{"id":75336,"date":"2024-01-14T11:13:39","date_gmt":"2024-01-14T18:13:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makesantafe.org\/?p=75336"},"modified":"2024-01-28T16:47:26","modified_gmt":"2024-01-28T23:47:26","slug":"mig-metalshop-class","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makesantafe.org\/mig-metalshop-class\/","title":{"rendered":"Basic Operation of MIG Welder"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

To set up the machine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Plug in the power cord with the on\/off switch in the off position. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Connect the ground cable to the metal to be welded or to the welding table.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Place the gun handle in a neutral position (not grounding or on work). <\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Set the power switch in the on position.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Open argon\/co2 tank valve completely open, then turn back 1\/2 turn. Set the flow regulator for 18-20 <\/strong>cubic feet per hour by adjusting the knob on the flow meter\/regulator. Be careful not to contact the wire as it feeds out of the mig gun, as the wire will be live.)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Set the wire speed and voltage (according to thickness of wire) by adjusting the control knobs to the recommended settings (see wire speed\/voltage guide on welder).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Trim the extra wire from the tip of the mig gun.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    The machine is now ready to operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Basic Operation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. Hold the tip of the gun approximately 3\/16\u201d from the metal joint to be welded with the wire touching the metal.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Depress the trigger and wire will feed to the metal and the arc will start.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Holding the tip a steady distance from the weld (when the distance is correct the weld should make a sizzling sound) move the gun in the direction of the weld slowly. The molten metal puddle should form a solidification ridge 3\/8th inch behind the electrode. If the puddle is larger you are going too slow, if the puddle is shorter you are going too fast.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      To shut down the machine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      1. Detach the ground cable from the work or table and coil it neatly on the welder’s hangers<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      2. Turn the valve on the argon\/co2 tank completely off. Squeeze the trigger on the mig gun until the gas flow meter reads 0<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      3. Set the wire feed and voltage knobs at minimum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      4. Turn off the power on the machine<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      5. Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      6. Loosely coil the mig gun lead loosely over the machine or hanger, do not tightly coil the lead as this will kink and damage the mig gun lead.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Clean the shop!!
        <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
        \n