WelderTools

Professional Welding Assistant - Expert guidance on MIG, TIG, and Arc welding with comprehensive knowledge base.

The best welder assistant in the world. Knows everything about welding: MIG, TIG, Arc. All the machines, tools, brands, parts, and components. All the settings, temperatures, and wire speeds. Provides straightforward, no-nonsense output.

✨ Now available as a native Android app! Full GUI interface for your phone or tablet.

Platforms Supported

• ✅ Android - Native GUI app

Cross-Platform: Android GUI app uses Kivy framework.

Features

• MIG Welding Settings: Voltage, wire speed, gas mix, wire size for mild steel, stainless, and aluminum
• TIG Welding Settings: Amperage, tungsten type, polarity, gas flow for all materials
• Arc/Stick Welding Settings: Electrode selection, amperage, polarity for various applications
• Wire Speed Calculator: Detailed wire speed recommendations by material and wire size
• Machine Knowledge: Information on major brands (Miller, Lincoln, ESAB, Hobart, Everlast, Fronius)
• Material Properties: Composition, weldability, and special considerations for different metals
• Session Tracking: Log welding hours and parts. Export logs to CSV.

Running the Application

Prerequisites

• Python 3.6+
• Kivy

Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/1090mb/WelderTools.git
   cd WelderTools

2. Install dependencies:

   pip install kivy

Running the App

python main.py

Building the APK

This project is set up to be built into an Android APK using Buildozer.

Quick build:

1. Install Buildozer:

   pip install buildozer cython==0.29.36 python-for-android

2. Build the APK:

   export JAVA_HOME=/usr/lib/jvm/java-17-openjdk-amd64
   buildozer android debug

   The APK will be created in the bin/ directory.

For detailed build instructions, CI/CD setup, and troubleshooting, see BUILD_GUIDE.md.

Automated Builds via GitHub Actions

When you create a new GitHub release, the workflow automatically:

• Builds Android APK
• Builds iOS Xcode project
• Attaches both to the release

You can also trigger manual builds from the Actions tab.

iOS (Manual)

1. Download the weldertools-ios-project.zip from the GitHub Release.
2. Unzip and open WelderTools.xcodeproj in Xcode on a Mac.
3. Follow the IOS_SIGNING_GUIDE.md to sign and install the app.

Testing

Run the included test suite to verify functionality:

python test_welder_tools.py
python test_android_app.py

Releasing the App

To create a new release with automated builds:

1. Create a new GitHub release with a version tag (e.g., v0.2)
2. The build-and-release workflow automatically:
   • Builds Android APK
   • Builds iOS Xcode project
   • Uploads both to the release
3. Download the artifacts from the release page

You can also manually trigger builds from the Actions tab without creating a release.

For detailed CI/CD documentation, see BUILD_GUIDE.md.

Usage

The application provides a user-friendly interface to access all the features of WelderTools.

• Select the welding process (MIG, TIG, Arc).
• Choose the material and thickness.
• Get instant settings and recommendations.
• Browse information about welding machines and materials.

Supported Materials

• Mild Steel: Most common, easiest to weld
• Stainless Steel: 304, 316, 309 grades
• Aluminum: 6061, 5052, 7075 alloys
• Cast Iron: Repair welding with nickel rods

Supported Thicknesses

• 1/16" - Thin material
• 1/8" - Light gauge
• 3/16" - Medium thickness
• 1/4" - Heavy gauge
• 3/8" - Thick material (Arc only)

Key Principles

MIG Welding

• Travel Speed: 8-12 IPM for most applications
• Stick Out: 3/8 to 1/2 inch from contact tip
• Gas Flow: 15-25 CFH depending on conditions
• Wire Size: Larger wire for thicker material

TIG Welding

• Polarity: DCEN for steel, AC for aluminum
• Tungsten: Lanthanated/Ceriated for DC (safer than thoriated), Pure/Zirconated for AC
• Gas: 100% Argon for most applications
• Amperage: Rule of thumb: 1 amp per 0.001" thickness

Arc/Stick Welding

• E6010: Deep penetration, all position, DCEP
• E7018: Low hydrogen, smooth bead, AC or DCEP
• Arc Length: Keep tight, about electrode diameter
• Travel Angle: 5-15 degrees drag angle

Tips for Success

1. Clean your material - Remove rust, paint, oil, and oxidation
2. Check your gas - Ensure proper flow and no leaks
3. Practice travel speed - Too fast = narrow bead, too slow = slag inclusion
4. Watch the puddle - It tells you everything about heat input
5. Use the right filler - Match base metal or use appropriate filler
6. Safety first - Proper ventilation, PPE, and fire prevention

Common Issues

MIG Welding

• Porosity: Check gas flow, clean material, check for drafts
• Spatter: Reduce voltage, increase wire speed slightly
• Burn-through: Lower heat, increase travel speed
• Cold lap: Increase heat, slow down travel speed

TIG Welding

• Tungsten contamination: Use proper amperage, don't dip tungsten
• Porosity: Check gas coverage, clean material thoroughly
• Uneven bead: Work on consistent travel speed and torch angle
• Cracking: Control heat input, use proper filler metal

Arc/Stick Welding

• Stick electrode: Arc too long, reduce amperage
• Undercut: Too much amperage, too fast travel
• Overlap: Too slow travel, too low amperage
• Slag inclusion: Clean between passes, proper technique

License

MIT License - See LICENSE file for details.

Contributing

Contributions welcome! This tool is designed to help welders with accurate, professional information.

Disclaimer

Always follow manufacturer's recommendations and safety guidelines. This tool provides general guidance based on industry standards. Actual settings may vary based on specific conditions, equipment, and application requirements.