MIG Welding: Ten Simple Tips

MIG is the most commonly used welding process in the world for many reasons: it’s fast, inexpensive, and even amateur welders can quickly learn to produce quality work.

With the proper setup and knowledge, you’ll be able to handle most repair and basic fabrication needs – from fixing your kid’s bicycle to welding in new floor pans and panels on your vintage car.

As with any new skill, practice, patience, and the proper equipment are key to developing good MIG welding habits! Here are some MIG welding tips to get you started.

1. Control your speed – Moving too fast or slow affects all aspects of your weld.
2. Practice, practice, practice – While you’re learning how to weld, take note of what you did right and what looks wrong.
3. Do it by the letter – Repeat the motion of drawing a lower case letter “e” or “u” as you weld to control your speed and keep the puddle flowing.
4. Read up – Keep a reference book in the garage with your welding gear (or print out this guide).
5. Stay consistent – Keep the gun a constant distance from the puddle (about half an inch).
6. Keep it even – Spread your welds out to control heat and voltage on thin sheet metal like body panels.
7. Push it – Rather than pulling the gun, push it – especially while you’re learning; this will give you more control over your weld.
8. Keep it steady – Use two hands, and stabilize your body, lean on something.
9. Watch your gas flow – If the gas level drops when you pull the trigger, adjust the settings.
10. Take it easy – Day one welding should be something simple, practice only.

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