To: Nancy Myers

From: Serenity Haines

Date: May,3 2022
Subject: APLED 121- instructions report

MIG Welding

MIG (metal inert gas) welding is for welding aluminum, carbon steel, bronze and several more metals.
It uses a shielding gas such as argon gas to protect the molten weld pool from elements in the
atmosphere. To avoid injury, it is important to set up the welding machine properly. Below is the
procedure to get set up before you start welding.

The most important part of welding is safety. Always wear your

safety glasses. When welding, wear your welding helmet. Welding helmets protect your eyes from
flash burn and your face from sparks.

Be sure to have a fire extinguisher in case of emergency. Before

setting up a gas shielded welding machine or welding, make sure the welding area has proper
ventilation, high ceilings and cement floors. What you will need before setting your machine and
welding is: Safety glasses, welding gloves, pliers, a wire brush, leather shoes, long pants, and a long
sleeve shirt (Cotton or wool, with no cuffs). Ear plugs are optional.

1. Plug in the welding machine.

2. Clip the ground clamp connected to the machine to a suitable grounded metal.

3. Open the argon gas cylinder to clear any debris from the valve.
4. Attach a regulator to the argon gas cylinder (be sure to stand opposite from the regulator
apparatus when connecting and turning on the cylinder).

Pressure gauge

Cylinder knob
CFH gauge

Argon gas
Regulator cylinder
5. Connect and secure the regulator hose into the welding machine.
6. Open the cylinder to adjust the gas level to 1000 PSI.
7. Adjust the CFH (cubic feet per hour) gage on the regulator to 10-15 CHF.
8. Open the hood of the machine.

9. Push the plug side of the MIG gun into the machine.
10. Tighten the wingnut to lock the MIG gun connection into place.
11. Load the wire on to the machine.
12. Hold the wire tightly and feed it into the plug side of the MIG gun, don’t stop until you see the
wire come out the other end.
13. Tighten the wire into place with a wingnut, then pull the designated knob down to unlock the
wire spool.

During the welding process, hold the MIG gun at a 45-degree

angle. Making an oscillating motion back and forth about an 1/8 of an inch (pushing or pulling
your weld pool) helps reduce slag while leaving a smooth welding connection. Clean any slag
on the surface of the metal before welding over.

14. Clean the MIG gun with a wire brush before and after welding.
15. Turn on the machine by flipping the switch into the on position.
16. Determine the welding settings for voltage and speed of the wire depending on what you are
welding (a setting guide is available on the hood of your machine).
 17. Press the trigger of the MIG gun to make sure the wire is coming out at the right speed.
18. Clip the wire about a quarter of an inch out from the MIG gun with a pair of pliers.

After putting on your gloves and welding helmet, you are now ready to start your weld. When you
are done welding be sure to put the MIG gun back in the secure place to avoid injury or damage to the
equipment. Always remember to turn off any gas cylinders used during welding and always turn off
your machine.