<![CDATA[Earlbeck Gases & Technologies - Welding 101 Blog]]>Fri, 10 Jul 2026 18:29:28 -0400Weebly<![CDATA[Buying Metal for Your Next Project? A Guide for Hobby Welders and Fabricators]]>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/buying-metal-for-your-next-project-a-guide-for-hobby-welders-and-fabricators
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You really can’t show up at a metal supplier’s warehouse and just ask for “some steel tubing."

Well… you can, but it's a bit like walking into a restaurant and asking the waiter for "some food." You might get a meal, but chances are it won't be the one you had in mind.

Fortunately, buying metal isn't nearly as intimidating as many first-time fabricators think. Once you understand a handful of basics such as how different shapes are measured, what common material grades mean, and the information your supplier needs before cutting an order, you'll be able to walk into almost any steel warehouse with confidence.

Better yet, you'll avoid one of the most common (and expensive) beginner mistakes: buying the wrong material and discovering the problem only after you've started cutting or welding.

In this guide, you'll learn:
  • Which measurements suppliers actually need before they can fill your order
  • The difference between tubing and pipe (they are not one and the same)
  • When A36, 304 stainless, or 6061 aluminum is the better choice

METAL SHAPES

Knowing the basics before contacting a supplier can save a surprising amount of time and prevent ordering mistakes. So let's talk about some standard shapes and lengths, what measurements are necessary for ordering, and how to take those measurements correctly. 

FLAT BAR

These pieces typically come in standard 20' sections, and you'll need the specifics for the width and thickness.
Buying Metal - Flat Bar

SOLID STOCK

These also typically come in 20' sections, but you'll need to know the diameter and the shape.
Buying Metal - Solid Stock

Angle IRON

These pieces tend to be sold in 20'-40' sections and they have two clear sides that aren't always equal. You'll need those two side measurements, plus the thickness.
Buying Metal - Angle Iron

SQUARE TUBING

These are generally sold in 20', 24', or 40' sections, with your width/height side measurements being equal, because it is a square after all. You'll also need to measure thickness here too.
Buying Metal - Square Tubing

Rectangle tubing

Not all that different than your square tubing, coming in standard 20', 24', or 40' sections, you'll need your side measurements (which won't be equal this time) as well as the thickness.
Buying Metal - Rectangle Tubing

Round Tubing

Again, generally sold in 20-40' sections, for round tubing you're gonna need to know  the outside diameter measurement of your tube, as well at the thickness.
Buying Metal - Round Tubing

PIPE

While pipe is similar to tubing, it actually follows a different set of rules that can be a little confusing. For pipe you'll need to know your nominal pipe size (NPS) and your schedule number.

Because pipe typically has something run through it (think steam, water, etc), different applications call for different wall thicknesses. This is where schedule numbers come in to play. Schedule numbers are what indicate pipe wall thickness. The higher the schedule number, the thicker/stronger the pipe.
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And because pipe needs to connect, you'll want the outside diameter of your pipes to match up. This is where NPS comes in. 

​The part that may trip you up is:
Smaller pipe that's 12" and under is measured from the inside diameter.
Larger pipe that's 14" and over is measured from the outside diameter. 

For larger pipe it's easy, your outside diameter and your NPS are going to be the same number. But for smaller pipe that's measured from the inside diameter, you'll need to consult a standardized chart like this one from Metal Supermarkets to figure out your NPS.

Pipe typically comes in 20' or 40' sections and your average pipe, used for things like general plumbing, water lines, or light-duty industrial is gonna be SCH 40. 

Sheet Metal

The way this is measured is by the thickness of the sheet, represented in gauges with a higher number gauge being thinner material and a lower number gauge being thicker material. 

You will usually see sheet metal come in options between 30-7 gauge and to figure out what you need, you need to first know what metal you're using, and then you can consult the corresponding gauge chart for that specific metal.
Buying Metal - Sheet Metal

Metal Plate

Once you reach about 6 gauge, you get into plate, and for plate, we are going to be measuring thickness in inches.

