MIG Like Mankandy: Techniques for Stacking Dimes with a MIG Welder

I have no business making a welding video. But my viewers asked to see my techniques. I can't let them down, so here it is!
This video will guide you through the steps I took to learn to weld the way I do. Follow these tips at your own risk. Your car will most likely fall apart.
Good luck!
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[@jdmracer1]

10 year stuctual and heavy equipment welder here. When it comes to vertical down vs. Vertical up is all about puddle control. When welding Vertical down, gravity is acting upon your puddle,pulling your puddle over base metal that has not fully melted. This can cause holes and porosity and holes in your weld. It may be ok for what your doing, in structural it's a no-no. One root pass, then two cover passes for Vertical up😊

[@metalworksmachineshop]

correct. 35year welder here. structural welds are mostly done with 7018 rod . it cant be ran down hill. also another structural weld is flux-core with gas. regular hard wire will brake under structural pressure. the home gamer will not have either one. and if they have a arc buzz-box welder. good for them.. I think Arc welding should be learned before you squeeze the trigger on a steel caulking gun.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you both!

[@1966cambo]

@@GarageFab their comments are valid but you are not a structural welder so it doesn't apply...😃 One thing I saw was you were melting the edge away (known as undercut) and that that would never pass a test/inspection but you are not building a bridge or high rise.....if you wanted to stop that you could try a few things, turn your machine down a bit , try pushing instead of dragging or a little less movement so the puddle doesn't melt the corner off. Anyways, really enjoy your vids and your style , entertaining and informative!

[@GarageFab]

@@1966cambo Thank you! 🙏 Very much appreciated. So a question about undercut; The way I’ve defined undercut for myself is the ‘eroded’ edges left uncovered by the bead in a finished weld. As I’m welding, I’m intentionally melting the edges a slight amount so that I can clearly see I’m melting the base metal so the way to the edge, then immediately fill the weld pool to cover said erosion. I’ll have to rewatch my own video, but did I leave some uncovered? Or is my definition of undercut incorrect?

[@evcordallasor1305]

@@GarageFab Yes you are correct. What happens is the arc cuts and the wire fills. IE, The movement forward Allows the arc to cut, the pause allows the wire to fill = oscilation.. With that being said, undercut is generally caused by technique. By the sound of your weld, your settings are around where they should be. 1966cambo is spot on, drag welding is your problem lol.

[@fredastaire6156]

You don't strike me as a welder; you're too nice. Most teachers, instructors, others in the trade were very gruff, jaded, and burnt out on life to actually be friendly and helpful. Turned me away from the trade entirely. But you, good Sir, I could learn from you all day! Thank you for posting this video. You certainly deserve many more subscribers!

[@GarageFab]

I guess that’s proof! I’m not a welder. 😔 Much appreciated, Fred! I’m happy to be of service.

[@tudyk21]

There are a few self-righteous pricks in welding.😂

[@mcmuskie2563]

Agree

[@IronGordon]

Definitely one of the better explained how to weld videos I’ve seen on KZbin. Killer work man!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! How have you been?

[@IronGordon]

@@GarageFab Doing Good man! glad to see your channel is growing, I bet your about to snowball like crazy. Hang on!

[@GarageFab]

There’s definitely been a couple brief snowballesque moments here and there! I’m actually dreading to not being able to connect with everyone in the comments. It’s getting pretty hard. Thank you, Brother! 🙏

[@ciganekanthony]

Except for he’s dragging and not pushing the weld

[@krusher74]

Why dont robot welders "stack dimes"?

[@sgtpepper4971]

16 years paid welder and 10 yr hobby. For what your intentions were excellent job. Anyone that’s doing it for $ will be tested ,so as far as up or down vertical whatever floats your boat but if your life depends on it !?! Up is the way. Also while doing a beveled flat weld having a air gap apx width of your wire will ensure a fusion second to none. Thanks bro. Excellent video

[@user-lx3nr5od5l]

By far one of the most fun and motivational welding videos i have watched. Who wants to loose their sense of humor these days. Also, very easy way for beginners to learn new things, and people like myself who havnt welded in eons to re-learn old material! Very excited to go weld after watching this!

[@GarageFab]

Nice!! Lemme know if the info crosses over to the real world. Thank you my friend. 🙏

[@MedievalMan]

Your teaching method is a "remove the mystery from it, gradual step process" style. A very effective way to learn, thank you!

[@bradleynicoll7126]

Hey Aaron, I am a degreed Welding Engineer and I just wanted to give you props on this video. There are a LOT of bad techniques on youtube and a lot of them are portrayed as being "structural". Thanks for the clarifications at the beginning of the video, but at the end of the day, you aren't too far off from a good weld! You have the right idea about penetration (letting the arc melt the base metal instead of the weld pool) and the way you taught step by step (starting out with lots of tacks and working toward a consistent motion) was a great way to teach. Keep up the good work!

[@bozz3002]

omg you are one of those guys

[@Stoked778]

So after welding bird poop and getting frustrated yesterday I watched your video. Today I went out and got a nice clean looking weld. The triangle method worked for me. Thanks for the video!

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you for that. I’m happy to be of service. Things should continue to get better with time. Best of luck!

[@robertrusso877]

I too am self taught and been welding (not full-time) for 20-30 years and I’m still learning new things! My advice: Practice, practice, practice! Thanks again for your knowledge and humor!

[@GarageFab]

Nothing more important than practice.

[@kennethboydsr3966]

I welded for 35 years tig & mig but mostly tig it payed well I’m always open to Learn new method’s I’m 71 now and miss working but I had to retire because of bad knees your a good welder I can tell just watching you .

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Kenneth!

