How to Weld – MIG Welding and TIG Welding

MIG Welding

This is a basic guide on how to weld using a metal inert gas (MIG) welder. MIG welding is the awesome process of using electricity to melt and join pieces of metal together. MIG welding is sometimes referred to as the “hot glue gun” of the welding world and is generally regarded as one of the easiest type of welding to learn.

Steps:

1. Background
2. How the Machine Works
3. Safety Gear
4. Prep for Your Weld
5. Laying a Bead
6. Welding Metal Together
7. Grind down the weld
8. Common Problems
9. Wire Fuses to Tip/Change the Tip
10. Replace Wire Feed to Gun
11. Other resources

Read instructions here (if link is unavailable, download manual here)

TIG Welding

TIG Welding is one type of welding amongst a few choices you have – MIG, Stick, Oxyacetylene, etc.

TIG can be used to weld copper, titanium, even two dissimilar metals, and is handy for making tricky welds (e.g. s-curves, or welds on round things)..

TIG generates heat via an arc of electricity jumping from a (tungsten metal) electrode to the metal surfaces you intend to weld – usually aluminum or steel.

TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, after the tungsten electrode, and the sheath of inert gas (argon or an argon mixture) surrounding it.

Steps:

1. Choose the Electrode
2. Grind the Electrode
3. Insert the Electrode Into Its Collet
4. Choose the Settings
5. Turn on the Gas
6. Prepare Metal and Welding Table
7. Get Dressed Up!
8. One Last Check
9. Weld!
10. Draw a Bead
11. Types of Welds

Read instructions here, (if link is unavailable, download manual here)