Again, this depends on what type of metal you're working with but plate usually starts at about 3/16" and goes up from there. 
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Both plate and sheet are generally sold in 4' x 8' sections, but larger pieces are available. 
Buying Metal - Metal Plate

MATERIAL GRADES

Not all metal is created equal, so let's talk material grades. Each grade has different chemical properties that dictates the weldability, and this info will help you pick the right filler metal and the right welding process. While there's a wide variety of metals available, the most common ones you'll run into here are ​carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. 

Carbon steel

Carbon steel is graded by the amount of carbon in it and for most fabrication projects, A36 steel is a great choice. It's a pretty versatile workhorse that's affordable, widely available, and welds well. What more can you ask for?

But as your structural requirements ratchet up, you will need higher-strength materials, like A572-50, that are designed for heavier loads and more demanding applications.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is graded by its crystalline structure and alloy composition, and it's a fan favorite for aesthetic reasons and it's corrosion resistance. The two most common grades you’ll encounter are 304 Stainless and 316 Stainless.

For general fabrication, 304 is sufficient, but if you're worried about moisture, salt, or chemical exposure, then 316 will offer that extra protection you need. 

Aluminum

Like stainless steel, aluminum offers excellent corrosion resistance, plus it's got a great weight-to-strength ratio, remaining lightweight while still being strong.  The most common grades you'll run into here are 1100, 2024, 3003, 5052, and 6061.

If you're looking for a soft and formable option, then commercially pure 1100 aluminum is a great choice. For a little higher tensile strength but less corrosion resistance, go with 2024. For something that offers a lot of versatility when it comes to welding processes, 3003 is a strong option.

Now if you're looking for something that's even stronger and offers the kind of corrosion resistance you'd need in marine applications, and you don't mind a slightly higher price, then 5052 is your guy. 

And for just general fabrication and structural use, 6061 is a solid choice. Just keep in mind that this grade of steel doesn't love to bend and isn't as easily formable as the other grades mentioned.
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Don't leave empty handed
(or with the wrong material)

Our free Metal Buying Cheat Sheet for Fabricators is a quick-reference guide to common metal shapes, how they're measured, and what information you'll need before placing an order. It's a handy resource to keep on your phone or print for the shop. 

Fill out the form to get your free copy! 

What to look for in a SUPPLIER

So now that you've narrowed down what material, shape, size, and grade you need, how do you choose your supplier? Price is always top of mind, but another consideration should be offered services. 
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Ask not what you can do for your metal supplier, but what your metal supplier can do for you.... or whatever that classic expression is. If you don't have the truck to transport 20' or 40' sections, or the equipment to properly process it, then you should see if your metal supplier can help you make that material more manageable. 

If paying a small fee can save you hours of labor in the shop, then letting them do the heavy lifting might be worth it. Many suppliers offer: saw cutting, shearing, plasma cutting, laser cutting, plate processing, tube rolling, material prep, and even custom parts production. 

OUR TRUSTED RECOMMENDATIONS

While Earlbeck does not stock structural steel, plate, sheet, tubing, or really any metal that's not filler metal, we can point you in the direction of excellent metal suppliers in close proximity to our Maryland and Pennsylvania showrooms.
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★ Metal Supermarkets Baltimore
7120 Golden Ring Rd
Baltimore, MD 21221

1. Earlbeck's Baltimore Showroom
8204 Pulaski Hwy
Baltimore, MD 21237
Get directions!

2. Earlbeck's Beltsville Showroom
10792 Tucker St
Beltsville, MD 20705
Get directions!
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★ Metal Supermarkets York
908 Roosevelt Ave
York, PA 17404 

3. Earlbeck's York Showroom
95 Aberdeen Rd
York, PA 17406
Get directions!

4. Cristiano Welding Supply Showroom
An Earlbeck Gases & Technologies Company
4961 Birney Ave
Scranton, PA 18507
Get directions!
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]]><![CDATA[Fronius Fortis: FREE Helmet, Backpack + Storage Bundle]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/fronius-fortis-free-helmet-backpack-storage-bundle
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If you've been eyeing a new Fronius Fortis, then now is the perfect time to commit and take advantage of this incredible offer! From July 1st, 2026, through August 31st, 2026, with your purchase of a new Fronius Fortis from Earlbeck, you'll score a FREE welding hood, backpack, and storage bundle valued at over $500!

