Setting up a MIG welder is straightforward. First, install the gun & secure it. Then install the wire feeding it over the rollers and into the gun liner. Clamp down the rollers & plug in the electrical dongle. Grab the gas tank, secure it and install your regulator. Turn on the gas & plug it in.
You’re going to want to figure out where your cart will “live”. It needs to be close to power but also in a space that is near your workbench., if you need to have your welder in a specific area and power is more then 15 ft away the longest welders power cord you can buy a heavy duty welder extension cord.
Check out the wide variety of MIG Welders we stock at ProWeld here!
Step 1:
Unbox your welder and set up all the parts you will be installing today.
You can either set up your welder in its permanent location or in a larger space, like the shop floor.
Step 2:
If your machine has a power selection switch inside (mentioned above) go ahead and select the voltage that your new MIG welder will be running off of.
Step 3:
What kind of metal will you be welding? Will it be Aluminum or mild steel? And what thickness will this material be? When you know what your welding you can install the appropriate wire.
Step 4:
Grab the gun to install it into the body of the welder, and unroll the cord so you have the opposite end of the touch – the connector (it will have the switch hook up- the little black cord)
Now, find out where to insert your gun. In this example, it is in the front of the machine. Some welders have the port in the back of the machine. Insert your gun into the port.
Make sure the clamp securing the gun is loose
And thread the connector into the rollers, past the “O rings”.
Make sure your liner is sitting on the rollers- as this is where your wire will be inserted next. You want to make sure there is no gap so there is no chance of your wire slipping, folding, buckling or and getting tangled into the rollers.
Tighten the clampdown
Now to complete this portion take the little black cord and plug it into the corresponding switch, and tighten the ring down
Step 5:
Time to install your wire. Check out your wire shaft and notice the spring. If you are using a 10lb roll or larger, you may need to remove the spring.
Find the nub on your wire holder and line it up with the nub on the spool of wire and insert the spool into the machine.
Once loaded take the metal color and secure the wire spool.
Ok, now grab your wire from the roll and feed it into the black tube on the drive system. You may need a good flat head screwdriver to nudge the wire into the groove of the roller
Keep feeding it into the liner for about 4- 6 inches.
Now, take the top roller and move it down over the wire and the liner.
Now, take the top roller and move it down over the wire and the liner.
Step 6:
Once you have the power on, grab your torch and turn the wire speed all the way up.
Then hold the trigger and your wire should feed through the gun and out of the tip.
Step 7:
You want to get the best shield gas for your needs. The most widely used type of gas is c25 (25% co2/ 75%argon).
Grab your tank and unscrew the top.
Now, grab your welding cart and notice where the platform to hold your shielding gas is …
Give your tank a “hug” and place it on the platform.
Place your safety chain around the tank.
Now, grab your regulator and thread it into the bottle
Grab your adjustable wrench and tighten the brass nut to the base of the tank. Just a little bit of pressure is needed to fully tighten the bolt.
Make sure the other end of the gas hose is secured tightly to the machine (just like we did for the torch).
Now, you can set your typical flow rate. A good measure for beginners is 20 CFH.
To do that:
Turn the knob on your tank so the gas starts to flow.
check your tank pressure. A full tank typically reads 1500 PSI.
ow check your flow rate gauge, turn the regular handle (in front) until the CFH reads 20.
Now you are ready to weld!