SPECIAL FEATURE: WELDING EQUIPMENT AND CONSUMABLES
TOP TIPS
FOR BETTER MIG WELDING
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1 . R E M E M B E R T H AT T H E B E S T
M I G W E L D I N G O P E R AT O R I S A
S A F E O N E
Never forget that welding, when done improperly,
can be hazardous. Electric shock, fumes and
gases, arc rays, hot parts, noise and a host of
other possible hazards come along with the
territory. The ultraviolet and infrared light rays can
also burn your skin — similar to a sunburn but
without the subsequent tan — and your eyes. This
is why the best MIG welding operator knows how
to stay safe.
Welding helmets, gloves, close-toed shoes and
clothes that fully cover exposed skin are essential.
Make sure you wear flame-resistant natural fibres
such as denim and leather, and avoid synthetic
materials that will melt when struck by spatter,
potentially causing burns. Also, avoid wearing
pants with cuffs or shirts with pockets, as these
can catch sparks and lead to injuries.
Keep in mind that heavy-duty MIG welding often
produces a lot of heat, sparks and spatter, and
requires a lower degree of dexterity than some
other forms of welding. Therefore, using thick,
stiff leather gloves that provide a higher level
of protection is smart. Similarly, choose leather
footwear that covers your entire foot and leaves as
little room as possible for spatter to fall along your
ankle line. High-top leather shoes and work boots
often provide the best protection.
Finally, always be sure you have adequate
ventilation per OSH recommendations and check
material safety data sheets (MSDS) for each metal
being welded and filler metal being used. Use a
respirator whenever required by the MSDS.
2 . D O Y O U R R E S E A R C H
B E F O R E Y O U S E T U P Y O U R
E Q U I P M E N T
Before you get started, conduct online research
to see what the best practices are for the specific
wire you have or contact a trusted filler metal
manufacturer. Doing so not only tells you what the
manufacturer’s recommended parameters are for
your diameter wire, but also what the proper wire
feed speed, amperage and voltage is, along with
the most compatible shielding gas. The manufacturer
will even tell you what electrode extension or
contact-to-work distance (CTWD) is best suited for
the particular wire.
Keep in mind that if you get too long of a stickout,
your weld will be cold, which will drop your
amperage and with it the joint penetration. As a
general rule of thumb, since less wire stickout
typically results in a more stable arc and better
low-voltage penetration, the best wire stickout
length is generally the shortest one allowable for
the application.
Are you a proficient MIG welder who wants to next level things? By implementing these
seven tips offered by Bernard, supplier of welding equipment, you can take your MIG
welding operation to the next level and ensure you are as safe, efficient and professional
as any other shop.
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