How to MIG Weld Without Gas
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a process in which an electric current is passed through a welding wire creating an arc with the metal surface being welded. MIG welding requires the presence of an inert shielding gas to protect the weld bead from contamination by atmospheric gases. Although welding with solid core MIG wire requires welding gas to be supplied from a separate source, flux core MIG welding wire creates its on inert gas by the burning of a chemical coating on the welding wire.
Things You'll Need
- MIG welding machine
- Flux core MIG welding wire
- Metal pieces
- Clamps
- Wire brush
Instructions
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Preparing the MIG Welding Machine
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1
Open the access hatch on your MIG welding machine and remove any welding wire spool that is currently installed. This can be done by releasing the tensioning arm and rolling the wire onto the spool.
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2
Remove the existing spool of wire off of the wire spindle and replace it with a roll of flux core MIG wire.
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3
Feed the flux core wire through the tensioning bracket on the inside of your MIG welding machine. Push the wire through the outlet until it protrudes through the end of the welding gun.
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4
Close the MIG welding machine and turn it on. Press the trigger on the welding gun to advance the flux core wire 1/4-inch out the tip of the welding torch.
Welding
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5
Arrange the metal pieces that you want to weld together and clamp them in place.
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6
Brush the edges of the welding pieces with a wire brush to remove any dirt, paint or corrosion. This will ensure a strong weld seam.
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7
Place the tip of your welding torch between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch from the seam of the pieces to be welded and pull the trigger on the welding gun. This will start an arc weld.
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8
Slowly move the tip of the torch in a gentle back and forth pattern along the welding seam. This will aid in mixing the melted metals together to form a solid weld bead.
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9
Continue welding until you reach the end of the weld seam.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Always wear protective gloves and a welder's mask while welding.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
