Changes

====Overview====

====Overview====

MIG welding may be the simplest welding method to use but that does not mean it is easy. The most difficult piece is keeping the correct torch angle, keeping a consistent travel speed/pattern, and maintaining the correct distance from the work piece. If you have spent time on the welding simulator then the torch angle and travel speed/pattern should be simple to replicate. It is more difficult to visually reach the correct distance from the material but if the welder is making a nice sizzling (just like frying bacon) sound then it should be correct. If there is a lot of popping the the torch is too far away and if there is more of a bubbling sound then it is too close. After performing any welds make sure to reset the space by putting away any scrap metal and other debris.   

MIG welding may be the simplest welding method to use but that does not mean it is easy. First, it is important to wear the correct safety gear, i.e. closed shoes, pants, a welding coat, a welding helmet, and welding gloves, otherwise you will be burned by the UV light emitted by the welding arc. You must also make sue the machine is set up properly. To do this, the gas canister should be opened and regulator adjusted to 15 CFH. Depending on the material you are welding the voltage and wire feed speed will very; you can find what values these should be set to by referencing the chart inside the cover of the welder. Once the welder settings are correct, The most difficult piece is keeping the correct torch angle, keeping a consistent travel speed/pattern, and maintaining the correct distance from the work piece. If you have spent time on the welding simulator then the torch angle and travel speed/pattern should be simple to replicate. It is more difficult to visually reach the correct distance from the material but if the welder is making a nice sizzling (just like frying bacon) sound then it should be correct. If there is a lot of popping the the torch is too far away and if there is more of a bubbling sound then it is too close. After performing any welds make sure to reset the space by putting away any scrap metal and other debris.   

====Demonstration====

====Demonstration====

# Slowly turn the adjusting screw (clockwise) to increase pressure to 15 CFH. At first it will spin freely but you will begin to feel resistance as the pressure begins to increase on the leftmost pressure gauge.  

# Slowly turn the adjusting screw (clockwise) to increase pressure to 15 CFH. At first it will spin freely but you will begin to feel resistance as the pressure begins to increase on the leftmost pressure gauge.  

# Identify the material type and thickness that you will be welding.

# Identify the material type and thickness that you will be welding.

# Determine the wire feed rate and voltage to fit your material and wire size. To do this, refer to MIG welding chart for specified adjustments specific to your application. A welding chart is included below for reference and the same chart is mounted inside the cover of the welder. [[File:Welding Chart.png|none|thumb|706x706px]]

# Determine the wire feed rate and voltage to fit your material and wire size. To do this, refer to MIG welding chart for specified adjustments specific to your application. A welding chart is included below for reference and the same chart is mounted inside the cover of the welder. This chart also depends on the wire size which is usually 0.035". [[File:Welding Chart.png|none|thumb|706x706px]]

# Turn on the welder and adjust wire speed and voltage to match the parameters layed out by the welding chart. Refer to the image below to see the controls for doing this. [[File:MIG Controls.png|none|thumb|837x837px]]

# Turn on the welder and adjust wire speed and voltage to match the parameters layed out by the welding chart. Refer to the image below to see the controls for doing this. [[File:MIG Controls.png|none|thumb|837x837px]]

# Ensure you are wearing all necessary protective gear. This should include closed shoes, pants, a welding coat, a welding helmet, and welding gloves. There should be no skin exposed to the welding arc or it will cause burns.

# Ensure you are wearing all necessary protective gear. This should include closed shoes, pants, a welding coat, a welding helmet, and welding gloves. There should be no skin exposed to the welding arc or it will cause burns.