How to use a MIG welder

It take more to know how to use a MIG welder than a a few words...

  So here is a video on MIG welding basics that should help

along with a few other videos on other topics like how to set wire speed and some tips and techniques to get you going. 

good luck welder!

learn more about the MIG 180 at weldmonger.com

Step by Step instructions on how to use a mig welder

1. Safety Precautions:Put on protective gear, including a welding helmet with a the right shade lens ( shade 10 is a good place to start but here is a free safety download with a welding lens shade chart)  welding gloves, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes.Work in a well-ventilated area or wear a respirator if needed.Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure you have a clear workspace.
2. Check Polarity and ground:Make sure the mig welder is set on the right polarity. DCEP for bare wire and usually DCEN for self shielded flux core wire. Attach the ground clamp to the workpiece or the welding table on an area that has been ground to clean bright metal and is free from mill scale. Some ground clamps that come with mig welders are pretty flimsy and the ground is one of the most important things in getting a smooth consistent arc.
3. Set Up the Welder:Adjust the wire feed speed (WFS) and voltage settings based on the thickness of the metal you're welding. Refer to the welder's manual or consult a welding chart for the recommended settings.

4. Prepare the metal:Some metal like say for instance, 1 inch square tubing only has a very light mill scale coating and is usually clean enough to weld without any further cleaning. But some thicker steels have a very thick mill scale coatings that should be removed with a grinder prior to welding.  Remove rust, paint, or other contaminants too and you will get better looking welds.

5. Positioning and Holding the mig gun:First Snip the end of the wire so that it sticks out only about 3/8". Then grip the mig gun with your dominant hand like you would hold a cordless drill.  Use the other hand to cradle the neck of the mig gun.   Position the gun so that the tip of the wire is pointing directly where you want to start the weld and hold the wire only 1/8" off the metal.

Welding Technique:Press the trigger on the welding gun to initiate the flow of shielding gas and the electric arc.Start welding by moving the gun slowly along the joint, following a straight line or some specific pattern like small cursive e's .Maintain a consistent travel speed to create an even weld bead.Keep the gun nozzle close to the puddle, typically around ⅜ to ½ inch away.Watch the weld puddle to make sure the arc is smooth and sounds kinda like bacon frying. Release trigger to stop welding

Setting your Wire speed