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let's make Explore (/tag/type-id/) Publish (/about/create.jsp) Life Hacks(/tag/type-id/category-home/channel-life-hacks/?sort=FEATURED) Beauty This is a basic guide on how to weld using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. MIG welding is the awesome process of using electricity to melt and join pieces of metal together. MIG welding is sometimes referred to as the "hot glue gun" of the welding world and is generally regarded as one of the easiest type of Pipe Cutting Equipment Best Selection Of Pipe cutting machine.Quality Assurance.Contact! (http://cdn.instructables.com/F82/2IV6/F2NOBQV2/F822IV6F2NOBQV2.LARGE.jpg) (http://cdn.instructables.com/FJF/E47L/F2NOBQVY/FJFE47LF2NOBQVY.LARGE.jpg) About This Instructable License: 1,788,924 views 1,499 favorites (/member/noahw/) noahw (/member/noahw/) Follow I've worked for Instructables off and on since 2006 building and documenting just about everything I enjoy doing. I am now the Creative Programs founder and manager for Autodesk and just finished bui...read more » (/member/noahw/) 4218 Bio: (/id/Gravy-Recipe) More by noahw (http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/? url=http% 3A% 2F% 2Fwww.instructables.com% 2Fid% 2FHow- to- Weld--- MIG- Welding% 2F&media=http% 3A% 2F% 2Fcdn.instructables.com% 2FFJF% 2FE47L% 2FF2NOBQVY% 2FFJFE47LF2NOBQVY.MEDIUM.jpg&description=PICT0241.JPG) (/) share what you make How to Weld - MIG Welding by noahw (/member/noahw/) Collection I Made it! Download (/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/?download=pdf) (/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/?ALLSTEPS) 11 Steps (/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/step2/How-the-Machine-Works/) Favorite Share Login (/account/login) | Sign Up (/account/gopro?sourcea=header&sourceaUrl=/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/) Page 1 of 11 How to Weld - MIG Welding 17-Aug-15 http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/
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Life Hacks(/tag/type-id/category-home/channel-life-hacks/?sort=FEATURED)

Beauty

This is a basic guide on how to weld using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. MIG

welding is the awesome process of using electricity to melt and join pieces of

metal together. MIG welding is sometimes referred to as the "hot glue gun" of

the welding world and is generally regarded as one of the easiest type of

Pipe Cutting

Equipment

Best Selection Of Pipe

cutting machine.Quality

Assurance.Contact!

(http://cdn.instructables.com/F82/2IV6/F2NOBQV2/F822IV6F2NOBQV2.LARGE.jpg)

(http://cdn.instructables.com/FJF/E47L/F2NOBQVY/FJFE47LF2NOBQVY.LARGE.jpg)

About This Instructable

License:1,788,924 views

1,499 favorites

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Follow

I've worked for Instructables off and on since 2006 building and documenting just about everything I enjoy doing. I am now the Creative Programs founder and manager for Autodesk and just finished bui...read more » (/member/noahw/)

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welding to learn.

**This Instructable is not intended to be THE definitive guide on MIG welding, for

that you might want to seek out a a more comprehensive guide from a

professional. Think of this Instructable as a guide to get you started MIG

welding. Welding is a skill that needs to be developed over time, with a piece of

metal in front of you and with a welding gun/torch in your hands.**

If you are interested in TIG welding, check out: How to Weld (TIG)

(http://www.instructables.com/id/S0JB8K3F3R7AOJI/).

Step 1: Background

MIG welding was developed in the 1940's and 60 years later the general

principle is still very much the same. MIG welding uses an arc of electricity to

create a short circuit between a continuously fed anode (+ the wire-fed welding

gun) and a cathode ( - the metal being welded).

The heat produced by the short circuit, along with a non-reactive (hence inert)

gas locally melts the metal and allows them to mix together. Once the heat is

removed, the metal begins to cool and solidify, and forms a new piece of fused

metal.

A few years ago the full name - Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding was changed to

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) but if you call it that most people won't know

what the heck your talking about - the name MIG welding has certainly stuck.

MIG welding is useful because you can use it to weld many different types of

metals: carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, nickel,

silicon bronze and other alloys.

