MIG Welding Tips and Basic MIG Welding Information

When you are looking for tips on how to make your MIG(GMAW) welding better and safer it is important to remember why you are using this method. It is also important to know some advantages and limitations of this method before you get started.

 

Some of the advantages of using this method include:

 

·         You can use it with any commercial metals so you don’t' have to worry about compatibility.

·         You are doing a continuous weld and it pulls electrode wire off a spool.

·         You can perform this method in many different positions.

·         Your weld deposition rate will be higher than any other alternative process.

·         You make more money because you can work faster.

·         You can learn to manipulate the gun fairly easily.

·         You can also adapt the process to other types of applications like mechanical and robotic.

 

There are a few limitations to this method however. These are things you need to know:

 

• You are going to pay more for your equipment and it can be more complex to work with.
• You might have a little difficulty in hard to reach places because the torch is bulky and has several cables.
• If you have wind or drafts around while you are using this method you can compromise your gas shielding.
• You'll need to dedicate some time to training to get the correct parameter selection.

 

With these things in mind, here are a few tips to make your welding process better:

 

1. Remember that most MIG (GMAW) applications will use a direct current polarity. This means that once you set the correct parameters you won't have to change anything in the process because it regulates itself.
2. The electrode extension is important because its length will determine the arc you will have when you are working. You have to set the length before you start. The current will flow in the wire and it will heat the length of your wire; then the current will heat your arc.
3. The short circuit method of transfer should be used if you want to weld thin materials or large gaps in a joint. This method uses the lowest range of current and small electrodes. This will insure that you have low head and a small, quick weld pool that will freeze.
4. The Globular method of transfer should not be used if you can get away from it because it is so difficult to control. You can use it on flat services but there are other methods that work better. It also makes spatter uncontrollable.
5. If you need to weld thicker sections use the spray transfer method because you can use a higher current and a higher deposition rate than other methods. You can get a spatter free stream of drops and this method can be used in all of the welding positions.

 

Finally, when you are purchasing MIG(GMAW) supplies make sure that you purchase them from a reputable dealer. Also check all of the parts to see if they are working before you make the final purchase.