MIG Welder Instructions

MIG welding can be used to join steel, aluminum or titanium.

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is an arc welding process in which electricity is passed through a metal wire electrode into sheet metal to create sufficient heat to melt the metals together. The MIG welding process uses an inert gas to envelope the welding site in order to shield it from contaminants in the air. The wire electrode used in the process melts into the sheet metal so serve as a filler material for any gaps.

Things You'll Need

• MIG welding machine
• MIG wire
• Tank of shielding gas
• Sheet metal
• Clamps
• Wire brush

Instructions

1. Open the side hatch to the MIG welding machine and place a spool of MIG welding wire onto the wire spool.

2. Feed the wire from the spool through the tensioning bracket and into the hose coupling.

3. Close the MIG welding machine hatch, turn on the welding machine and press the welding torch trigger to feed the MIG wire out the end of the welding gun.

4. Arrange the sheets of metal and clamp them in place so they do not move during the welding process.

5. Clean the edges of the sheet metal with a wire brush to will remove corrosion, rust, dirt or paint.

6. Hold the tip of the welding torch 1/8-inch from the metal and pull the welding gun trigger to start an arc.

7. Slowly move the welding torch along the seam in a zig-zag motion to melt and fuse the metal sheets together.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear a welding mask and gloves while welding.

• Always weld in a well ventilated area and away from flammable materials.

References

• Learn How to Weld: Mig Welding
• MIG Welding: MIG Welding Tutorial
• The Fabricator: MIG welding---The Basics and Then Some