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Reply1 month ago

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Reply4 months ago

Here are some advantages to MIG welding:

The ability to join a wide range of metals and thicknesses

All-position welding capability

A good weld bead

A minimum of weld splatter

Easy to learn

Here are some disadvantages of MIG welding:

MIG welding can only be used on thin to medium thick metals

The use of an inert gas makes this type of welding less portable than arc welding which requires no external source of shielding gas

Produces a somewhat sloppier and less controlled weld as compared to TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding)

1-40 of 259

Next » (http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/?&sort=ACTIVE&limit=40&offset=40#DISCUSS)

rbusch (/member/rbusch/)

this is one of the better "how to welds" ive seen on the internet. most are so

full of errors and misconceptions or ignorance its crazy. good to see that you

did your homework. and took the effort to make a good instructible. :)

DaveyH (/member/DaveyH/)

This sounds like a great place to start for me. I've heard how much money

welders make and I wanted to get some sort of certification. If you say it's that

easy, I'll have to look more into it and see if there's a class nearby. Do you

think it's possible to learn this by myself though? I'd rather do that than have to

go to some sort of school.

http://www.williamsbroswelding.com.au

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Reply1 month ago

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Reply3 months ago

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Reply3 months ago

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Reply3 months ago

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Reply3 months ago

rbusch (/member/rbusch/) DaveyH

you certainly can teach yourself. i did it... do a lot of research. get a few

welding books. practice practice. some areas are in such demand for

welders. that ive seen people get in the door with hardly any

experience. but if you keep at it and don't be afraid to ask others who

can weld better then you about their techniques. there are some states

that require a certificate in the US bot only a few. collage is an option

but it can be done without. honestly ive met a lot of "welders" over the

years that went to school for welding and still cant weld worth a hoot.

the moneys okay but also veries a lot from region to region. and type of

welding most the high paying ones are traveling jobs TIG welding for

ethanol plants or oil pipelines. which then you are required to have

certifications. which are specifically dependent on the type of work.

some collages also offer 30 hour non credit corses. if you wanna try it

first. probably 300 to 500 bucks and you get to play with theire

equipment and get the basics instruction.

BallscrewBob (/member/BallscrewBob/) DaveyH

Mig welders don't tend to make much money. To get into the good

money you need to be able to do all position (6g) with almost any

medium but esp. stick.

Also welders tend to die earlier than most as the fumes often carry

many toxic elements so remember to always use the correct PPE and

fume extractors etc. My son wanted to be a welder but thankfully took

my advice and picked another trade.

If you really want to do it and can get access to a welding facility to

"play" you can learn quite a bit on your own.

One of my early instructors always reminded us that "somebodys life

may depend on your weld" which I always stuck by when welding.

throwedoff (/member/throwedoff/) BallscrewBob

All the welders that I have known that died early (before they were 70

years old) were either heavy smokers or died in welding related

accidents. Where did you get your mortality information?

BallscrewBob (/member/BallscrewBob/) throwedoff

There are a few sources. Try looking at the fume composition of

welding. Also personal experience and a few of those were non

smokers too.

Until recently (maybe last 10 years) fume extraction had always been a

neglected subject and in the field its still a hit and miss affair.

http://www.ihdlnconference2014.org/abstract/Hardt

(http://www.ihdlnconference2014.org/abstract/Hardt)

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12109555

(http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12109555)

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/88-110/

(http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/88-110/)

The list is almost endless. Seen a few lesser injuries too from

components letting loose during setup of large parts as welders were

getting set up

echetto (/member/echetto/) DaveyH

I work for a welding products manufacturer, and the company had also

a training certification site in my home country. This kind of welding, for

doing it properly, can't be learn just by yourself. From the quality of the

welding, to how to protect yourself from injuries, the training is a must if

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(/member/randomprojectguy/)

Reply2 months ago

(/member/RogerM6/)

Reply3 months ago

(/member/psik/)

Reply3 months ago

(/member/anode505/)

Reply3 months ago

(/member/BornOnFire/)

Reply4 years ago

you want to weld for a living. I don't have a clue of the USA

marketplace, but in other places of the world a highly trained and

experienced welder can make more money than an engineer. I mean

gas pipe welders, the good ones, in example.

randomprojectguy (/member/randomprojectguy/)

so much valuable info

RogerM6 (/member/RogerM6/)

noahw did a fantastic job with this instructable. @psik - because you don't

understand welding or the instructions in the article, doesn't make them wrong.

I will clarify some basic things for you though since you don't understand what

the rest of us do.

1) The electric arc is caused by a short circuit. That's what electric welding is;

a controlled short circuit.

