Machine Set-Up

The big secret that nobody ever mentions about PVC Welding MIG welding is machine set-up. Since MIG welding is a semi-automatic process, much of the skill required is to know how to set up the welding machine correctly.

There are three settings used for MIG welding.

1. Voltage.

2. Wire feed speed.

3. Shielding gas flow rate.

All three of these settings change depending on the thickness of the metal to be welded. On some MIG welders there is a chart on the inside panel of the welder. This chart will give you the proper settings needed for each thickness of metal to be welded. For most welds you want the weld to have a fast crackling sound to it. The sound the welder makes should be like an egg hitting a hot frying pan. Finally, the shielding gas flow rate should be enough that the weld is protected from any surrounding air.

Welding Techniques

The welding techniques used for MIG welding are the same as most other processes. Some people like to use a whipping technique, which is a back and forth motion. Others use circles or a weave technique that is a side to side motion. No matter what technique you use the wire stick-out should never be more then 3/4 of an inch, otherwise the shielding gas won't be able to do its job properly.

Here is a tip for those of you who have never MIG welded before. If you need to make a good looking weld or the Automatic Blister Packing Machine weld is in a hard to reach area, simply keep spot welding until you complete the weld!