Welding is only one part of fabrication.
The finished job depends on how the material is prepared, how the pieces fit together, how they’re positioned and how the welding is carried out. Whether it’s a repair, a custom fabrication project or production work, those details can make the difference between something that simply looks welded and something that holds up in use.
I work on a range of welding and fabrication jobs, from straightforward repairs and modifications to more involved custom work and production welding. It depends on the material, the application and what the finished piece needs to do.
That’s the approach behind That’s the approach behind CMHwelding.com, where I cover the practical side of welding, fabrication, equipment and the work that goes with it., where I cover the practical side of welding, fabrication, equipment and the work that goes with it.
Here’s a look at the type of work I take on.
What Do I Offer
Every job calls for a slightly different approach. The welding process is one part of that, but the material, joint, access and finished application all play a role in deciding how the work should be done.
Here are some of the welding and fabrication services I provide.
1. MIG Welding
MIG is probably the process I use most often. I rely on it for general fabrication, production work and a lot of repair jobs. It’s a practical process when you need to get good, consistent welds without sacrificing too much speed.
2. TIG Welding
I turn to TIG when I need more control over the weld and heat going into the material. It takes more time, but for jobs where precision, appearance or control matters, that extra time is usually worthwhile.
3. Stick Welding
I’ve used stick welding throughout my career for fabrication, repairs and other jobs where it makes sense for the material and working conditions.
There are situations where stick is simply the better choice. I don’t choose a process because it’s newer or more sophisticated. I choose it based on what the job needs.
4. Custom Metal Fabrication
Some fabrication jobs start with a drawing. Others start with a few measurements and an idea.
I can work from drawings, dimensions or an existing piece that needs to be reproduced, changed or built around. Depending on the job, that can include cutting, drilling, fitting, tacking, welding, grinding and assembly.
5. Welding Repairs
A damaged piece of metal doesn’t always need to be replaced.
I’ve worked on repairs where the first step was figuring out what actually happened and whether the existing material was suitable for repair. Depending on the situation, the answer may be a weld repair, reinforcement, modification or replacement of part of the component.
I don’t treat every repair the same way because the condition of the material and the reason for the failure matter.
6. Metal Fabrication & Assembly
A good weld starts with good preparation.
Measuring, cutting, fitting and alignment all affect the finished job. I handle the fabrication work needed to get the pieces where they need to be before welding begins.
That includes fit-up, tacking, drilling, grinding and assembly where required.
7. Modifications & Alterations
Sometimes an existing piece doesn’t need to be replaced. It just needs to work differently.
I can modify existing metalwork to add reinforcement, change dimensions, accommodate another component or adapt it for a different use.
Working with an existing piece can be more involved than starting from scratch, particularly when access is limited or the original construction wasn’t designed with the modification in mind.
8. Production Welding
I’ve spent much of my career in manufacturing and production environments, where consistency matters.
Production welding isn’t just about making one good weld. When you’re producing the same type of part repeatedly, the setup, fit-up, sequence and process need to be repeatable.
That experience has shaped the way I approach fabrication work as well.
9. Welding Equipment & Supplies
Having the right equipment and supplies makes a big difference in welding work. Over the years, I’ve used a wide range of welding machines, helmets, gloves, torches, consumables and other shop equipment, and I’ve learned that not everything works as well as it looks on paper.
I can help with selecting and sourcing welding equipment and supplies suited to the type of work being done, whether that’s a welding machine, protective gear, consumables or other shop essentials. The right choice depends on the process, material, working conditions and how often the equipment will be used.
How I Approach a Job
I don’t like rushing into the welding.
First, I want to understand what the piece is supposed to do, what material I’m working with and what condition it’s in.
Then I can work out the practical details – how it should be prepared, how the pieces need to fit, where access may be difficult, which welding process makes sense and what sequence will give the best result.
A lot of problems can be avoided before the first weld is made.
I’ve learned that over the years. Good preparation doesn’t always make the job look more impressive, but you can usually tell when it wasn’t done. That experience has shaped how I approach my work, and I’ve written more about it on the About page.
Have a Project in Mind?
If you have a welding repair, fabrication job, modification or custom project, I’d be happy to hear about it. I’ve published a projects page with some examples of my previous work, which may give you a better idea of the kind of welding and fabrication I’ve taken on over the years.
Send over some photos, dimensions and whatever information you have about the material and what the finished piece needs to do. That gives me a much better starting point for understanding the work.