Privacy Policy | CMH Welding

Welcome to CMHWelding.com.

I’m Chris M. Hayes, and I run this site to share what I’ve learned from more than 20 years of working with welding, fabrication and the tools that go along with it.

CMHWelding.com includes articles, project documentation, equipment information and practical welding content based on my experience in the trade and in my own garage.

This Privacy Policy explains what information may be collected when you use the site, how that information is used, and the choices you have regarding your information.

I’ve tried to keep it straightforward. You shouldn’t need to work your way through a page of corporate language just to understand what happens to your information when you visit a welding website.

1. Why This Policy Exists

CMH Welding is built for welders, fabricators, hobbyists, DIYers, metal artists, and anyone trying to choose the right equipment or sharpen their skills.

To keep the site running smoothly and useful, certain information is collected:

Not to sell
Not to spam
Not for shady marketing

Just what’s needed to:

Improve the site
Understand what welders want
Answer your questions
Keep everything working behind the scenes

2. Information We Collect (In Real-World Terms)

A. Information You Choose To Share

This can include:

Your name (if you decide to share it)
Your email address (newsletter, contact form, advice requests)
Your questions, messages, or comments
Shop photos or equipment details you send for help

Typical real-world examples:

“Which 200A MIG would you pick for stainless?”
“My welder keeps tripping the breaker – any ideas?”
“Is this helmet legit or a knockoff?”

Anything personal you share stays between you and me. Period.

B. Information Collected Automatically

Like most websites, CMH gathers basic technical data:

How long readers stay on a machine review
Which categories get the most attention (MIG, TIG, Stick, plasma)
Device type (yes, lots of old desktops still show up)
Browser type and IP address (for security and performance)
Which guides readers finish

This helps answer questions like:

Are people more interested in 3-phase welders this month?
What are readers in the UK looking at vs readers in the US?
Are beginners reading basics or jumping straight to pro gear?
Which brands should I test next?

None of this identifies you personally.

C. Cookies & Tracking Tools

Cookies help with:

Remembering where you left off
Suggesting similar guides
Making sure affiliate links work
Helping the site load faster

You can turn them off. The site will still work.

3. How This Information Is Actually Used

Still the same rules:

Not for selling
Not for spamming

Just practical uses.

A. Improving Articles & Equipment Guides

Data helps identify what welders actually care about:

If 15,000 people click a MIG wire guide but only 10 finish it, something’s wrong.
If TIG interest spikes, that becomes the next testing priority.
If searches for welding tables go up, that becomes a new guide.

Real-world data shapes future content.

B. Responding To Your Messages

When someone reaches out with:

A machine issue
A helmet problem
A setup question
A comparison request
A shop photo asking which machine fits

I use your info only to respond. Common questions include:

“Can I run a 180A MIG on a 20A breaker?”
“My torch is overheating – what am I missing?”
“Which inverter welder is best for farm repairs?”
“Can you test this model?”

Your messages stay in the thread. You’re not added to lists. Nothing is sold. Nothing is used for ads.

C. Keeping the Site Fast, Functional & Secure

Technical monitoring helps the site stay stable:

Server logs catch hacking attempts
Performance data keeps pages quick
Device info ensures guides work on phones and desktops
Error logs identify broken links and images

This data doesn’t identify you.

D. Email Updates (Only If You Sign Up)

If you subscribe, you may get emails about:

New welding machine tests
Long-term durability reports
Gear comparisons
Beginner and advanced guides
Safety recommendations
Updates when requested machine tests are finished

No spam. No daily clutter. Unsubscribe anytime with one click.

E. Making Product Recommendations Relevant

The site may show:

Related machine guides
Compatible accessories
Better alternatives
Replacement suggestions for discontinued gear

This is based on general reader patterns, not personal tracking. Think of it as the online version of a welder saying: “Hey Chris, if this one’s out of stock, what would you grab instead?”

F. Understanding What Welders Need Next

Reader trends help guide future testing:

Spike in “Stick welding basics” → new beginners guide
Rise in industrial machine traffic → more heavy-duty tests
More clicks on TIG → expanded TIG coverage
Safety struggles → updated safety guides

CMH Welding grows in the direction welders pull it.

4. When Your Information Is Shared (Short Answer: Almost Never)

CMH Welding doesn’t sell, rent, or trade your information. The only times data may be shared are:

A. Service Providers

I use trusted tools to run the site—like hosting companies, email services, analytics tools, and security platforms. They only get the minimum data needed to do their job, and they can’t use it for anything else.

B. Legal Requirements

If the law requires it (very unlikely, but possible), I may have to share specific data with authorities. This has never happened, but I’m mentioning it because transparency matters.

C. Affiliate Programs

Sometimes links on the site point to brands or stores (Amazon, welding suppliers, etc.). Clicks are tracked anonymously – no personal data is shared with them.

That’s it. No hidden data deals. No weird third-party pipelines.

5. Third-Party Tools Used on CMH Welding

To keep things working smoothly, CMHwelding.com may use:

Analytics tools (Google Analytics, Plausible, etc.): These help me understand what welders are actually reading.
Email service providers (like MailerLite or ConvertKit): Only if you sign up for updates.
Affiliate networks (Amazon Associates, welding suppliers, etc.): These track clicks -not identities.
Security tools: Firewalls, brute-force protection, and spam filters that keep the site safe.

These tools collect general technical data – not names, phone numbers, addresses, or anything personal unless you willingly provide it.

You can disable cookies or tracking in your browser and the site will still function.

6. How Your Data Is Protected

Here’s what I do to keep your information safe:

Encrypted connections (HTTPS)
Secure hosting with firewall protection
Regular software updates to prevent vulnerabilities
Limited access – nobody sees your info except me
Strong passwords and authentication
Encrypted email storage for contact form messages

Nothing on the internet is 100% bulletproof, but the basics (and then some) are covered. If there is ever a data issue, or even a suspicion of one, you’ll be informed promptly and transparently.

7. Your Rights (You’re In Control)

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

Access the data you’ve shared
Request corrections
Ask me to delete your information
Opt out of emails
Disable cookies
Withdraw consent for anything you previously agreed to

Just email me and I’ll handle it personally – no automated maze, no hoops.

8. Children’s Privacy

CMHWelding.com is built for adults (18+), especially working welders, trainees, and hobbyists. The site does not knowingly collect data from children. If you believe a minor has submitted information, contact me and I’ll remove it immediately.

9. Changes To This Privacy Policy

If the policy ever changes:

I’ll update the “Last updated” date
A clear note will appear at the top of the page
Major changes will be explained plainly

10. Contact Information

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or anything related to your data, reach out from our contact page anytime.

Chris M. Hayes,
Owner & Author, CMH Welding

You’re also welcome to send photos of your machine setup if you want advice – I genuinely enjoy those conversations. Learn more about me.