[@Arthurian.]

A highly accomplished friend once told me that you'll learn more from trying then you can from just watching/reading videos/books. You are a really good example of this and I am impressed what you have learned being self taught. Your video helped me brush up my welding skills of things I've forgotten since welding school. I haven't welded in 20 years. This'll help me correct some of the issues I was having today. Thanks!

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Lemme know how it goes! Thank you my friend. 🙏

[@user-rn1rm7lb9e]

you will and you won't with this trade. its best to have hands-on instruction as until you do its highly likely you do things a bit wrong

[@UPerformace]

This was easier to understand than the "professional" welders. And I've watched a lot of those videos.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you for that my friend! 🙏

[@dannyrampling8386]

Agreed.. been welding and fabricating for about 9 years and I like your way better than my welding teachers.. well played mate.

[@hansmru]

Being an amateur fabricator it’s a well explained video, i watched it over and over.

[@GarageFab]

Nice. Thank you my friend. I hope it helps in the real world.

[@evcordallasor1305]

Anyone buying a welder should be made to watch this video lol!! Once again another great one keep up the good work. Little tip when you do a tack weld, give it a little wiggle it will help to flatten it out. Anyone who's got the coin, The miller 211 or the lincolin 210 mp is where its at.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! The video is growing in value as the comment section grows. That’s what I was hoping for.

[@2ndAmmendmentSupporter]

This is like the first video on KZbin I have not skipped through at all, thanks a ton!!

[@GarageFab]

That is quite the honor Isaac! Thank you for your time my friend. 🙏

[@richardgraiff9995]

Good Morning, I just ran across your video, I have welded on and off for 45 years. mostly Acetylene in the body shop, been playing with Mic welding and like you trying to teach myself. Love the way you put it out there and you straight forward method, thank you I am looking for some other video's now. Thanks again for sharing your knowledge, keep up the good work and keep sharing with us beginners,

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Richard! Much appreciated and I hope it helps in the real world. Best of luck my friend.

[@johndoe43]

Had a teacher that was the lead welder for proctor and gamble for many years. He said never do anything downhill. I said what if you get a job and they want downhill ? He said get a new job. Worked for ro cranes and we did some downhill but only non critical areas to seal out dirt and corrosion. That teacher was 77 yrs old and was top notch. Cranky but top notch.

[@GarageFab]

Nice. Did he ever explain why?

[@johndoe43]

@@GarageFab no he never said that I remember. He never wasted words. I assume due to lack of penetration and cold lap. I know API pipelines are often downhill with 8010. They say it reduces possibility of porosity in high winds. On structural or anything high stress like heavy equipment I say uphill only. I was guided bend certified on plate in all positions. On the cranes we only did downhill in no stress areas usually to seal a seam

[@johndoe43]

@@GarageFab btw good video. Forgot to mention that 😆 also the teacher I mentioned was mainly for stick but we also did mig but was colder and slower than the hot high speed mig that I learned at the crane company.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend. There’s not a lot that I know for certain, but I do know that stick welding down is a big no-no. The slag will race in front of the weld pool causing inclusions. From my understanding, it’s exactly as you say; Vertical down in structural welding is frowned upon, while light duty (thinner metals) solid wire MIG, it’s not so bad. 🤷‍♂️

[@johndoe43]

@@GarageFab sorry my response was so late. Didn't see yours until I watched video again today. The pipeline guys and API are downhill crazy. I've seen them do gas lines down also. Believe or not the Alaskan pipeline was also down on the fill passes from what I can find. Crazy in my book. I got a kick out of that teacher telling me get another job 😆

[@iDwayneXD]

Just wanted to say, thank you for all your information you put out there. I’ve never understood suspension like I do now, and its thanks to you. I also, thanks to this video, have finally been able to run nice, consistent beads on my recent fab projects, which I have never been able to do before. So thank you, and please keep doing what you do 🤙🏻

[@GarageFab]

I could be more honored my friend. 🙏 Thank you for that. 👊

[@Wr3ckdrob]

The most important thing about welding is get familiar and practice with the machine that you have. You are very correct on that, that not every machine welds the same! Get familiar with what you have and you’ll do well.

[@revolvo5519]

I just discovered your channel a couple of weeks ago and I'm a sponge for knowledge I've already watched half your videos. I love your educational style and even if I don't use all these lessons I know my new knowledge will make me a better garage DIYer. Keep doing your thing. You are one of the best KZbinrs on, well, KZbin! Keep moving forward!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! That means a great deal to me. You caught us while we’re still young. You can consider yourself an O.G. Garage Fabber! You you in the next one. 👊

[@IronGordon]

There a 3 ways to make sure your comment section pops on any video 1. Say something incorrect without acknowledging it 2. Say anything that goes against anybody’s personal beliefs 3. Say your a good welder I noticed your construction sign changing in the last video 😂 great touch

[@GarageFab]

The trifecta! Definitely a popping comment section. 🙌

[@claytonreed7489]

Thanks for sharing, this subject was very informative concerning the bevel concerning sheet metal welding, I do a lot of rust repair and fabricating fenders on 1950's cars that was cool!!!!!!

[@GarageFab]

I’d love to trade you skills!

[@daviddrennan1759]

Freakin love this video. Straight forward and encouraging. I didnt feel like you were gonna smack my hand for even asking a question lol

[@GarageFab]

Haha! Lemme know how it translates to the real world. Best of luck my friend.

[@daviddrennan1759]

@@GarageFab gonna try it this week on parts of my Tacoma roll cage install

[@HisNameIsTater]

Started in the trade 26 years ago. Now i own a fabrication shop, those are my credentials so that when i tell you this guy is legit and you should listen if you're new you know that i know what I'm talking about. Keep up the great work sir.

