If you are looking to learn how to weld steel,
you are in the right place
There are basically 5 ways to weld carbon steel...
TIG stands for tungsten inert gas
TIG is more precise than other welding processes but is also usually slower.
TIG welding is a good answer to the question "how to weld steel"
MIG stands for Metal wire Inert Gas
Mig welding is considered the easiest welding process to learn.
MIG still requires proper understanding of process fundamentals and good technique but since the filler wire is automatically fed, it can be easier to learn.
MIG is a great answer to the question HOW TO WELD STEEL?
Stick welding is properly known as shielded metal arc welding or smaw.
Stick is an old school way to weld steel but also a tried and true method.
When wind and rain are hammering you Stick welding is usually the best choice.
Did you know that the same welding machine for mig welding can also do flux core welding without gas?
Self Shielded flux core welding is not a bad choice for welding steel as long as proper settings and techniques are used.
some of the cheaper flux core wires are rated for single pass welds only.
I recommend stepping up to the better grade self shielded flux core wires like hobart fabshield 21b.
also a really big tip here....
Make Sure the polarity is on DCEN
DCEP is the polarity used for bare wire mig...
but for ALMOST ALL self shielded flux core wires,
DCEN is the RIGHT POLARITY
Dual shield flux core requires shielding gas....75/25 ar/co2 also known as C25 gas seems to work best although 100% Co2 and other gases can be used.
DCEP IS USUALLY THE correct POLARITY for Dual shield flux core welding.
The Flux along with the shielding gas just makes it perform differently than self shielded flux core. In a good way.
Even a small portable machine like a lincoln 210mp can surprise you with what can be welded using dual shield flux core.
People also ask
What is the easiest way to weld steel?
Most people think that mig welding is the easiest way to weld steel because the wire is fed for you and once you get the settings right for a particular thickness or job, you can pretty much leave it alone and just weld.
Others think that old school stick welding is the easiest and best way to weld carbon steel.
stick welding machines are typically the cheapest, but the learning curve is a bit steeper than with mig welding.
Most welders agree that TIG welding is more difficult for beginners due to both hands and sometimes even a foot being used to control torch, filler metal wire, and foot control.
Whether you are a student working on passing a welding test, hobbyist, or a working welder who wants to sharpen up, I want to encourage you to take the free 7 day test drive and get access to all the courses and over 800 videos.
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Jody