WHAT MAKES THE Fronius FORTIS SO SPECIAL:

Fronius Fortis 2026 Summer Promotion
  • Compact machine design
  • Multi-process potential
  • Reliable and powerful
  • Intuitive operating system w/ Welding Parameter Wizard!
  • Easy connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC optional
  • Durable rotary/push buttons that can be used even with gloves on, carrying handles, storage compartment, display protection, and perfect working height

What's in the FREE Promo package:

This bundle offers a mix of safety protection and storage solutions that'll give you piece of mind and neat shop!
​
You'll receive a Fazor 1000 Plus Helmet, a Vizor Backpack, an OPT/s Welding Torch Holder,  a Feed Roller Box with Foam, and a Wear Parts Box with Foam.

Total Value: $535

QUALIFYING MACHINE PACKAGES:

Already know exactly which Fortis package you want?
You can conveniently purchase your new machine through our online store!
Not certain which one best fits your needs?
Stop by one of our showrooms in MD or PA and our team will help you narrow it down!
BALTIMORE​
8204 Pulaski Hwy 
Baltimore, MD 21237
BELTSVILLE
10792 Tucker St
Beltsville, MD 20705
YORK
95 Aberdeen Rd
York, PA 17406
SCRANTON
4961 Birney Ave
Scranton, PA 18507
Fortis 270 Compact G - MIG Only Package
​Meet the Fortis!
Fronius' newest series was crafted with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. The Fortis provides multi-process capabilities (MIG /TIG /Stick) with their superior welding tech, user-friendly operating system, and maximum connectivity!
ADD TO CART
Fortis 270 Compact G - Multiprocess Package (MIG/TIG/Stick)
Meet the Fortis!
Fronius' newest series was crafted with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. The Fortis provides multiprocess capabilities (MIG /TIG /Stick) with their superior welding tech, user-friendly operating system, and maximum connectivity!
ADD TO CART

Fortis 320 Compact G - MIG Only Package

​Meet the Fortis!

Fronius' newest series was crafted with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. The Fortis provides multi-process capabilities (MIG /TIG /Stick) with their superior welding tech, user-friendly operating system, and maximum connectivity!
ADD TO CART

Fortis 320 Compact G - Multiprocess Package (MIG/TIG/Stick)

​Meet the Fortis!

Fronius' newest series was crafted with small and medium-sized businesses in mind. The Fortis provides multiprocess capabilities (MIG /TIG /Stick) with their superior welding tech, user-friendly operating system, and maximum connectivity!
ADD TO CART

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR FREE PROMO PACKAGE

  1. Purchase one of the listed qualifying Fortis packages from us before 8/31/26
  2. Head over to Fronius' website and complete your warranty registration by 9/30/26
  3. Congratulate yourself on your good choices and wait for your FREE gifts to arrive!​
Fronius Fortis 270
(49,0400,0151) Fortis 270 MIG, (49,0400,0152)  Fortis 270 MIG/TIG/Stick,  (49,0400,0153) Fortis 320 MIG, (49,0400,0154) Fortis 320 MIG/TIG/Stick ​
]]><![CDATA[Miller: SUMMER Build with Blue REBATES]]>Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/miller-build-with-blue-rebates-2026-q3
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We're back with another round of incredible rebates from Miller! Check out this summer's qualifying Build with Blue options and bring new life to your shop with fresh equipment from Miller!

From now until September 30th, 2026, you'll get incredible rebate rewards of up to $1200 when you purchase select welding equipment and accessories!