[@GarageFab]

I appreciate your kind words my friend. 🙏 See you in the next one!

[@chrisbenn8691]

Aaron, I've always been in awe ( you know that already) of your welds, but this is the video I've been waiting for. I'm gunna practice, practice, practice this technique now. Thanks heaps Mate.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Chris! Can’t wait to see the progress! 🙌

[@huskydevil333]

That's what I'm talking about! I just got back today from vacation and I was dreading all the stuff I have to catch up on and then I saw this 🥳 and it made my day. The way you explain the reasoning behind your techniques is so perfect. Thank you for making this video for us and for reading my comment. The next video we need is you covering the hits from the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[@GarageFab]

Haha! I know I said I wasn’t going to make a welding video but did anyway… But I’m really genuinely definitely for sure NOT making a greatest hits video. Thank you, Rick, you’re always appreciated. 🙏

[@anthonyarbeau7118]

Gosh, clear and concise! Once it's warm enough to work with metal in my unheated space I will give this new knowledge a go! I've been rather defeated trying to hobby learn welding, I really appreciate your positive words coaxing me to try again.

[@bagdatshit]

I was told by a welding instructor in a basic welding class I took for work that using 75% 25% gas leaves nearly no slag and doing top to bottom verticals was completely acceptable on the truck frame I was building. He even told me to bring in my personal welder I was using to do a weld and do a break test. I passed the test and his comment was " I'd ride in the truck your building with no worry on your welds. Before that class I had no idea top to bottom was a no-no. Now for stick welding no acceptable, mucho grande slag. Great vid bro 🤘

[@GarageFab]

Interesting! So slag inclusion would be the concern with stick. That’s more input than most folks have given. Thank you Brother!

[@bagdatshit]

@@GarageFab correct. Keep making that killer content brother 🤘

[@chadlegaultgmail]

We have 8 252i machines for our High School Autoshop/Welding/Fabshop and they have been good. Your videos are well thought out, honest, and fun. Good times and thank you for doing this.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Chad! I can only image what that room sounds like with 8 ESAB jet engine cooling fans running at the same time.

[@ajones1704]

I'm not new to welding by any means. Just like you I'm self-taught. I just happened to come across this video this evening and honestly think your style in which you deliver information is outstanding! Keep on doing what you're doing👍🏽💪🔥

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! You are appreciated.

[@TS-eg8dm]

I'm not an expert welder, and you say you're not an expert welder, but my friend, you're wrong? I think you're an expert. I mean, I'm a contractor over 20yrs, so I have expert building skills. I just started learning to Weld for my personal use. This is one of the best videos I have watched. You actually answered some questions I had before watching this video that no one else talks about in other videos. Thank you.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you for the kind words my friend! I’m slowly learning myself and I keep discovering things I do wrong. This is the reason I can’t claim expertise. If you don’t mind me asking, what were the questions you had? I’m considering making more welding videos and it would help to make sure I cover everything necessary. Side note: I just discovered Weld Coach. It’s an online welding aid where you get real time feedback from a professional welder during a video call. Sounds weird but I learned quite a bit in one session.

[@TS-eg8dm]

One question I can think of. When you have 2 pieces of metal more than 1 8th of an inch thick, how to weld them all the way through for rigidity, and you showed in the video to tapered off both pieces then go down the grove in that pattern. Your video is very easy to understand for a beginner like myself. My goal is to learn how to weld aluminum. I bought a cheapo electric welder, but I didn't know It couldn't well aluminum so I'm purchasing a multi welder this week on Amazon.

[@GarageFab]

Use caution with that multi welder! I did the exact same thing. I bought a MIG/TIG/Stick machine to weld aluminum. Then found out it was a DC only machine. You must have an AC TIG machine to weld aluminum.

[@user-jn4ji9qh5c]

Thanks very much for taking the time to really explain and show the type of technic and reasoning of the weld. Learned something new today.

[@GarageFab]

Happy to be of service, Robert! Lemme know if it really helps out in the real world.

[@Paul.TheEpicTube]

thank you so much Fab, so humble you are. I am an on-the-job learning with welding. Things are frustrated at beginning (actually I am still at first steps haha), but I believe it will be better - thank to you and your sharing mate. Appreciated!

[@GarageFab]

It absolutely will get better. Things will slowly start to make sense. Keep on learning my friend.

[@LetsDriftMedia]

Thanks for the video! Just picked up my first welder recently and have 0 experience but has always been something Ive wanted to learn. Will try out some of these tips next chance I get to play around with mine.

[@GarageFab]

Excellent! Lemme know how it goes! Good luck my friend.

[@jameslangford4748]

I am a novice welder learning in my own garage and I very much appreciate this video and your taking the time to make it and share. Thank you once again.

[@GarageFab]

Glad to help. Lemme know how you progress!

[@Dustinicus.]

i am a certified welder, and if not for this video I wouldn't have known otherwise. Keep up the good work man, your doing great work!

[@jay-pg2ib]

I started welding about a year ago I've had a highschool shop teacher who's a personal friend be kind enough to work on projects with me and teach me. He has 45 years of experience and he's taught me a lot but the one thing he said was exactly what you explained, the only way to get better is to get through your bad welds and practice, repetition, learn from your mistakes and remember the little things that matter more than just pulling the trigger. Thank you for your video sir I'm on a journey of going to school to get certified and become a contract welder and your video broke down sooo much I didn't understand before. It helps me grasp the concept so much better. I'll definitely be taking these tips into the future with my career.

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you for that, Jay! I’m happy to be of service. Best of luck on your journey my friend!

