If you're looking for steel to use in your welding projects, Jones Welding and Industrial Supply store has you covered! We carry a wide range of steel products, from tubing and sheet to angle and more. Let's take a closer look at each of these products and their uses.

Steel tubing is a popular choice for welding projects because of its strength and durability. It's commonly used for applications like race car frames, scaffolding, and furniture. There are various types of steel tubing available, each designed to meet specific requirements based on factors such as structural integrity, corrosion resistance, formability, and intended applications. Here are some common types of steel tubing:

Carbon Steel Tubing: Carbon steel tubing is the most commonly used type of steel tubing. It is made primarily from iron and carbon and may contain small amounts of other elements. Carbon steel tubing is known for its strength and durability and is widely used in structural, mechanical, and construction applications.

Stainless Steel Tubing: Stainless steel tubing is alloyed with chromium and other elements to provide excellent corrosion resistance, high strength, and heat resistance. It is commonly used in applications where corrosion resistance is critical, such as in the food and beverage industry, chemical processing, medical equipment, and architectural applications.

Galvanized Steel Tubing: Galvanized steel tubing is coated with a layer of zinc to enhance corrosion resistance. The galvanization process involves immersing the steel tubing in a bath of molten zinc. Galvanized steel tubing is commonly used in outdoor applications, such as fencing, handrails, and utility structures, where protection against rust and corrosion is essential.

Square and Rectangular Steel Tubing: Square and rectangular steel tubing are specialized shapes of steel tubing used in structural applications. They offer superior strength and are commonly used in construction, infrastructure projects, and the manufacturing of frames and support structures.

Alloy Steel Tubing: Alloy steel tubing is made from a combination of carbon steel and other alloying elements such as chromium, molybdenum, nickel, or vanadium. Alloy steel tubing provides enhanced mechanical properties, such as increased strength, hardness, and heat resistance. It is commonly used in applications that require high strength and performance, such as aerospace, automotive, and oil and gas industries.

These are just a few examples of the different types of steel tubing available. Other specialized types include heat-exchanger tubing, electrical conduit tubing, and automotive exhaust tubing, each tailored to specific applications and performance requirements.

Sheet steel, on the other hand, is often used for projects that require a flat surface. It can be easily bent and shaped, making it a versatile material for welding. Sheet steel is often used for auto body repairs, sculpture, and other artistic projects There are various types of sheet steel, each designed to meet specific requirements based on factors such as strength, formability, corrosion resistance, and intended applications. Here are some common types:

Hot Rolled Steel Sheets: Hot rolled steel sheets are produced through the hot rolling process, as described earlier. They are available in a range of thicknesses and are commonly used in structural applications, including construction, manufacturing, and general fabrication.

Cold Rolled Steel Sheets: Cold rolled steel sheets undergo the cold rolling process, resulting in improved surface finish, tighter dimensional tolerances, and higher strength compared to hot rolled sheets. They are commonly used in applications that require precise dimensions and a smooth surface, such as automotive body panels, appliances, and metal furniture.

Galvanized Steel Sheets: Galvanized steel sheets are coated with a layer of zinc to enhance corrosion resistance. The process of galvanization involves immersing the steel sheets in a bath of molten zinc, creating a protective barrier against rust and oxidation. Galvanized steel sheets are widely used in outdoor applications, roofing, siding, and construction projects.

Stainless Steel Sheets: Stainless steel sheets are alloyed with a minimum of 10.5% chromium, which forms a passive layer on the surface, providing excellent corrosion resistance. Stainless steel sheets are available in various grades and finishes, including austenitic, ferritic, and martensitic stainless steels. They are used in a wide range of applications, including kitchen appliances, food processing equipment, architectural cladding, and industrial applications requiring corrosion resistance.

Aluminum Sheets: While not technically steel, aluminum sheets are commonly used in similar applications due to their lightweight nature, corrosion resistance, and versatility. Aluminum sheets are available in various grades and alloys, each offering specific properties such as high strength, formability, or heat resistance. They find application in industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and packaging.

These are just a few examples of the different types of sheet steel available. Other specialized types include high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel sheets, electrical steel sheets, and tool steel sheets, each tailored to specific applications and performance requirements. Aluminum sheets, hot rolled, cold rolled, Galvanized, aluminum, stainless, and the list goes on.

Angle steel, also known as L-shaped steel or angle iron, is a type of structural steel with two legs that form a 90-degree angle. It is commonly used in construction, engineering, and industrial applications for providing structural support, framework, and bracing. It is used in a variety of welding projects because of its strength and ease of use. It's often used for projects like shelves, brackets, and frames - or anywhere else that requires a sturdy support. Here are some common types of angle steel:

Equal Leg Angle Steel: Equal leg angle steel has legs of equal length, resulting in a 90-degree angle. The two legs are symmetrical, creating equal dimensions on both sides. Equal leg angle steel is widely used in general construction, framing, supports, and architectural applications.

Unequal Leg Angle Steel: Unequal leg angle steel has legs of different lengths, resulting in an unequal angle. One leg is longer than the other, creating an angle other than 90 degrees. Unequal leg angle steel is often used in applications where one side of the angle needs to be longer or shorter to accommodate specific structural requirements.

