Methods and associated systems for welding a particle-matrix composite body to another body are disclosed. In some embodiments, a particle-matrix bit body may be welded to a metal coupler. In one embodiment, a heating torch may heat a first localized volume of the particle-matrix composite body to a temperature below the melting temperature of the matrix material of the particle-matrix composite body. A welding torch may simultaneously melt a second localized volume proximate the first localized volume to a temperature above the melting temperature of the matrix material of the particle-matrix composite body to weld the particle-matrix composite body to another body.