Mig welding technique

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by The WidowMaker

i find the opposite lol.

Must be standing on the wrong side of the gun or holding it with the wrong hand. Thus the emphasis on practice and finding which techinques work best for you Northcoastnovas.

[Northcoastnovas]

Thanks for all the reply's.I appreciate the people who respond.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by Northcoastnovas

Thanks for all the reply's.I appreciate the people who respond.

Having fun practicing!

FWIW - I went through two medium sized bottles of gas before it really clicked. What held me back most was conservative heat and wire speed settings, too much stick out, now at 3-4mm, and too much gun angle. Sound is one of the better indicators, a consistent sizzle like frying eggs or bacon works!

[Northcoastnovas]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Having fun practicing!

FWIW - I went through two medium sized bottles of gas before it really clicked. What held me back most was conservative heat and wire speed settings, too much stick out, now at 3-4mm, and too much gun angle. Sound is one of the better indicators, a consistent sizzle like frying eggs or bacon works!

Yes.My practice was building a Rotisserie,a shop press,a media blasting cabinet and a angle iron table for the blast cabinet.
At this point I'm relatively comfortable with the process and understand the basics.I just thought I would ask the question to see what other members opinions we're.I have used both push and pull and pulling seems to be easier,mainly visually.I worked with a gentleman that swore pushing was a better weld process,yet when I bought my miller the intro video showed pulling the weld.I figured if pushing was the correct way then miller would have showed this style welding.Definitely a lot of fun.I have noticed some days it seems easier than others.Thanks again.........

[GregWeld]

The correct answer is "it depends".... either way is fine. Settle for the one you're the most comfortable doing. A good weld is not about pushing or pulling -- but about the PROPER penetration - and not undercutting - and the correct amount of fill material etc. It has much more to do with speed - heat - feed speed etc.

Sometimes I push - sometimes I pull - sometimes you're welding upside-down and backwards. It's whatever you have to do to get 'er done. The actual WELD quality is the key.

[Revved]

I find myself doing both... pulling mostly.... I've never been officially "taught" how to weld, just been using a MIG off and on for about 15 years and I think Greg said it best... you have to play all the options of what you are welding, the physical access to the weld, the material you are welding and do what is most comfortable. I find that I can control the heat in the metal better when I pull, get a better looking weld, and better penetration.

+1 on the practice!

[TheJDMan]

Push or pull there is no right or wrong. The most important thing is being able to see the puddle as you move the bead along. This may reguire a pull or a push depending on the position. I agree, practice, practice, practice.

[67zo6Camaro]

Lurker and I just though I would contribute.



For you MIG lovers, welding out of position upside down. (TIP: reduce wire speed 25% and increase heat to the next level above the metal that is being welded. On the up-right start at top and go down and pause every 2 beads just enough time to let the red fade before starting next 2 beads down. On the over head, use a skip back pattern after burning in each bead. On the over head you will need to speed up and keep an eye on the melted pool so it does not get to big and sag or drip). This shot of the weld shows it after it was just been wiped down, I used an Anti-Spatter spray prior to welding.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by 67zo6Camaro

Lurker and I just though I would contribute.

What a hack job!

Bret - Beautiful work! Thanks for the setting advice too.

I would really like to see a video of you running simple bead on flat work......in your spare time of course. Set a GoPro up!