How to Select a MIG Welder

Welders are used in metal work projects.

MIG stands for metal inert gas. This is one type of welder that you can use in your home hobby shop or garage to weld two metals together using extremely high temperatures. A MIG welder can be more effective than other types of welders because it offers a more consistent welding process. Like other types of welders, however, there are some options available among the various MIG welder models.

Instructions

1. Figure out the thickness of the metal you'll be fusing using your MIG welder. MIG welders can be used with metals from 18 gauge to ½-inch thick.

2. Look for a MIG welder that supplies the appropriate amount of amperage for the metal thickness you need to weld. For ½-inch metal, you'll need about 250 amps; 1/4-inch metal needs 140 to 225 amps; 3/16-inch metal needs 140 to 205 amps, 1/8-inch needs 120 to 200 amps; and 18 gauge metal needs only 70 to 100 amps.

3. Find out if the MIG welder can weld aluminum. Most MIG welders can weld stainless steel, cast iron and carbon steel, but only those with a faster wire feed speed can be used with aluminum.

4. Check the input power of the MIG welders. Higher input power means the MIG welder can handle even thicker metals with ease. The input power generally ranges from 115 to 230 volts

5. Pay attention to the duty cycle of the MIG welder. This is the amount of time per each 10 minute period the welder can operate before it begins to overheat. For example, a 40 percent duty cycle means the MIG welder can operate for four minutes before overheating.

References

• Miller: MIG Welding Buyer's Guide
• Northern Tool & Equipment: Welding