Equipment/MIG Welder/Refresher

booyaa's MIG welder refresher course

Please don't use this until I've had it checked by someone competent -- 21st Feb 2013 booyaa - Getting there paddyd 21st Feb 2013

If someone's using the laser cutter, wait until they have finished. Welder can interfere. Hopefully we can put them on separate circuits sometime :)

Checklist

• wear suitable clothing boots, trousers that cover boots, nothing valuable that you wouldn't want a spark to land on.
• clean table (thing about what might burn if the molten metal falls through).
• welding curtain in place.
• check if there is any plating (zinc, chrome, whatever) and REMOVE IT with file or angle grinder. Take precautions to not breathe dust also.
• make sure the bit of metal you're working will have good contact with earth clamp. You may have to use wet and dry sandpaper or angle grinder to clean the surface.
• turn on top gas tap (anti-clockwise) don't lock to max, you might need to turn it off quickly.
• turn on regulator (clockwise) don't red line.
• rule of thumb with gas is you want to use as little as possible, it's only being used as an envelope around the metal and flux(?) to avoid oxidation.
• turn on welder you want the dials to be on 3 of 10 on feeder, 3 of 6 on power. Generally you want both of these dials to be in the middle.
• Shout EYES! Or welding, be sure no one is looking without correct eye protection.
• go slow, look for clean greyish bloom around your work.
• try to make a sound like sizzling bacon.......... (with the welder :/)

Dos

• clean work surface will avoid shit results
• have a good quality finish or at least clean (no raggy edges or warp) to avoid shit results

Don'ts

• galvanising (zinc plating our planters and tubing that looks like scaffolding) and chrome plating are fatal over time (not necessarily much time)

Todo

• learn why some metals are deadly and how to test chemically for them
• welding helmets and spare gloves
• take photos of equipment