[@GotThrillIssues]

Thanks! I like how you set expectations at the get go and then provide really approachable information.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Jason! You are so very much appreciated my friend. 🙏

[@meganmilesreidmeganmilesre7372]

Hey Aaron, just what I was looking for, thanks again for all your insight and knowledge, much appreciated as always. Say, I made a couple of your parallel jigs for rectangle tubing this week, as I needed to cut a parallel 3 degrees off the bottom. It worked fantastic and I was thanking you with every plasma cut. Even your minor little tips are so appreciated 👍👍 And I like cheese 🧀

[@GarageFab]

Nice! That’s awesome to hear. Thank you for that my friend. 🙏

[@John33gfed]

You are a great teacher my friend! I Haven't began to weld yet ( my millermatic 211 is on its way). I have watched several how to videos- yours was by far the best, and the only one I have commented on- looking forward to watching more. Thank you!

[@Lee-zu9oz]

Thanks for taking your time to create another great video. My advice for any newbies would be good prep position yourself to ensure your comfortable and consistent through the pass stay calm and adjust accordingly. Weld as much as you can out of what you got you don't need perfect tokens just keep stacking scraps and welding also let your test pieces cool so you're not setting up for hot metal

[@GarageFab]

Good info, Lee. Thank you!

[@justinrichardson3349]

Great video, I love the progression of tack on tack speeding up and adding patterns! As for vertical, the way it was explained to me for structural is that gravity pulls the puddle over base material that wasn’t hot enough (this was also stated above) and along with that slag can get under your next puddle. This was really great!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Justin! Your explanation makes all the difference. My biggest pet peeve is folks saying something is bad or incorrect but can’t or won’t explain why. You are appreciated my friend.

[@justinrichardson3349]

@@GarageFab that being said, on non structural parts, I weld Downhill often, when space is tight and material is thin sometimes it’s just easier and gets those jobs done just fine! Cheers bud!! Thanks for the video and reply

[@King7765]

Thank you for the video. Im definitely going to be referring ro this video in the future. I saw on another video that getting a stack of dimes is easier when you slow down the wire speed while keeping the volts up where they should be.

[@NorthwestSawyer]

First of all, great video, again! There only needs to be one fabrication channel watched on KZbin and it it’s yours. I found your videos while researching how I want to bag the rear of my 1950 Chevy truck on 24” Alcoas and have rewatched several of them. Your explanations are excellent and the work you’re putting into your videos is over the top. I get a lot of compliments on my welds and I always reply that my Millermatic 211 can make anyone look like a pro. As you stated, it’s a great machine. Again, great work here! Keep it up!

[@GarageFab]

Never before have I heard such a smooth buzz from a welder. How’s the ‘50 Chevy project going?! Thank you my friend. 🙏

[@billrandles8550]

Hey metalworks, a 45yr welder here, I don't do often at all, but I can 18 downhill. Used it to just seal up a corner joint that required 7018,ran faster

[@GarageFab]

So not for strength then?

[@scottcarder3569]

I have been taught to weld vertical up. Give it a try they say it gives you better penetration. I definitely appreciate all your videos an thank you for helping an teaching me how to build my Apache C-10 the Watts link is Phenomenal and worked amazing on my 65 frame. Thank you sir an keep them videos coming

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Happy to hear it Scott. I need to work on my patience. I’ve tried vertical up several times and I can’t get a bead that lays down properly. Just need practice I’m sure.

[@chrisraczak6931]

@GarageFab late reply but you normally shouldn’t run a straight mig bead uphill. You need to weave side to side and hold your edges before coming back to the middle and to other side.

[@ronniebandoma4326]

i love how you explained it in reality

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend. Gotta make it simple.

[@mckaymontz227]

thank you for being so clear on the directions on the triangle, been trying to figure it out and a lot of videos don’t really show you clearly the formation, also then end was hysterical/i secretly love that song

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! Happy to be of service. I publicly love that song. 😆

[@john200871]

I came across your channel only a few days ago. I was actually taking note of what I called your figure 4 shape or "triangles." I was planning to try style that out here soon. Me and my oldest daughter are about to build a turbocharger jet engine.

[@GarageFab]

That sounds like a blast of a project! I hope to hear updates. Best of luck!

[@austinrichards7892]

Been welding for 10 years, 5 in structural and 5 in a fab shop and have been a CWI in both. There's 2 types of welds you can do, a structural/ code weld, and what I call a chassis weld. A weld to code ensures max penetration but doesn't always look the best. A "chassis" weld looks great like a stack of dimes but it will still hold up to the job. I've welded trucks that can fly 120+ down the desert and some have been in rollovers, and still hold up running downhill or by pulling. I prefer the good looking weld because that's what people pay for and it is more than capable of holding up to whatever you need it to do.

[@GarageFab]

I appreciate that Austin! You might be the first so far to give merit to both styles of welding. Usually it’s all or nothing in favorite of one specific method. Cheers!

[@grimmfortelight1983]

Nice, just finished my first semester of structural welding today, passed with an A, second semester starts in August then I'll do the 1 year pipe certification after.

[@rogieboy3162]

I don't weld, yet. It's something I want to learn. This video is great for someone like me looking to get into the hobby. Thank you!

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you. Lemme know if you think it helps when you get hands on. Best of luck!

[@user-po2oe4nt8f]

Certified welder of 30 years and also a Welding Instructor. Great video on how you break down stepping your weld. I showed this to my students, very simplified. Only thing I would work on or demo is instead of pulling/dragging your weld, push it. Although you do get a bit more penetration using short circuit transfer pulling, pushing gives you a better stacked dimes appearance with a cleaner lower profile bead. Now if it has slag, you drag! Great video!

