Is ER70S-6 MIG Welding Wire Better for Rusty Steel? (Review)
I spent my first three years in the shop wondering why my beads looked like Swiss cheese whenever I worked on anything other than brand-new, shiny metal. I would adjust…
Skill Progression Logs
Developing proficiency in metalworking is a gradual process that requires practice, patience, and structured learning. The Skill Progression Logs category is designed for beginners and intermediate learners who are focused on systematically improving their hands-on skills. This section documents the journey of learning essential techniques, from fundamental welding joints to precise machining operations.
We break down core skills into manageable milestones, focusing on areas such as consistent bead laying in MIG, TIG, and Stick welding, precision layout work using manual instruments, hand-filing techniques, and basic lathe and mill operations. Rather than presenting these skills as instantly attainable, our logs offer a realistic look at the learning curve, highlighting common early mistakes, how to correct your technique, and how to practice effectively with limited scrap material.
These articles serve as practical learning guides, complete with exercises, visual examples of correct and incorrect techniques, and tips on body positioning and tool control. By focusing on steady, incremental improvement, this category helps you build muscle memory and technical understanding. Explore these progression logs to set realistic learning goals and build a solid foundation of craftsmanship in your workshop.
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How to Weld Structural Square Tubing for Carts (DIY Plan)
When I first started building shop equipment, my welds looked like a series of cold, stuck-on grapes. I spent months frustrated by joints that broke under the slightest pressure and…
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How to Weld Structural Repairs on Heavy Equipment (Guide)
When I first started working on heavy steel frames, I felt a deep sense of anxiety. I remember staring at a cracked loader bucket, wondering how my shaky hands could…
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How to Weld Safely in a Cold Garage Workshop (DIY Guide)
When I first started out in my own unheated garage in Michigan, I quickly realized that sub-zero temperatures change the fundamental nature of shop safety. I remember one January morning…
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How to Weld Metal Without Excessive Overgrinding (DIY Guide)
I remember the first time I tried to build a simple workbench. I spent four hours welding and six hours grinding. My shop was filled with a thick, metallic fog,…
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How to Weld Joints in Tight and Restricted Spaces (Guide)
I remember the first time I tried to weld a gusset inside a narrow truck frame. I had been practicing on an open workbench for months, and I felt confident….
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How to Weld Long Sheet Metal Seams Without Warping (DIY Fix)
I remember the first time I tried to join two long pieces of 18-gauge sheet metal for a floor pan project. I had my settings dialed in on a scrap…
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How to Weld Heavy Gate Hinges onto Steel Posts Safely (Fix)
When I first started out in a small garage over a decade ago, I remember the sheer weight of a four-hundred-pound driveway gate leaning against my workbench. I had spent…
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How to Weld for a Clean and Professional Finish (Guide)
When I first sat down at a welding bench twelve years ago, I expected the process to be a simple matter of pointing a torch and pulling a trigger. I…
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How to Weld Even Fillet Joints on Thick Steel (DIY Tutorial)
When I first started working with 1/2-inch steel plate, I felt a deep sense of frustration. I could stick two thin pieces of metal together, but thick sections felt like…
