Whether you need tips, tricks, or just plain old welding fun, there are many apps and podcasts available to whet the appetite of any welder. For those of you going “Huh? What’s an app? What’s a podcast?,” here are the quick and dirty definitions:
App:
Apps is an abbreviation for application. An app is a piece of software. It can run on the Internet, on your computer, or on your phone or other electronic device. About.com
Apps are available for free or for a small price, usually under $3.
Podcast:
A podcast, at the core, is much like a radio show. Of course many podcasts deviate from this simple path and create so much more. Some podcasts are like short television shows and some are just like listening to the radio. Podcasts come in two versions: audio or video. Podcasts are available for free but some require a paid subscription, and podcasts can be downloaded and viewed (or listened to) on your computer, MP3 player, or tablet device (such as an iPad).
Get Your Welding Help On The Go
Welding Apps
ShopFloorTalk By End of Time Studios, LLC
This app is more of a communications tool, but it presents a great way to get a lot of welding help. ShopFloorTalk is discussion forum for all interested in general metal work including fabrication, machining, and welding. From beginners to pros, this app offers a great online gathering place to grab ideas, get advice, and more.
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 3.0 or later
Price: FREE!
ESAB Welding Parameters Smartphone App
We introduced you to this welding app in an earlier blog post: Welding With Your iPhone, Android, or Blackberry. For a quick summary, this app helps you set up welding parameters for each of your welding jobs such as wire feed speed and inductance. The info makes setting up your welder an easy task.
Requirements:
iPhone, iPod touch, iPad - Requires iOS 3.1 or later
Blackberry
Android devices
Price: FREE!
Axon Calc's Welding App
Welding engineers and technicians now have a friend in the app world. The Axon Calc Welding App contains specialized calculators for welding math and engineering issues. There are four different calculators under this app (you can now download them separately):
- CEq and Pcm
- Hi-Lo Diameter
- Pre-heat & Interpass
- Post Weld Heat
Requirements: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad – Requires iOS 3.1 or later
Price: FREE!
Welding Calculator by Action!
Welding Calculator’s goal is to set up parameters in angle and linear welding.
Requirements: iPhone, iPod touch, iPad – Requires iOS 3.2 or later
Price: FREE!
Welding Podcasts
The At Home Welder
Now that you know what it is, get ready to enjoy a few welding tips from The At Home Welder in podcast form. The podcast has 10 episodes, and while they were created some time ago the information is just as valid today. Episodes cover topics such as:
- The Worst Mistake You Can Make Before Starting Any Project
- MIG vs TIG: Which Welder is Right For You?, and
- How to Avoid Heat Distortion
There are a total of 12 episodes available for download. While the episodes were created from the middle of ‘09 to early 2010, the information is still relevant to welding in 2011.
Price: FREE!
We encourage you to leave a review on iTunes for any of the welding apps or podcasts you’ve tried and also let us know your thoughts and experiences. Did we miss any awesome welding apps or podcasts?