[@GarageFab]

Thank you my friend! That’s exciting hearing my content made it into a classroom. I pull mainly because of lack of practice pushing. I’ve always struggled to see my progress no matter how I angle the gun or my head. So I learned all I know while pulling. Downside to teaching myself I guess!

[@NightWrencher]

You're killing it! Proud of you 👍

[@GarageFab]

Blushing! I’m blushing. Thank you my man. 🙏

[@alangrant5278]

It’s a nice feeling when you get the small step forward and aha moment when you see the over penetration from too high amps and know how to dial that back. Practice practice practice. 😊

[@GarageFab]

Truth! I still remember NOT being able recognize that type of stuff. I would feel rushed and totally out of control. Practice slowed me down.

[@NODDSTA1984]

I agree with a lot you say with the gauge your using 20+ years self taught too MIG TIG ARC but dam you do need a 3 phase machine my friend also see this video helping a lot of people nice one keep it up

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Brother!! 🙏

[@jeanjohnvideos3126]

Your humor and positivity as well as delivery and understanding for an absolute novice like myself definitely earned yourself a new subscriber! Love the video. I've welded a total of 5-6 times randomly for random small projects that was actually used for the job I had at those very far apart points in time. (I have absolutely no idea how i was ever picked to do any of them when i had made it explicitly clear that i had only every practiced for a very short time sporadically growing up on random scraps so long as my dad could afford me burning through the welding materials to do so) My dad has an insanely high tech and new MIG welder that also has the capability of being used for TIG welding and stick welding if you purchase additional parts that are sold separately which I thought was insanely cool! That being said I decided to skim through the manual and learned so much more about welding than the absolute beginner level that my dad and I had ever known😂 My dad, brother, several uncles and cousins on my dads side of the family, and myself are all very much jack of all trades tyoe of handyman with different specialties of some type of construction labor, my dads and brothers being cabinetry, mine being an annoying, adhd, probably no as funny as I think/hope to be, brain full of random and useless to the task at hand supplier of random facts. Anyway one of the things the manual explained was the penetration of the weld and filling the entirety of the seam of the two pieces being welded together. I was finally getting my welds to look decent, but i could not figure out how to get the weld to fill the seam fully, or at all for that matter. Seeing you do the put the bevel on the two pieces being welded like the manual suggested gave me the visual i desperately needed to be ale to take my welding to the next level (The starting line of welding. FINALLY! 😂😅) Also the way you explained while welding helped me understand so much more on the things I need to do to be able to do to make my welds look better. I wasn't ever able to understand how flat people could weld to make a weld worthy of being called stacked dimes, and i totally see why i couldn't get there fully now. I cant wait to put it to practice tomorrow! Or technically today as im posting this at almost 1AM 😅 Ps if you read this entire comment i am so sorry for being so long winded even through the digital world. I get that way when im in this good of a mood which has been a rarity for me for faaaar to long. So thanks for being you and the awesome content! God bless and keep moving forward. Pps... psps... ps²? You look like you enjoy the stink of a cheesy joke. 🎉...🦗🦗🦗... I'll see myself out now

[@GarageFab]

I laughed out loud at PS Squared. You are so very much appreciated my friend. Let me know how things go! Understanding is one thing. Transferring that understanding to action is another challenge. I’d love to hear if things improve in real life. Cheers!

[@Will-No-Co]

Very nice explanation. For new welders you might want to get an older Miller 250 MP. Pretty cheap now. This machine uses parametric programming. Simply select the wire size, gas type and material thickness. The rest is all set for you. One drawback though, you’ll forget how to use the dials on other machines.👍

[@GarageFab]

Haha!! I’ve experienced that with the tiny Miller as well. The one at work is always on auto. 😆

[@jenniferclark4023]

I usually don't comment on KZbin videos but just wanted to say thanks for a great easy to understand video. I'm just now learning on my own and your video is the best I've seen out of watching several good videos. Gonna show it to my son also. I'm sure you're great at whatever you do for a living but if that fell through you'd make an awesome teacher. Thanks again and take care

[@GarageFab]

That you, Jennifer! I appreciate that more than you know. Best of luck on your welding journey. If you need guidance, you know where to find me. Cheers!

[@jimbinger]

Thanks! Breaking the process down into steps really helped me understand it much better.

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you, Jim! Best of luck on your welding journey.

[@gavinatkins2671]

I’m pretty seasoned at stick welding, and like you I’m self taught. I rarely welded anything lighter than 1/8 inch steel. I’ll have a mig machine by mid April, and it’s gonna be an interesting learning curve.

[@GarageFab]

Tell me about it! My first welder was a stick welder. I never got good at it. I can only imagine trying it again now.

[@aevan104]

If you can stick weld you'll be fine with a mig.

[@gavinatkins2671]

@@GarageFab I didn’t really have an option. I pestered my grandfather about teaching me, so he said, “fine” and flipped me the lead, the helmet and drove off 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@gavinatkins2671]

@@aevan104 I’ve been told that many times. It’s just that I’m really wanting to learn how to weld sheet metal (20-14 ga) and with past experience, metal that thin gives me a touch of anxiety. 😂😂

[@GarageFab]

I certainly haven’t mastered sheet metal. It’s easy to weld. But NOT easy to not warp. 😩

[@thehawksnest]

Great video showing straight forward technique. For people who want to know more on the technical side, id recommend looking up the different modes of transfer for MIG (GMAW) welding. Short circuit, spray, pulse spray, globular, each have a place and alot of good info out there. Ive always been told short circuit is best used on metal 3/16" thick and less, in any position which makes it great for automotive work. When you get thicker it can be likely for Short circuit to have some lack of fusion.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you for that! I’ve seen some spray transfer and I’ve wanted to try. Is that simply a settings thing or is a special welder required?

