2025-09-22 – Weekly Welding News : Welding in windy conditions

Hello welders,

Last week in the welding community, conversations spanned from career pathways to practical challenges in the field. Many members engaged in discussions about certification processes, sharing tips and experiences on becoming a certified welder. Job opportunities were a hot topic, with members debating the pros and cons of various positions in the industry. Practical advice on managing workflows and dealing with environmental challenges, like welding in windy conditions, also sparked interest. There’s a wealth of shared knowledge from both seasoned professionals and newcomers alike.


This Week’s Hot Topics

The First Spark: Your Guide to Becoming a Certified Welder
This thread offers a roadmap for those looking to get certified, with members sharing their personal journeys and advice on navigating the certification process.
Read more here

Plumber brain vs welder hands
A lively discussion on the skills crossover between plumbing and welding, and how mindset plays into technique and problem-solving.
Read more here

Would You Take It? – Mobile Intrack Welder Assistant at RailWorks
Members weigh in on the opportunities and challenges of this mobile welding role, discussing the demands and benefits of working with RailWorks.
Read more here

Small wins from today’s practice and networking
A feel-good thread where members share their daily achievements and the power of networking in advancing their welding careers.
Read more here

Would You Take This Job? – MIG/TIG Welder & Fabricator
Explore the community’s perspective on a MIG/TIG welding position, evaluating the job’s requirements and potential career growth.
Read more here

When the wind is the foreman
This practical thread discusses strategies for welding in windy conditions, a common challenge faced by outdoor welders.
Read more here

Best quick-reference apps and meetups
Members share their go-to apps for quick welding references and discuss the benefits of local meetups for networking and skill-building.
Read more here

Dialing in a one-car garage workflow
Tips and tricks for optimizing a small workspace for welding projects, perfect for hobbyists and those working from home.
Read more here

Would You Take This Job? – Quality Control Inspector at TIC – The Industrial Company
A discussion on the role of quality control in welding and what makes this job at TIC appealing to some and challenging to others.
Read more here

Field-tested weld log and consumables tracker
A practical resource thread where members share tools and templates for keeping track of welding projects and consumables.
Read more here


Thanks for staying engaged and contributing to the conversations. Until next time, keep those sparks flying and the discussions lively.

1 Like

After chasing porosity on a rooftop, I learned a cheap collapsible windbreak beats cranking gas flow — past about 10 mph the wind just steals your shield. Now I won’t strike an arc outside without a screen, even if it looks silly :slightly_smiling_face:.

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On wind-blown bridge work, I switch to self-shielded flux-core and run a slightly longer stick-out to keep the arc tight… If I’m stuck with GMAW, I’ll drop into short-circuit, push 5–10° and tuck the puddle behind the joint like hiding a campfire behind a rock.

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I keep a $30 clamp-on welding umbrella in the truck; on gusty days I set it windward and sandbag the base, then switch to SMAW with 6011 so the arc isn’t at the mercy of gas loss. If I’m stuck on a GMAW procedure, a larger 5/8" nozzle with a diffuser and running stringers “into the wind” buys me just enough shield between gusts.

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Quick tip: I clip a small FR welding blanket to two magnet squares and make a U around the joint to kill the crosswind; it saves gas and keeps GMAW manageable. If gusts pick up I’ll change processes, but the improvised baffle plus a ‘dime-length’ arc beats chasing pinholes — nice add from @william31 on the umbrella.

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I park the rig upwind as a windbreak; for GMAW I swap to a larger nozzle with a heavy diffuser and keep stickout around 3/8 in. The myth that ‘more gas fixes wind’ bites people — above about 30 cfh you just make turbulence, so I run 25–30 with a slight drag angle, @MayaG. If it’s still gusty, I’ll do the critical passes at dawn when the air is calm — the cheapest windscreen is my body.

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@katadam I keep E71T-11 and a $20 anemometer; I pause above 12 mph, or baffle GMAW fast.

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