Check out the extensive list below to see which Miller models are a part of this deal. And to make the most of it, add on select Miller accessories or Hobart filler metals for an additional rebate of up to $200! 
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Invest in yourself and get rewarded for it!
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ADDITIONAL REBATES

Stack your savings by adding select Miller accessories or Hobart filler metals!
​
Spend $150, Get a $50 Rebate
Spend $300, Get a $100 Rebate
Spend $500, Get a $200 Rebate

HOW TO CLAIM YOUR REBATES

​
  1. Purchase a qualifying product before the September 30th, 2026 deadline. Check out the products listed above or view the full selection on Miller’s website.
  2. Get a copy of your invoice or receipt- if you’re hoping to receive the additional rebate, be sure to purchase machine and eligible accessories at the same time!
  3. Complete the online rebate form.
  4. Congratulate yourself on your good choices!​
Our team can help you choose the right machine for the job- stop by our one of our showrooms in Maryland or Pennsylvania to check out your options in-person or reach out today! 
BALTIMORE​
8204 Pulaski Hwy 
Baltimore, MD 21237
BELTSVILLE
10792 Tucker St
Beltsville, MD 20705
YORK
95 Aberdeen Rd
York, PA 17406
SCRANTON
4961 Birney Ave
Scranton, PA 18507
Build with Blue Summer Savings July 1 - September 30, 2026
]]><![CDATA[7 Safety Hazards Every Fabrication Shop Should Review This Month]]>Mon, 29 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/7-safety-hazards-every-fabrication-shop-should-review-this-month
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Every company wants the same thing: to send employees home safely to their families at the end of each shift. But when production schedules get tight, safety standards can slip a little at a time.

​A missed inspection, a cluttered walkway, or a skipped reminder may not seem urgent in the moment, but small hazards can quickly lead to injuries, damaged equipment, and costly downtime.

June is National Safety Month, which makes it a practical opportunity to pause, look closely at your current procedures, and identify gaps before they become bigger problems.
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Even shops with strong safety programs benefit from a regular reset. Whether you manage a large production facility or a small fabrication shop, these seven safety areas are worth reviewing now and revisiting often.

1. Air Quality

Welding fumes are one of the most significant long-term hazards in a metal fab environment.

Different base metals and filler materials produce different types of fumes, many of which contain fine particles and metals that you really don't want you or your staff to be inhaling on the regular. 

If your shop has recently expanded, added new welding stations, or changed processes since your ventilation system was installed, then it's probably time to figure out if your existing setup is still doing it's job. 
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​Air quality review should include:
  • Inspecting exhaust systems
  • Checking that portable fume extractors are still functioning
  • Based on manufacturer recommendations, setting a schedule for replacing any filters
  • Reviewing safety expectation with your crew, making sure they understand proper ventilation practices and PPE requirements 
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Cylinders should always be:
  • Stored upright
  • Secured with chains or straps
  • Protected from excessive heat and kept out of high traffic areas where they could be struck
  • Transported using a cylinder cart, never rolled, dragged, or slid (even if it's just a short distance!)
  • Topped with the valve protective cap when not in use

2. GAS SAFETY

​Compressed gas cylinders are found in nearly every fabrication facility, yet improper storage and handling remain common safety concerns.

And it's no joke, mishandling cylinders can endanger both people and equipment. Your staff must receive proper training in handling and storing​ gas.
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Employees should regularly inspect the cylinders for damage or leaks, and take a close look at any regulators, hoses, and fittings, because even a small issue can be dangerous or, at a minimum, costly.

3. EQUIPMENT MAintenance 

Regular equipment maintenance is an easy way to protect your investment AND your people, and avoid downtime.

​Since welding equipment operates with high electrical currents, be sure to keep your work areas clean and dry. This reduces the chance of electric shock and keeps dust and debris out of your machines.

​Have your staff routinely inspect the equipment and use maintenance logs to track inspection dates, part replacements, and general performance notes.