[@thehawksnest]

​@@GarageFab yes, I believe if your welder has enough power it can, it takes high Amps and volts and high feed rates (can't give specific settings) I'm sure it can be looked up. You also need a different gas, i use 90/10. It is pretty cool, the sound changes and there is basically no splatter. Spray transfer can really only be used in flat (1F) and horizontal (2F) fillet welds. Kinda limiting IMO. If you have the money "plus" Spray is where it's at, bc you can do all positions I have the miller invision 450 and I love it!

[@GarageFab]

I’ll look into it thank you!

[@eddievantailn2882]

In my view you are a pro welder. Thanks for the tips. Thumbs Up

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Eddie. I appreciate you! 🙏

[@nothankyou2.0]

This is how I taught guys at the shop. Almost exactly. Every new weld I would check the back of the material for discoloration and then let them know to go slower or faster. That seemed to run the point home about the penetration aspect and the timing of movement on top. Frustrating part is alway the beginning and the end… beginning when the base metal is cold… and at the end of the weld when the metal is hot… and how you have to speed up your welding travel speed progressively….

[@jayinmi3706]

This video and one by Karl Fischer @Make It Kustom are some of the better technique teaching videos I've seen on MIG welding. One of the biggest things I found is that using a decent helmet/helmet settings made a big difference once I could actually see what the weld puddle was doing. I'm guessing you brushed the welds clean before showing them, since there is no bluing/discoloration to see the penetration. If you do an updated video someday, might be worth leaving them just so we can see. I'm sure there are people watching this doubting the penetration of your welds. Just a thought.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Jay! Oh there are doubters anyway! KZbin has been a fun balance of trying to filter between haters comments and those who are trying to share good info. Unsure if there will be more welding videos. Time will tell I guess.

[@1966cambo]

@@GarageFab unfortunately there will always be haters no matter what the content, I for 1 appreciate your videos and the effort you put into them!

[@GarageFab]

And it’s for those that appreciate, that I’ll keep on keeping on. Thank you my friend. 🙏

[@josephgiustiniani2834]

....... Could not agree more. My old helmet that I have been using for 20yrs or so, finally fell apart. So I bought a new one. Holy Cow....! I finally got to see what I was doing. My old helmet was set up for sub-arc/stick and was great for that. The new one is self-darkening, and once adjusted enabled me to see exactly what I was doing right/wrong. I love this video. Right to the point and explained in laymen's terms. I also feel better knowing that we have to fiddle phuck with the settings until it's right. I always thought it was just me not knowing.

[@GarageFab]

Thank you, Joseph! Best of luck.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Good video brother. Lots of opinions about vertical down, but you not the only one doing it!🙂

[@GarageFab]

Share them opinions! I’ll just have to finally cut and etch one of my welds, and it’ll either force me to shut up and learn to weld up or I can keep on keeping on. Prolly the former. 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@ratrodsafrica]

@GarageFab Well, guys like Karl Fisher from Make it Kustom and Brent from Half Ass Customs do lots of vertical down on the cars they build. And that includes welds on the frames. I do both, but only use vertical up when I feel it's a seriously structural application. Keep on keeping on brother!

[@GarageFab]

Well I feel better now, thanks. 😆

[@ratrodsafrica]

@GarageFab don't stress bro, your work is A1 👍🙂

[@theodorewilson399]

Thank you. I've been welding intermittently for just a few mos w/o consistency. My welds are okay, but the way you teach is very helpful. I wish I could use my laptop in my shop to watch you a little bit, and then weld a little bit, and repeat. I'm confident that Ill get there. Thnx, again. : )

[@GarageFab]

I’m also confident you’ll get there. It’s tough to get started but it eventually gets easy. A tip that would’ve helped me: Slow down! When I pulled the trigger I would suddenly feel rushed. I’d wiggle the gun frantically and move along the work piece like I was in a race. Move slowly! Watch what the puddle is doing and how it moves when you move. Intentionally try to go too slow. Then speed up if needed. Too slow is often better than too fast. You’ll at least get better penetration.

[@_alijah.lassiter]

This video helped me more than some professional videos

[@GarageFab]

Yes! Happy to be of service, Alijah.

[@rebuildsandmods]

Great video as always! 💪 I am not a pro/certified welder, but I’ve noted that the torch angle makes a lot of difference along with a smooth and ”even” movement, despite what kind of pattern you are doing. When finding the correct wire feed speed/voltage/torch movement speed -ratio to obtain good penetration and decent looking welds you can actually hear if the wire feed is too much and also feel it to the torch handle. These are just my thoughts…

[@GarageFab]

That’s good info. Thank you my friend.

[@rebuildsandmods]

@@GarageFab …furthermore the difference in pushing or pulling the torch; You get a different puddle melt (hotter or colder). There are a lot of variables to mig welding which i have noted just by trial and error 😁. When you have done a mistake to a place which is not easy to fix, you will try to find new and a better way - and you’ll never do the same mistake again 😆

[@GarageFab]

So much truth. I’m going to be experimenting with pushing in the near future. Thanks again!

[@jakemartin4305]

Sqeeze, fill, stop, relocate. 🤔 sounds like my dad 🤣🤣🤣

[@GarageFab]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@scotthenderson4376]

I've been tinkering and checking videos for a good bit and this by far helped me the most.

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you, Scott!

[@thomaspotthoff3139]

Nice Man! Probabbly tone of the best tutorials I've seen here! Thank You!

