they do fall, people could get injured, valuable items broken, and the hole in your sheet rock will look horrible. So, exactly how do you go about finding the stud in the wall for your next project? With a stud finder, of course. Here are some of the different kinds and how they work.

What A Stud Finder Does

They always have a battery since they need that to create an electromagnetic field. The field can penetrate a wall to about an inch or more and it changes when it detects metal nails and even the studs themselves. Every object on earth has a slightly different magnetic attraction, but iron and some other metals are particularly attracted to magnets in a big way.

A stud finder will usually have a row of LED lights and as you run your stud finder across the wall they'll start lighting up the closer they get to the stud. When all of them are lit, you're probably right at the center of the stud. However, you should continue on to see how the lights quit functioning as you are no longer over the stud.

There are ways to make extra sure that you're on the stud as well. You can take a pencil and make a mark where you believe the stud is, then drop down lower on the wall and find the stud again. Then, take a level and it should be exactly vertical, straight up and down, where the marks for the stud are. This is an excellent double check to make sure you're on the mark. You can then make a light pencil mark along the edge of your level and be certain of hitting the stud anywhere along that line.

Be Cautious Of Other Metal Objects

You should make one other double check and locate another stud on each side of the one you've already found. They should be spaced 16 to 24 inches apart inside the wall. If you don't find one on each side of the one you've already located, it may be a false reading caused by a metal pipe or other metal object. In modern homes there are far fewer metal pipes, but there are still metal wires that could give a false reading.

There Are Electronic Whole Stud Detectors Too

These are a little more accurate than the regular electronic stud finder and are better at finding the exact edges of the stud. Contractors that need to install wiring, plumbing and HVAC conduits use these because they give a better reading of the entire stud. These workers need to know where the edges are to plan where to cut into the wall with a saw, rather than just hang shelves.

Whatever the reason why you need to know where the studs are, these new tools are far better than the old knuckle tapping method used by our grandpas. They aren't very expensive to buy and save lots of time on the job.

The Many Types Of Welders And What They Can Expect To Earn On The Job

The art of welding and soldering has been around over 100 years in one shape or another. The equipment used has gotten more sophisticated and so has the need for more perfect welds that are stronger and better. The education level needed to become a good welder has also increased but nearly anyone with the right determination can take the classes and enter the field. Here are some of the courses that an aspiring welder should take and the various jobs that one will find right now available across the country.

The Courses To Study In Order To Get The Best Welding Jobs

This can vary quite a bit depending on the type of welding that you're intending to do. If all you're going to do is weld around the home, make art, put together a few boat trailers, and make money on the side, a seven month course would do just fine to get you started.

There are actually hundreds of different fields in the welding niche and there are plenty of part time and full time jobs nearly everywhere. Farms all across the nation need welders that can travel to the farm and make repairs to broken farm machinery. If meeting lots of different people and traveling all the time is attractive to you, there is a strong need in the farm community for good welders.

The construction industry has two separate needs for welders. One is to repair the machinery and heavy equipment that is constantly needing work at various locations. The other is assembling huge skyscrapers that have steel frames that hold them together. Each would require a different type of welding to get started.

The oil industry is also heavily dependent on welders to set up and repair their vehicles, machinery, and pipelines that are scattered across many states. Some of these welds are very important and need special care since a cracked pipe could lead to disaster.

Even The Military Needs Competent Welders

Since most of their heavy equipment is made of steel, the military needs plenty of welders as well. Ships, tanks, trucks, airplanes, and armored vehicles all need on the spot repairs whether they are on training exercises or in real combat. The ability to work under pressure is essential there.

Each of these welding jobs may require a different welding process depending on different factors. You could become certified in one type and still need more education and training to do another type of welding. In addition to that, the different types of metals each require a different certification since all metals behave differently when melted.

What Kind Of Pay Range Can A Welder Expect?

A welder starting out without a lot of schooling or experience is most likely going to only make a little over $25,000 per year. Not bad, but not great either. The better jobs in the welding industry are not going to be the entry level production jobs.

Getting into electrical energy distribution welding pays more than $60,000 per year as does the natural gas and oil industry that has been booming for several decades. Also, the nuclear industry pays very well, but their numbers have been on the decline for over 10 years.

The best route to take, if welding looks like the dream job for you, is to take lots of classes in many different types of welding in order to become more versatile. There are always going to be jobs available for the right certification so the more classes you take the brighter your future will be and the higher your income will be as well.

What Are The Top Color Choices For Bathroom Paint In 2019?

Have you ever seen a red and black bathroom? Family and I did when they were looking at a home to buy several years ago. We all did a double take when we were introduced to the personalized bathroom that was about much more than just the color choice. It was quite interesting to be sure. If you are choosing a paint color or colors for your bathroom, what's popular in 2018?

As you can imagine, color preference is of course in the eye of the beholder. Yet there are some top choices. Believe it or not, black is one of them, but it is most often paired with white, not red. In all seriousness, any aquatic colors are also great ideas. For example, one top color choices for bathrooms is arctic blue. Powder blue is another one.