2) CO2 is used a shielding gas, even with pure steel. Oxygen prevents a

proper weld, so inert gas is used to push it away.

3) When he said to increase the pressure, it means increase the gas flow.

Increasing the pressure of the gas is achieved by turning up the flow.

Do try in the future not to insult someone else's work simply because you

misunderstand it.

psik (/member/psik/)

Although it is very helpful, this Instructable has many erroneous information

like:

- heat is generated by short circuit - not true, electric arc is a heat source in

welding

- 100% Argon or a mixture of CO2 and Argon is used as a shielding gas - not

true, for steel pure CO2 is mainly used to heat up the arc. It's also much

cheaper than Argon

- you have to increase pressure when there is not enough shielding gas - not

true, you have to increase gas flow instead

anode505 (/member/anode505/)

Nice write up!

Now for fun, here a video of how NOT to weld.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Us7VDZT-NcQ

BornOnFire (/member/BornOnFire/)

In regards to Gas Tank Regulator Valves, An oxygen setup should always be

opened completely so as to seat the stem of the valve against the packing.

Failure to seat the internal stem's packing will likely cause a leak-resulting in a

potential large scale explosion. The potential of a leak is more common than

one would think. Imagine your garden spigot that you water your pansies with.

Open it all the way and it usually works fine. Turn it a just few times and,

usually, it drips-not a big deal. It's just a little water right? Apply this situation to

your stuffy garage. You are welding a few things and the phone rings. 30

minutes later, your garage is a blasting cap just waiting for ignition. You get

back to your work, strike an arc, and all of a sudden, you see a white light and

your late grandmother welcomes you "Home" into God's kingdom. Now, we all

would like to see Grandma again but I'm sure she can wait a few more

eternities before you show up. Now, I'm not saying all regulator setups will

blow you into grandma's arms again, but the Oxy-Acetylene setups are

potential fatalities- now you know.

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F300k (/member/F300k/) BornOnFire

i was reading the comments just to see if someone let them know that

the value should be open all the way, can be very dangerous. the value

works both way up and down

Blackie Ray (/member/Blackie+Ray/)

HG, I hope you defied them at your high school and took welding anyway.

Recently reading about women and painting in the early part of the 20th

century when women were expected to do pastels and water color. Oil was

deemed to difficult for women to undertake.

Taykaim (/member/Taykaim/)

The 20 CFH you mention is a very good starting flow and the correct default

setting for most mig welding. Depending on gas mixture, stickout and nozzle

position relative to the tip you might go as high as 25 cfh, but any higher and

you risk getting a venturi effect that sucks in room air and further decreases

weld quality.

cammers (/member/cammers/) Taykaim

Interesting point. Thanks.

BTW I think that converts to just over 9 l/min for the rest of the world.

cg2 (/member/cg2/)

Great instructable, thanks for putting all this info together

HandiGirl (/member/HandiGirl/)

Thankyou for sharing this info about welding! When I went to high school in

British Columbia, Canada welding, carpentry and electricity plus drafting was

offered in school. I had a space in my schedule that would accommodate

these interesting "crafts". However, I was mocked and jeered for putting my

name on the list SINCE I WAS A GIRL. Hesketh, the principal of my Junior

High School, laughed and mocked me in an all school assembly. I felt very

ashamed that I had made the request. He singled me out for wanting to learn

the basics of "manly crafts". At the time, I was unaware that my Father's family

had for generations in Canada and Eastern European been noted craftsmen in

this field of interest. It was within me. Nevertheless, after that public

humilation, 20 girls signed up for the same courses. Unfortunately, I was

leaving the Junior High School and entering the Senior High School, where

same stupid policy was in place. So, thankyou once again for sharing. Some of

us, are just born with the natural yearning to learn these so called "manly

crafts" as well as being an expert on vacuuming, washing the dishes, laundry

and crafting a decorative 4-5 layer sponge cake. I can also plough a field and

milk a cow. And, I have changed the oil in my car several times including

changing the filters. Handigirl.

Kevanf1 (/member/Kevanf1/) HandiGirl

Handigirl, the way you were treated is nothing short of disgusting! Ones

sex should not matter whatever the craft or skill. My god, where would

we have been if not for all the wonderfully skilled women mechanics,

welders, lathe operators and engineers during World War 2? I am a 52

yr old male who does not underestimate the power of any other man or

woman. I can weld (gas, MMA and MiG) but I can also sew and love it.