And lastly, if you don't know how to fix it, don't try! Certified repair techs, like the ones at Earlbeck, have the diagnostic tools and experience to safely repair your equipment. 
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Things to look out for:
  • Damaged leads, worn electrode holders, loose ground connections
  • Cracked insulation, damaged plugs or power cords
  • Inconsistent arc/ power fluctuations and bad weld quality
  • Weird noises, unusual vibration, burnt smells, smoke and overheating during normal use
  • Error codes or warning lights (These built-in diagnostics are there for a good reason, so don't ignore them like you ignore your check engine light)
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Take time to inspect the shop for:
  • Flammable liquids stored near welding or cutting areas
  • Cardboard, paper, dust, or other combustible debris
  • Proper placement and regular inspection of fire extinguishers 
  • Damaged gas delivery systems, equipment or extension cords.

4. FIRE HAZARDS

We probably don't have to tell you that welding and cutting creates sparks, molten metal, and heat that can ignite combustible materials. 

Now we don't want to sound like your mom telling you to clean up your room, but unfortunately, good housekeeping really is one of the most effective fire prevention strategies.

Your shop might benefit from creating a hot work area; if that's not possible due to space constraints, you should have a designated fire watch.

5. Grinding Sparks and Abrasive Wheel Safety

​Grinding is part of nearly every fabrication process, but it tends to receive less attention than welding itself. Just like any other tool, double check that everything is functioning properly.

For PPE, wear a face shield and safety glasses, even when working with guarded grinders.
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During your safety review, inspect:
  • Grinding wheel condition
  • Guard placement, tool cords, and mounting hardware
  • Grinding spark direction
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Inspect commonly used items such as:
  • Welding helmets
  • Auto-darkening lenses
  • Gloves
  • FR jackets
  • Respirators
  • Safety glasses
  • Hearing protection
  • Steel-toe footwear

6. ​Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

PPE only works when it’s in good condition and being used correctly. 

Look for worn gloves, cracked helmet lenses, and damaged respirator seals. Replacing worn items before they fail is far less expensive than dealing with an injury.

PPE also only works when your staff actually use it. Providing equipment and cultivating a positive workplace safety culture go a long way toward PPE use. 

7. Shop Organization AND Material HandlinG

Keeping aisles clear, storing materials properly, and organizing workstations are simple ways to avoid slips, trips, and falls.

​Heavy steel, awkward weldments, and large assemblies means daily lifting and handling challenges. Earlbeck can help you find the perfect solution to make material handling more efficient, while keeping your team safe! 
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Review:
·      Crane inspections
·      Hoists and lifting slings
·      Forklift operating procedures
·      Material storage racks
·      Walking paths and aisles

Safety Is an Ongoing Process!

This isn't a one and done situation, the strongest safety programs are built on regular inspections, continuous training, and a willingness to improve as equipment, personnel, and production demands change.

We're using National Safety Month as a useful reminder to step back and evaluate the work environment with fresh eyes, but addressing small issues before they become larger problems helps protect employees, reduce downtime, and keep production moving safely.

HOW EARLBECK Can HELP

Creating a safer fabrication shop goes beyond checking boxes on an inspection form. Whether you’re looking for welding PPE, fume extraction systems, compressed gas solutions, or expert guidance on improving your welding environment, we have the products and technical knowledge to help.

Stop by one of our showroom locations in Maryland or Pennsylvania to chat with our team or request a FREE welding productivity or gas application analysis. We'll help you evaluate your shop’s safety equipment, welding processes, and gas delivery to identify areas that could be improved and places you could save!
BALTIMORE​
8204 Pulaski Hwy 
Baltimore, MD 21237
YORK
95 Aberdeen Rd
York, PA 17406
BELTSVILLE
10792 Tucker St
Beltsville, MD 20705
SCRANTON
4961 Birney Ave
Scranton, PA 18507
]]><![CDATA[Cut Cleaner, Cooler, and More Accurately with the Evolution S14CPS]]>Fri, 26 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMThttps://www.earlbeck.com/welding-101-blog/cut-cleaner-cooler-and-more-accurately-with-the-evolution-s14cps
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Before the first weld is ever laid down, the quality of the job is already being won or lost at the saw.