[@auroradamien]

This is a fantastic way to add excessive heat, waste time wire and gas to make an inferior weld. If you want to "mig like tig" then just tig it. The best way to mig period is to move that gun ahead at a continuous rate through the joint depositing wire into the joint.

[@GarageFab]

👍

[@chrisbenn8691]

Tig 6mm steel? Why?

[@auroradamien]

@@chrisbenn8691 just saying, mig like tig is a waste of time, wire, and gas. Also adds an insane amount of heat to the joint AND worst of all makes an inferior weld. Don't believe me, go out and test it. Do a straight stringer and then do a "stacking dimes" mig run. You'll see a massive difference in the heat affected zone. Cut and etch them and you'll see a huge difference in penetration as well.

[@jimmaag4274]

I was hoping someone would point this out. GMAW wants the smoothest movement you can execute, especially if you have to pass a weld test.

[@GarageFab]

But what if you joint is large? Would the answer then to be multiple smooth passes rather than a weave?

[@jacquesbrink9113]

Inches per minute not second my friend

[@GarageFab]

Whoops! I guess that would be pretty fast, huh?

[@jasonfikes9514]

Great video as always, thoroughly enjoyed how you taught on this subject. Really admire how you approached the subject, you really gave solid information for someone to start their welding journey. ✌😁

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you for that Jason! Lemme know how your journey goes! 🙌

[@HessDawg12]

Awesome video, my dude, I'm a certified welder for only 3 years now, and although it's just my side hustle, I do get some pretty lucrative gigs. This video showed me some techniques that I didn’t even learn in class, so keep the tutorials coming....

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Thank you, Shannon! Lemme know how things go when you’re actually behind the helmet. 👊

[@HessDawg12]

@GarageFab Oh I've completed several jobs already, and I'm currently working on a 14 guage mild steel gig for a local Restaurant. So far so good, the more I do it the better I'm getting.

[@GarageFab]

Yes! Fantastic my man. Keep it up.

[@cruzrobledo6631]

Well explained! I sure learned so much from this! You are good at what you do! Thanks for the great video!

[@GarageFab]

Happy to be of service, Cruz! Thank you.

[@dlouque]

I just discovered your channel while watching how to weld videos. I bought a multi function mig last week and a plasma cutter and want to learn to use them better. I had a cheap HF flux core welder that stayed in the box for 4 years until recently. I bought a 1966 El Camino that I have to replace the quarter panels on and plan to do most of it myself. My brother will help me, he’s has a body shop and will make sure I do it right. I subscribed and looking forward to bing watching your videos. Very informative and one of the best I’ve seen. Thanks for taking the time to help us newbies to weld. BTW I been a mechanic and DIYer since my teens.

[@GarageFab]

Yes! Best of luck on your journey my friend. If you’ve got questions, you know where to find me. Cheers!

[@earljarrell74]

About The triangle tracing. It’s telling the welder that the he/she needs to weave the wire to the edge of bevel. But it really the weld puddle that needs to contact the edge of the bevel. So maybe smaller triangles when demonstrating with a pen. Great video Btw.!

[@GarageFab]

Makes sense!

[@leeharrison8790]

Sweet .. I am still a stitch welder .. I have worked in a body shop & used to welding thin metal .. 22 gauge to 18 gauge sheet metal to 1/8 mild steel to 3/16 mild steel is what my welder is capable of without any issues .. & because now I don't have a shop & weld out doors I really enjoy my core flux welder .. it's a little slower & messier ... but wow ! it sure welds great ! thanks for sharing your technique it makes total sense !

[@jeffdixon9138]

Thanks, the best non tech video I have watched. I'm a vary newbie and built my first trailer this winter.....wish I saw this last year. Thanks again, I will be a much better on my next project

[@GarageFab]

Excellent! If it didn’t fall apart you must’ve done something right. 🙌

[@BruceLyeg]

Just found your channel and subscribed. I'm a self taught welder that's been hobby welding on and off for about 35 years and as a job for maybe 5 years. The fact that you understand the theory sets you ahead of many people doing it for a living. You know the results you want (aesthetically/structurally), you know the requirements to do it properly, you know the materials and method to do it properly. I'm not seeing a problem. Nice welds and excellent video explaining them. I even learned a thing or two. In 35 years I've never done the triangle one, I'll give it a try tomorrow. In my defense, most of my experience is stick welding. Thanks for the video

[@GarageFab]

Thank you Bruce! Thrilled to have you my friend. Lemme know what you find! Based on what I’ve learned from comments alone, I wonder if the triangle would cause problems with stick welding. (I have VERY little experience with stick) I can envision slag potentially getting buried when you jump backwards as I do while forming the triangle. I’d be interested to know what actually happens. Thank you again my man! 🙏

[@ClintsStreetMachines]

Best welder you can get is great advice. I've spent a lot of time trying to figure out which problems are me and which problems are the machine. I just fixed a cheap ground clamp that had me thinking I might never be able to weld well. Thanks a bunch again for what you contribute to the community!

[@GarageFab]

I feel that one Clint! I’ve had similar experiences. 🙌

[@alpham777]

Literally had this problem today with the shops welder. We don't do a ton of welding ( heavy diesel shop) but the machine is neglected since its the town pump and I discovered our ground clamp was covered in splatter, grease and oxidation. Cleaned it up with a wire brush and I'll be damned its a pretty good machine after all.

[@kevinmd1974]

I'm going to start welding sometime soon and so far out of the dozen or so videos I've seen this is the most informative. Thank you.

[@GarageFab]

Nice. Lemme know how it goes, Kevin! I’ll help where I can.