Stainless Steel Angle: Stainless steel angle is made from stainless steel, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and high strength. It is commonly used in applications that require resistance to harsh environments or exposure to corrosive substances, such as in the food and beverage industry, marine applications, and architectural projects.

Galvanized Angle Steel: Galvanized angle steel is coated with a layer of zinc to enhance corrosion resistance. The galvanization process involves applying a zinc coating to the surface of the angle steel, protecting it from rust and oxidation. Galvanized angle steel is commonly used in outdoor applications, construction, and structural projects where corrosion resistance is crucial.

Perforated Angle Steel: Perforated angle steel has holes or perforations along its length or on its surface. These perforations offer flexibility for various applications, such as attaching components, hanging equipment, or providing ventilation. Perforated angle steel is commonly used in shelving systems, support structures, and framing applications.

Slotted Angle Steel: Slotted angle steel has slots or holes along the length of the angle, allowing for easy and adjustable connections. The slots provide versatility for connecting and assembling structures, shelves, racks, and storage systems. Slotted angle steel is commonly used in DIY projects, warehouses, and industrial storage applications.

These are some of the common types of angle steel available. The choice of angle steel depends on the specific application, load-bearing requirements, corrosion resistance, and other factors.

No matter what type of steel you need for your welding projects, our store has you covered. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality products at a competitive price, with expert advice to help you choose the perfect material for your project. Come visit us today and let us help you get started on your next welding project!

Welding is a process of joining two or more metal pieces by melting and fusing them together. There are several types of welding processes used in various industries, including MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored welding. In this blog post, we will explore the different types of welding processes, their advantages, and disadvantages.

MIG Welding

MIG welding (which stands for Metal Inert Gas welding) also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a welding process that uses a wire electrode to fuse metal pieces together. This wire electrode is fed through a spool gun, while an inert gas, usually argon or a mixture of argon and helium, is used to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination.

One of the significant advantages of MIG welding is that it is faster than other welding processes, making it a popular choice in industrial settings. Additionally, MIG welding produces high-quality welds, and it is relatively easy to learn, making it a favorite among novice welders. However, MIG welding has some disadvantages to consider. Firstly, the process requires a clean welding surface to be effective. Secondly, the equipment cost for MIG welding is higher than other welding processes, which may be a barrier for some welders.

Despite these limitations, MIG welding remains a reliable and efficient welding process that continues to gain popularity in various industries.

TIG Welding

TIG welding, (which stands for Tungsten Inert Gas welding) also know as GTAW or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, is a popular welding process that uses a tungsten electrode to create an electric arc between the electrode and the metal pieces. This process requires an inert gas, such as argon or helium, to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination. One of the significant advantages of TIG welding is that it produces high-quality welds, making it a preferred method for welding critical applications. Additionally, TIG welding is versatile and can be used to weld a wide range of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and copper.

This process also allows for precise control over the heat input, resulting in a more precise weld. However, TIG welding has some disadvantages to consider. Firstly, it is slower than other welding processes, making it less efficient in high-volume production. Secondly, TIG welding requires a high level of skill and experience, making it challenging for novice welders to master. Lastly, TIG welding is not suitable for welding thick metal pieces, which may limit its application in some cases. Despite these limitations, TIG welding remains a popular choice for welders who value precision and weld quality.

Stick Welding

Stick welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a popular welding process that uses a stick electrode to create an electric arc between the electrode and the metal pieces. The stick electrode is coated with a flux that creates a shield around the weld, protecting it from atmospheric contamination. One of the significant advantages of stick welding is its versatility, making it a preferred method for welding a wide range of metals. Additionally, the equipment cost for stick welding is lower than other welding processes, making it an accessible option for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts. Stick welding is also suitable for outdoor welding, as it can be used in windy conditions. However, stick welding has some disadvantages to consider. Firstly, it is slower than other welding processes, making it less efficient in high-volume production. Secondly, stick welding produces less precise welds, which may be a concern for some applications. Lastly, stick welding requires a clean welding surface to be effective, which may limit its use in some situations. Despite these limitations, stick welding remains a reliable and versatile welding process that continues to be widely used in various industries.

Flux-Cored Welding

Flux-cored welding is a popular welding process that uses a tubular wire electrode with a flux core to create a shield around the weld, protecting it from atmospheric contamination. The electrode is fed through a spool gun, and the weld is created by an electric arc between the electrode and the metal pieces. One of the significant advantages of flux-cored welding is that it is faster than other welding processes, making it an ideal choice for high-volume production. Additionally, it produces high-quality welds, making it a preferred method for welding critical applications. Flux-cored welding is also suitable for welding thicker metal pieces than MIG welding, making it a popular choice for heavy-duty applications. However, flux-cored welding has some disadvantages to consider. Firstly, it produces more spatter than other welding processes, which can be a safety hazard and may require additional cleanup. Secondly, it requires a clean welding surface to be effective, which may be a challenge in some situations. Lastly, flux-cored welding equipment is more expensive than stick welding equipment, which may limit its accessibility to some welders. Despite these limitations, flux-cored welding remains a popular and effective welding process that continues to be widely used in various industries.

In conclusion, each welding process has its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of welding process depends on the type and thickness of the metal pieces being welded, the welding environment, and the skill and experience of the welder. It is important to understand the differences between these processes to choose the most appropriate one for your welding needs.