A bad cut does not just waste a piece of steel. It creates more cleanup, slower fit-up, extra grinding, more rework, and a crew that now has to spend time fixing a problem that should never have happened in the first place. In a busy fabrication shop, those minutes compound fast.

Whether you are building structural frames, fabricating handrails, prepping tube for welding, or cutting stock for production, the quality of your finished project starts with one thing: a clean, accurate cut. That's why the chop saw you choose matters.

At Earlbeck, we are always looking for tools that help our customers move faster, work cleaner, and get more consistent results on the shop floor. For metal cutting, one of our favorite options from Evolution is the S14CPS 14-Inch Metal Cutting Chop Saw.

It is built around the things fabricators actually care about: clean cuts, long blade life, repeatable accuracy, durability, and fast setup.
Unlike abrasive chop saws that wear away their cutting wheels while producing excessive heat, sparks, and burrs, the S14CPS uses Evolution’s cold-cutting technology. And when paired with their new 14-inch EVOMAX14ST Mild Steel Blade, it is designed to deliver more than 3,500 cuts from a single blade. Evolution’s Intelligent Motor Technology also helps extend blade life by an additional 30%. That means fewer blade changes, cleaner finished edges, and lower operating costs over time.
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​If you’re going to buy new equipment for your shop with your hard earned cash, then you need to be certain that it’s going to hold up when put through the paces of a grueling daily production schedule.

​The S14CPS features a heavy duty stamped steel base for strength, and a cast iron fence and vise for an extra secure hold. 
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But for us the real standout feature is their Shadow Line Cut Guide. Instead of estimating where the blade will land, or using laser alignment that might be slooooowly shifting out of calibration, this feature projects a shadow of the blade’s exact cutting path on the material before you begin.

When your project requires tons of repeat cuts, this helps minimize material waste, and make sure assemblies actually fit together!

Additional FEATURES:

  • Quick-release clamp for faster material changes, with both a square and round clamp adaptor
  • A storage spot for the blade change allen key, so you’re not searching the shop for it while cursing out your coworker who used the saw last
  • Built in tool-free miter adjustment from 0° to 45°
  • E-Brake that stops the blade within 2-3 secs after releasing the trigger
  • Soft-start motor that smooths that initial peak current to prevent surges that might trip the breaker and slow your production.
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CUT CAPACITY

The S14CPS has the capacity to handle a wide variety of common applications:
  • Mild Steel Plate up to 1/2"
  • Mild Steel Square Tube
    - At 90° up to 4-3/4 x 4-3/4"
    - At 45° up to 3-1/2 x 3-1/2"
  • Mild Steel Rectangle Tube
    - At 90° up to 3-3/4 x 7-1/8"
    - At 45° (Mild Steel) 3-1/8 x 4-3/8"
  • Mild Steel Round Tube
    - At 90° up to 5-1/8"
    - At 45° up to 4-1/8"
  • Minimum Cut Off Length 5/16"

Material options

Although the S14CPS ships with the EVOMAX mild steel blade, Evolution also offers a variety of compatible purpose-built blades such as:
  • Aluminum 
  • Thin Steel
  • Stainless Steel
  • Multi-Material 

That flexibility allows shops to adapt the saw to different jobs simply by changing blades rather than investing in multiple dedicated machines!

A SMARTER WAY TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY 

At Earlbeck, we’re always looking for equipment that helps make our customers’ jobs easier, and we think that the features Evolution prioritized for this chop saw improve the whole entire cutting process, from set up through that final cut.

The S14CPS is perfect for any shop that regularly cuts tubing, angle, channel, or plate and is looking for a solution that gives them faster setup, repeatable accuracy, and longer blade life.

For fabrication shops that cut metal every day, the value is simple: every minute not spent re-cutting, replacing blades, deburring, or fixing inaccurate cuts is a minute that can go toward finished work.
If you’re considering upgrading your shop’s metal cutting equipment, the S14CPS might be worth a closer look. Fill out the form below to download the brochure, or reach out to our team for help determining which one of Evolutions chop saws is the right fit for your fabrication workflow!
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