I also bake a very nice coffee cake :) These are all human skills not

male or female skills.

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jstevenson12 (/member/jstevenson12/) HandiGirl

Handigirl, good for you! I would be proud of any of my daughter's to

take on that task. Btw my Mom (Mum for our friends in Canada) was a

welder during WWII along with many other women.

edanb (/member/edanb/)

I took a course on TIG welding a couple weeks ago and found it to be too

difficult for me, I have since stopped welding, but after reading this I realized I

should probably have started with MIG. Do you think it would make sense to

take a month-long course? They are not so cheap and I don't want to waste

my time. I was also told I should get a welding helmet

(http://weldinghelmetpros.com), but wouldn't the instructor have to supply me

with one? I'm a little concerned about the safety issues. Thanks!

Taykaim (/member/Taykaim/) edanb

I forgot to mention, TIG has (IMO) the steepest learning curve. While it

can be just one hand for autogenous welds, it can involve up to both

hands and a foot, so if you weren't a drum set player in another life, it

might be a tough thing to get started with. Stick isnt bad once you learn

to strike the arc, but IMO again, mig is by far the easiest to pick up for a

beginner. Worth trying that in a class next time around.

Taykaim (/member/Taykaim/) edanb

Most courses require but do not provide PSE (Personal Safety

Equipment). Which is honestly good for you, as the class would be

much more expensive if they did. In my experience for a mig class,

you'd be expected to show up with a pair of safety glasses, helmet,

vice grips or pliers, mig pliers (AKA welpers) a steel brush, mig/stick

gloves and a jacket or at least long sleeve shirt. Some also require or

recommend a welders cap. For what its worth, starting with TIG IS

probably the hard way, and both mig and smaw(stick) are though

different from each other, easier to pick up than TIG.

Lastly, a word regarding cost. When you price out buying/renting a tank

of gas, a professional level wirefeed unit, a high quality power source, a

decent mig gun, the regulator/flowmeter, an endless supply of coupons

(metal pieces to weld together for learning), the consumables such as

tips, nozzles etc, the spool of (presumably) ES-70-6 or similiar for mild

steel that you might use up or more often make welding classes a real

bargain. And any PSE you buy you keep for after the class.

BallscrewBob (/member/BallscrewBob/) edanb

Almost all welding requires a proper welding helmet / goggles. Most

guys buy their own but in any classroom they should be available along

with proper FRC coveralls.

TIG needs a little more co-ordination than mig or stick but I would have

stuck with it if I were you as once you master that the other forms of

welding would have been much easier.

doctorlock (/member/doctorlock/)

Sorry but o2, oxy is not flammable but an oxidizer which helps things burn.

Cueball21 (/member/Cueball21/)

Great 'ible' Thanks for taking the time.

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BallscrewBob (/member/BallscrewBob/)

Great intro.

Only exception I have is the all position comment.

Sure if you are not too bothered about integrity but for a fully qualified weld I

would say no. I have some great pictures of overhead welds done with mig

that look fine for profile etc. etc. done buy welders with years of experience,

but all of which failed. v-up gives better pen. but v-down with mig is often just a

cosmetic weld that can be useful as a cap for a v-up.

It sure is easy to learn though. Back in the 70s my instructor told me "Ya can

teach a monkey to mig weld"

Its also great for large gap / bridge welds to lay down something to backfill

where stick would not cut it or you don't have something to use as a filler

bridge.

Graham Leach (/member/Graham+Leach/)

I think this article is really well done. You did a super job of it and this should

bring people into MIG quickly, and easily. The only caution I would sound is

that you made it sound SO easy people may not think that having an

experienced welder around the first couple of times is needed. I do think it's

needed. You can make a friend, get some tips & tricks and keep it safe...all at

the same time! Find your nearest Maker/Hacker Space, check it out and see if

they've got this gear already for you try before you buy, with an experienced

facilitator at your elbow. Once you've got your "sea legs" underneath you, the

sky is the limit!

pigpigpig (/member/pigpigpig/)

ken.downer.7 (/member/ken.downer.7/)

Having just read the instructions for MIG welding I have to say it is a load of

rubbish. Why do people think they can weld when it is very clear they cannot. I

speak as a teacher of fabrication and welding (15yrs) my first year students

after correct instruction would lay a weld 100 times better than what has been

shown here. You guys out there that want to weld correctly, take the time and

do an evening course at your local college.

william.obanion.7 (/member/william.obanion.7/)

Always clean your nozzle after every weld and when changing your tip. A

clean nozzle prolongs the life of your tip and ensures a quality weld. A clogged

nozzle also restricts your gas flow causing porosity.

