How to MIG Weld a Butt Joint

MIG is an acronym for metal inert gas. It is a form of welding that is easy to learn, and it can be used in a variety of applications, from repairing engines to creating sculptures. The MIG welder uses wire that it feeds through a tube and past a contact tip that melts the wire, creating what's known as a weld pool. In this eHow, the process of MIG welding a butt joint is explained.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Welding helmet
• Welding gloves
• Welding apron or jacket (leather)
• Two clamps (your choice for the type of clamps)
• Flat surface on which to work
• MIG welder
• Two pieces of steel
• Angle grinder to grind angles into the steel's edges

1. Take two pieces of steel.

2. Create a "V" on the edges of the two pieces of steel by using an angle grinder.

3. Clamp the steel into place using the clamp of your choice. A friction clamp works well, but other clamps work well also.

4. Fasten the earth or grounding clamp for the welder to the steel. That helps to create the circuit for MIG welding a butt joint. The circuit helps create the heat necessary to make the weld.

5. Hold the torch of the MIG welder at a slight angle when butt welding your steel.

6. Feed the weld from the MIG welder along the "V" in the two pieces of steel. Do this until the two pieces of steel are completely joined.

7. Inspect your weld and add more material if needed. You will probably have to take more than one pass.

Resources

• The Fabricator describes MIG welding.
• Mike Rogers explains MIG welding a butt joint.