The Mig Welding Basics 101

Posted on 31-07-2019

If your new to welding or just want to brush up on your skills, then you have landed on the right page! Mig welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is a welding process in which an electric arc forms between a consumable Mig Wire electrode and the workpiece metal, which heats the workpiece metal, causing them to melt and join. Mig welding is extremly popular because it is easily learnt and because you can use it for a wide range of applications. There are so many types of Mig Machines to choose from, but it really does depend on the job required, your skill set, and most of all your budget.

There are many cheap Mig welders on the market today, some you can even pick up for as little as £100 - but i have always lived by the saying. You by cheap - you buy twice. Again, there are some Mig machines which can hit up to £6000 and above. These are not your day to day hobby welders, these are something a little bit more specialist. 

A good starting point if your new to the welding game, is gather a list of what you will need. 

1. Mig Machine - you will also need a shielding gas which for Mig Welding would be an Argon/Co2 gas. 

Safety is also paramount whilst welding, its not like a sewing a hobby. Here if you are not careful enough you can open yourself up to a world of injuries, and death by fire is not my way to go.

1. A decent welding helmet.
2. Welding Gauntlets (protect those hands)
3. Flame retardent clothing & an apron for double measure!
4. Consumables - Wire, Tips, Shrouds  - you get the picture!
5. Gas Regulator

Once you've gathered your list its time to give it a whirl! Remember - safety first!

For more info, check out the Miller Welding Basics on Mig Welding, you will be up and running in no time.

Happy Welding!

Sophie @ The Sphinx Team.


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