JamesL19 (/member/JamesL19/)

I'm

struggling to choose my first welding equipment. Been searching the web for

reviews etc. There's plenty of pages like at here (http://pickwelder.com/how-to-

find-best-mig-welder.html) but I'm not sure if a

$300-$500 is good enough for my household needs.

DaveyH (/member/DaveyH/)

I've gotten burned before by a welder, and let me tell you, it's not fun in the

slightest. It was actually a 3rd degree burn for me. Anyway, since then I

learned then to wear gloves and be a little more careful.

http://www.gemstatewelderssupply.com/Products/

How to Weld - MIG Welding by noahw (/member/noahw/)

Collection I Made it!

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(/member/ColinB4/)

Reply7 months ago

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Reply8 months ago

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Reply8 months ago

(/member/ncblu/)

Reply6 years ago

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Reply6 years ago

(/member/GabrielleC1/)

Reply10 months ago

ColinB4 (/member/ColinB4/)

I have written so many articles on welding procedures

but after reading this article felt like never knew anything about MIG welding.

Great job author.

www.red-d-arc.com

jake.burton.9406 (/member/jake.burton.9406/)

This has been so helpful to me. I'm a freshmen in high school and I take

welding class, I have gotten past my other 1st year class mates and I moved

onto mig welding and this has helped me greatly.

AdeelR (/member/AdeelR/)

@weldpedia

This article is best for newbies. A very good briefing on MIG welding basics;

equipment, mechanism, technique etc. Find more on

http://www.weldpedia.com/search/label/MIG

ncblu (/member/ncblu/)

i weld for a living. folks before you spend large amounts of money on a welder,

make sure you are willing to spend the time practicing, thats the most

important thing, practice, practice, practice. start running straight passes, no

weaving or sewing or circling. when running a bead remember - where you

point the tip is where the weld will be. if you're using gas, watch for porosity

because you pulled the tip back too far and contaminated the weld. dont grind

your welds - it's a bad habit, even if your welds arent pretty, they will be in

time. speed is very important, constant steady speed. the welders you buy at

harbor freight or walmart are fine for tack welding, but i wouldnt put it to use on

a trailer or something that could have bad results if a weld cracks. if you run

without gas you will get lots of spatter, even with anti spatter dip. prep is the

most important, make sure your metal is clean and bevels should be between

25% and 50%. when making t-welds or perpendicular welds remember the

metal will contract TOWARD the weld bead, not away from it ( i know this is

contrary to popular belief and highschool science but it will happen ). never

weld in a down direction, never drag the bead like you would in stick welding,

always be pushing the puddle in the direction you want to go. most of all

practice, practice, practice

ncblu (/member/ncblu/) ncblu

one more thing, if you want to make a living as a welder, do not weave

or circle or sew - you likely wont make it through to morning coffee

break. also be prepared to weld out-of-position, this is welding on any

surface that isnt sitting flat on a table ( which actually is harder to do

properly than it sounds ). you might be welding upside down with hot

metal dropping in your shirt.

GabrielleC1 (/member/GabrielleC1/) ncblu

thanks for all the excellent tips!! A few questions…is it possible to find a

110v MIG that actually penetrates? I am a home/garage hobbyist

looking to weld materials averaging around no more than 3/16-1/4"

thick, mostly for art projects, making lights etc…I have more experience

with arc welding on thicker materials. I have heard that you can't really

weld with 110 but I see a lot of machines out there… I am also

considering going for a lincoln 225, I see a lot of them on CL, but I am

not sure if that will be more power than I need. What do you suggest?

How to Weld - MIG Welding by noahw (/member/noahw/)

Collection I Made it!

Download (/id/How-to-Weld---MIG-Welding/?download=pdf)

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(/member/Beausejour/)

Reply6 years ago

We have a be nice comment policy.

Please be positive and constructive.I Made it! Add Images Make Comment

Beausejour (/member/Beausejour/) ncblu

HI There Can you tell me how close i should hold the tip from my work.

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How to Weld - MIG Welding by noahw (/member/noahw/)

Collection I Made it!

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Collection I Made it!

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