Then there are those colors that are extremely versatile when it comes to design. You might not have thought you would see an earthy tone on this list, but taupe is quite popular when it comes to bathrooms. Think in terms of ivory bathroom fixtures, or cream colors for fixtures and decor.

What about an artistic bathroom, complete with 'some' wall art and some antique lighting fixtures? Again, less can be more when it comes to bathrooms and decorating in general. But it's all in what you want, and this type of setup might look great with a charcoal paint color.

Sometimes it helps to look at pictures in order to get a good idea of what colors look like when part of actual bathrooms. Simply staring at color swatches doesn't always give you the complete idea. There are so many great options. My bathroom is yellow, and I like that color. I suppose if I picked another color, I might go with some type of blue tone. That charcoal color sure did sound like a good idea, too.

All The Things I Learned By Being A Carpenter

When most people think about their profession, they do not consider the profound effect it has on all areas of their lives. This is the not always the case, well certainly not for me. Since becoming a carpenter, I have become a much better man than I would have been otherwise. Here is a brief rundown of all the ways that I believe this line of work has changed me for the better.

Punctuality

I was never the best when it comes to arriving where I need to be on time, but that is not the case anymore. I know that many projects cannot commence until I am at the site, so it is essential I get there when I am supposed to. I remember when my son had his first dance at school. I told him that I would be home before he got ready to go so i could take a few pictures and see him off. If that had been several years back, it is likely I would have shown up when he was already out of the door, but carpentry has taught me to value time more since it can have a profound effect on others. In other words, I got to see my son in a suit with a smile on his face because I learned to place his needs above mine.

Problem Solving

Have you ever started doing something then you gave up because it didn't seem to be going the way that you planned. The story of my life. My garage is filled with projects that I have started and stopped due to lack of time, motivation and/or ability. The thing about my job is the fact that quitting a project is not ah option. I have to do exactly what was written in my contract. I cannot walk away because I am not feeling particularly good about the way things are turning out.

This is something that i have carried over into my marriage. My wife and I have been together for 12 years and there are days when i feel like tearing out my hair and moving to some far away planet away from it all. With that said, I know that her and the kids depend on me to stick it out and make things work, even when they are tough. Nowadays, I am able to address issues with her and figure them out instead of making the decision to storm out. It has made our union stronger than ever.

Constant Learning

Education has never been one of my string suits. As soon as I was done with high school and I learned a trade, I did not think learning anything else would be necessary. Yes. I actually thought that I could go my entire career without having to do things differently. Little did I know when I began that it is important to stay current in the industry. It is great to show clients that I am willing to go the extra mile and learn new things all of the time.

I am sure that my children appreciate my willingness to learn when it comes to them. I learned the basics, like diaper changing and bathing years ago, but they are getting older every second. I have had to teach my daughter how to be safe on social media and how to recognize phishing scams. My son has had to be taught about how to avoid being bullied on the Web and the importance of using really safe passwords. These are things that I have had to learn to keep my youngsters safe on the Internet and I know there will only be more added to that each and every day.

Perfectionism

Who would have ever thought that I would be talking about being perfect, not me. I used to embrace all my flaws and think of them as something that gave me character. Over time I have come to realize that this is the mindset people allow themselves to have because they are afraid of striving for more. Every tool I buy, each piece of wood and every hammer I nail has to be perfect. Otherwise, it will ruin the structural integrity of whatever I am working on.

You might want to believe that this should not apply to friendships and relationships, but it does. While it is probably not possible to be 100% perfect at all times, this should be your goal. You should strive to be the best possible friend, parent, lover, boss pr co-worker to everyone that you know. It is not worth it if you feel they are not worth your very best.

If I had never taken up carpentry, I doubt I would be who I am at this moment. It has helped me to be the greatest version of myself there is and I am eternally thankful.

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Tips To Find A Good Stud Finder

Finding a good stud finder is one of the most important things you need to do when you are looking to do work at home. In this article, we will go over a few things that can help you identify the right stud finder to purchase for your needs.

Finding A Good Stud Finder:

1. Reviews.

The main thing that you are going to want to do when you are shopping for one would be to look at the reviews of the different options available on the market. By checking out the different reviews of the various stud finders being sold, you should be able to see which products stand above the rest. You will be able to almost immediately reduce your chances of purchasing a poor performing stud finder and it is going to allow you to maximize your chances of finding one that works the best. For good Stud finder Reviews Check out Tool Tally  which is run By Zachary Drumm.

2. Level Of Accuracy.

Another big thing that you are going to want to look for when you are shopping for one would have to be the level of accuracy that comes along with it.

3. Price.

The price tag that they are asking for is another consideration that you want to make. Ideally, you want to try to find the product that is available for the best price point. Finding a product that is available for an affordable price point is a great way to maximize the value that you are able to get from it.

Overall, there is a lot that you will want to do to find the right product to purchase. By looking closely at the reviews of the different options, you should be able to find the stud finder that is going to provide you with the most accurate results and the best possible value for your money.