Tips to become a better MIG welder

MIG welding, also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is one of the most commonly used processes in manufacturing and metal fabrication businesses. 

Here are some tips that will help you in becoming a better MIG welding professional: 

You must check on every aspect to keep your welding area clean as much as possible, as the final result of the weld is much more different when performed on a clean surface. Keep the surface free from dirt, grease, oil, rust and paint. While you are welding, all these pollutants get trapped into the weld and result in holes. To avoid all such things, try to keep the area clean as much as you can. 

If your welder is not performing good and consistent welds, most probably, the reason is a poor ground. Pay close attention to the ground clamp where you can place the machine as it is equally important as much as a clean surface is. Your welder doesn’t care about the bad ground; it keeps on pumping out the welding wire anyway needless of the fact that the welding arc requires a smooth flow of electricity. 

It is essential to have an adequate amount of gas coming out of the nozzle, to make a clean weld. MIG welder can easily work using a shielding gas and can make the cleanest welds requiring little or no clean up. Always check the gas that your wire requires. Solid carbon steel wire must be used with CO2 shielding gas or a 75% CO2/25% argon mix. Aluminum wire must be used with argon shielding gas. Stainless steel wire works well with a tri-mix of argon, helium and CO2.

Stickout means the distance from the MIG welding tip to the arc. The general rule for it is to keep the distance of your welding tip less than 1/2" of the stickout. Too long stickout softens the arc and makes the weld pile up. If you are welding thin sheet metals like body panels then longer stickout works fine but if you want a good crisp arc on thicker metals, keep the stickout short.

Keep the arc directed at the leading edge of the weld pool, for better penetration and to have the best control of your weld bead. While doing vertical, horizontal or overhead welding, use the smallest wire diameter size and keep the weld pool small for best weld bead. 

It takes time, patience and practice to gain the best performance while working with a MIG welder. Above, were the simple tips to help you get along the way. Longevity-inc MIG welder enables any welding professional to experience high quality welding at a very competitive price. This welding equipment has been proven in the industry and is trusted by welding professionals and enthusiasts.      

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