MIG Welding Techniques

[LizardRunner]

X3 on PRACTICE. Anytime I haven't had a particular welder in my hand for a while (like a week) I pull out scrap plates and do some straight beads then do some angles just to make sure my technique is up to my own standards (which I've been told are way to high, lol how can that be?) I also practice before hand when I'm going to do an odd angle or upside down welding.

I am one of those that didn't go through a "Class" I was taught on site. Practice was all I did for quite a while the first time cause I was to be certified for steam pipe and oil tank welding. I would never recomend anyone get into welding the way I did, took me another year of reading every welding manual I could find to get my knowledge base up to my own standards. Now I can weld everything from cast iron to inconel, but I still practice before I start the welds on any project.

I've been told that I also handle a cutting torch better than most, LOL. don't know who they were comparing me too but I think I am just decient.

[4x4Dalton]

Thanks yall for all the comments and info. I am thinkin of takin a weldin class myself.

[osfp]

The trouble with short circiut mig welding is that if you don't remove the mill scale the penitration isn't very good, you might have a really pretty weld but it won't hold squat. The cleaner the metal the better the weld, but that goes for all welding. I like dual shield , tig and stick for any kind of fabrication welding. mig is good for sheet metal.
just my

[jccatt]

Did my rear bar with the mig. First thing i learnt at the course was clean metal. It gos without saying for my welding now.

[702XJCruiser]

One day when I have the time and the money I'd like to get the equipment and the lessons to make myself some lightweight aluminium under armour.

[4.3LXJ]

It is easily done with a MIG. But you have to set it up for aluminum with a short gun and nylon liner.

[MudRaider]

Thanks for the links, those who posted them. Self-taught and supervised by certified welders, I feel comfortable with my stick skills. Need to get a mig, especially for any body work stuff.

[reddragon72]

my welds work but are not pretty. But I figure I can always grind and shine. It just needs to be functional first.