[@kevinmd1974]

Thank you! I still have some supplies I need to buy but I'll let you know.

[@barrabob01]

Thanks for the video that helps me a lot i cant weld much at all but I did watch my father all the time and wish he would of taken the time to teach me.

[@Tom-mu7zy]

My first and only welder is the Miller 211. Only complaint is It is demarked in 1-10 for amps amd 10-100 for speed not actual volts and ipm like most videos talk about. But the chart seems to work pretty well. Have welded 1/8 up to 1/4 material. Clearly, the machine is better than I am. My biggest problem is seeing where I am going with the weld. Thanks for the video. You make this look so easy.

[@jentac5000]

I have never taken a single lesson and my welds show it. Thanks for the outstanding explanation of your form. The overlapping triangles has given me hope for a better looking weld. My brother and I say the same thing. Our welds are ugly but we are excellent grinders. LOL I agree 100% with regards to the quality of the equipment. I have a small Lincoln Electric MIG/TIG/Stick welder which I love. I live in a condo and I can't rewire my garage so I'm stuck with a 120vac welder. I think that I may improve after watching your video and maybe a few more. Thanks again. Most helpful.

[@GarageFab]

I haven’t used your exact welder but a 120v welder is often more than enough. You won’t be building backhoes or buildings but they’re still very capable. Keep on grinding my friend! 😁

[@MidnightOilsRestoration]

I see the comments rained in on this one lol. When it comes to welding there's so much to learn and know...🤦! I learned at a job 20+yrs ago from a guy that was certified to weld on nuclear vessels! He was a treasure trove of knowledge but he was also going to be out the door in 60 days! I jumped in feet first and did my best. I learned as much stick, mig, aluminum spool gun, and Tig as possible...which I never truly became good at. One thing that he taught me was to oscillate my feed which was basically making the dime outlines you were describing and coming back over the top-always trailing the bottom...which helped me make sense of direction for me when doing Vertical (going uphill). I walked into work one morning and he had taken a grinder and ground every weld I had screwed up out before I arrived! He said welp today you're going to learn some stuff! I was always grateful to have learned from him even though I barely scratched the surface of his knowledge! He said good luck kid and 🖐️ bye 😅. I think the technique you showed is very similar and I applaud your teaching style above all brother. Another win 100% for us all..and this is how we learn 😁

[@GarageFab]

Wow, I wish I had someone like that. I wonder what he saw that made him fire up the grinder? I intend to take some courses in the near future to learn all the details I’m missing. Thank you for sharing, that Ryan. 🙏

[@native167]

I need all the practice I can possibly get . They are giving me the opportunity to weld @ work r.n which they are In need of . But am amature and catch myself doing decent welds . Then mess up . Am kind of everywhere with my welds thanks for the vid helped a lot especially the triangle

[@DannerPlace]

This is the best Welding 101 tutorial I have ever seen. Bravo!

[@GarageFab]

Much appreciated, Dan! It certainly wasn’t intended to be a bigger tutorial, but if it helped… fantastic!! Thank you. 🙏

[@carlosjoelgarcia3200]

You missed your calling with the final act!!! Great Video and presentation. Thank you for posting.

[@GarageFab]

Haha! Thank you my friend. I think I’ll stick to welding.

[@STeter76]

Another helpful video. I'm still learning and hopefully getting better. I just purchased an Everlast Cyclone 200ES. Good machine, just need more practice. Thanks again man.

[@GarageFab]

I’ve never used one but I’ve heard the Everglasts are fantastic. Thank you, Shawn!

[@matthewwick6797]

I work as a service technician repairing welders, both engine drive and electric. Your video is great. I can fix them but my welding skills stink. I do own a MillerMatic 211 so hopefully my skills will improve.

[@equiteemfg]

Thank you so much for this video! 15 minutes of my time and 5 feet of weld practice and my welds will never be the same. Short and to the point. I have a Miller 211 and it would be nice to have known the approximate settings, but I figured it out. They are a lot different than the ESAB. A mention of the wire size preference would have been nice. I assumed it was .035. Thank you again.

[@GarageFab]

Mmm very true. Settings already vary a lot from machine to machine, and then wire size changes it even more. I’ll likely do a follow up video with a bit more info. Thank you my friend. 🙏

[@SteveM1969]

Fantastic job taught me some more things about welding Thanks

[@GarageFab]

My pleasure, John! Thanks for watching. 🙏

[@SuperThemarioman]

My gawd thank you! By far the best information I've ever seen to help me personally. I just started welding as a hobby. This video really made my welds better. Thanks bud!

[@GarageFab]

Did it really? Folks seem to love the video but I haven’t heard much feedback on whether or not it helped where it counts. Much appreciated my friend! 🙏

[@ChardDavis]

This video was great, I have watched a lot of videos on welding on KZbin. They were all great, but the individual spot weld example (stitchwelding) gave a better understanding for me on the gun control/pattern. It just makes sense now 🤣

[@GarageFab]

Nice! Happy to help my friend. 👊

[@issarashid239]

I bought a welding machine a few days ago that features pulse and double pulse. I will learn what I saw from you. I hope soon, in the near future, you will talk about the mig pules machine to weld aluminum . Thank you, my friend. You are a funny man. You entertained us with your unique style😁

[@paulshuppert4975]

Had a machine with pulse. Already knew how to weld. Didn't like it. If you want to use wire on alum and want consistent burn thru on penitration. Look on the back of your weld if it looks like a mess instead of a nice smooth line. What you think

[@patrickscahillii9365]

You did a GREAT job on illustrating methods and technique, by all means keep it up.

[@bobhakugei471]

Thank you very much for this "step by step". I'm going back to training soon :)