MIG Welding for Beginners

Welding by beginners is typically accomplished with a MIG or flux-core welder as this is the easiest type of welder for beginners to use. The process is relatively simple but if some certain techniques are not followed the weld can be much worse than necessary both cosmetically and structurally.

The first rule you should follow is done before you even start to weld. This is surface preparation of the welding surfaces and this is especially important if the surface of the steel is painted or rusted. The best technique for this is to use an angle grinder with a flap disk. You should use a grinding disc before using the flap disk if there is an excessive amount of corrosion. Also keep in mind that you will need to clean up the area that the ground clamps to using the same method so the current going through the steel is as strong as possible.

The next step to do is to tune your welder to the type of material being used. The two settings that you will most likely be changing are wire speed and heat. Your welder should be supplied with the information so you can properly tune your machine to the type and thickness of the metal that you are welding. You will probably have to tweak these settings a little so it would be a good idea to try welding with the settings on scrap steel first before moving on to an actual project. Also keep in mind that the welding wire should consist of the same metal type that you are welding.

After you have followed the first two steps you are ready to start welding. Obviously you will want to make sure that you are wearing leather gloves, appropriate clothing for welding, and a helmet before starting to weld. After you have put on your protective gear you can clamp the ground to the surface and place your welding gun with about one quarter of an inch of wire sticking out. One you are ready pull the trigger to start welding.

You will want to use a welding technique utilizing a side to side motion with the tip of welding gun. This way the weld will be deposited evenly along the seam. It is also very important that you keep a consistent, fluid motion. If the welding motion and speed of the movement of the gun is not consistent the weld will not be consistent either. I would highly recommend that you practice welding on scrap metal before you start on an actual project.

Also keep in mind that it is a good idea to weld in sections rather than trying to weld the entire seam at once. So just place about a one inch bead at once end of the seam and then place another bead at the other end. This way the metal will not become overheated in one area and potential warp the steel. This is especially important when using thin steel Then continue to fill in the spaces until the entire seam is welded.

After you have completed the weld inspect it for any inconsistencies and re-weld over any pitting or areas that do not look normal. After the weld is satisfactory you can either grind down the weld or leave it alone if the cosmetic appearance is not important. Now you are ready to move on to your next weld or project.