Mig Welding Basics

This is part 1 in a series on Mig Welding Basics aka How to mig weld.
for a more detailed article on mig welding basics go to...
www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/m...
In this video, I show some basics on setting up a mig welder along with some instructive arc shots of what it looks like when you have correct voltage and wire speed as opposed to what it looks like when you have too low a wire speed or too high a wire speed setting.
visit the store at weldmongerstore.com/

[@russelfarrar8605]

Thank you Jody! My 12 year old grandson came to me the day before Thanksgiving asking that I teach him to weld. About 6 years ago I purchased a MVP 210 Hobart, did not know how to weld, still do not know how to weld and only played with this new welder for about an hour! So now I think I'm in a pickle.. but tell my grandson we will learn together. Next day he skips deer hunting, comes to my house and we uncover the welder. I remembered enough from having played with it to get him set up to draw a few beads. Thank goodness he had to go to work cutting Christmas trees two hours after arriving.. I ran for my tablet and came across your KZbin channel. I have watched some of your getting started welding shows and I believe you have set us up for some great learning together. I have all the supplies to get started but went out today and got a new grounding clamp.. Thanks for such good tutorials, easy for both a 12 year old and a 75 year old to understand!

[@Chopperwidgetman]

Thanks Jody for your videos, my 14 year old grandson, after watching your MIG videos, has just completed welding up gardening tool for his grandmother, excellent welds after a couple of practice welds.

[@roncruiser]

Everyone's trying to teach MIG welding through a video, but you convey everything better than anyone else. Thank you.

[@kevintaylor113]

It’s called real world experience

[@ElFrigginChupacabra]

I love the baitcast reel analogy for backlash. When my dad and I used to fish in bass tournaments, we'd call it "professional overcast". I love your videos. Rewatching as I don't get the time to weld very often and always need the refresher course.

[@stoshwrona285]

I did only stick welding all my life. Just starting out with MIG. This guy is a good teacher, keeps it simple for us new guys. Thanks.

[@NVRLNDN]

Came back to get a little refresher before an interview tomorrow. Hadn't touched the Mig in a while and I always learn something new from you. Thanks Jody

[@tomwilson9024]

Did you get the job mate? I've had a shitty day at work today, done some crummy welds. (Crummy to me) really struggled getting into a tight space, 1 metre long multi-runned fillet weld of 11mm but the gap is just fucking ridiculous, it starts nice but quickly tapers down to about 2 1/2 inch and you can literally only just get it in. One handed as well because of the gap restriction... better suck it up though because we've got loads of these bastard things to make 😐😅

[@zlivvy6682]

Great video! I am taking a beginning welding class and one of our assignments was to watch your videos!

[@user-mq6ry2wg9q]

ive been to two different tech colleges and both of them refer back to welding tips and tricks.def one of the best if not the best channel out!!

[@BigWesLawns]

I really enjoy your teaching. don't change a thing. I'm a 1st year welder at Loyalist College in Ontario Canada. I rely on you and others like yourself for at home continuation of my learning. you have helped a lot.Steve Bliel is another guy who I enjoy. you guys give me details, safety, maintenance, and a classroom curricular style learning experience. I type my thoughts well but I just want to be a great welder, and want you to know you are helping me immensely.

[@rossspokes3646]

You are unbelievable, you are so easy to listen to. You are so thorough and you make sense of everything. Love your videos.

[@Jays-Days]

I learned more in 15 minutes than all the hours of shop. Thank you.

[@BADMOPARCZ]

I really can't get enough your welding videos. Thank You.

[@billhayward2668]

I've had good days welding and some not so good and always thought wire speed was the problem! You offer up many things for me to check,took notes! Easy to understand! Thanks!

[@tootype2crazy]

Thanks Jody! I bought a Hobart Auto Arc 130 off Amazon's Warehouse Deals (in other words somebody returned it). It was such a good price I couldn't pass it up. A bunch of the reviews said it had a crappy drive motor that could barely push at low speeds. I used your techniques here for drive tightness and wire spool tightness and it's driving like a champ. I can have a tight loop on the gun cable and it pushes it through like butter. Goes to show knowing how to use your machine is 90% of the equation. Thanks again.

[@danielmartinez-cj5di]

You are always so informative. The welds I get from my everlast are so much better after I found your channel.

[@jrasche]

Glad I found your videos. I started playing around with my husbands welder years ago as a stress reducer, and started welding silverware into repurposed art. I lost interest for the past couple years but am starting back up again and have seemed to forgotten everything that I did before to get good tack welds. I started up yesterday and had just a horrible time with "Drive by shooting" sounds. Well, I think you may have answered this for me with the ground. I bought a new welding table from harbor freight before I stopped welding, and this was the first time I used it. I felt I wasn't getting a good ground at all despite adjusting wire feed and voltage. So then I clamped onto my piece as was doing better. So your wire is a helpful comment that I will try! Thank you!

[@ebluvr72]

Been trying to weld for years and this video corrects a lot of bad habits and things I was just doing wrong. Thank you!

[@ummagowa]

I’m 70 and need to catch up my skill level from wood to metal. This video has been fantastic. The actual basics you described make the difference between teaching VS performing. Not many folks know how to teach. They get on videos and only perform. Thank you.

[@kellyminnesota]

Literally the best video I've seen for us rookies. I really appreciate you taking the time to be so thorough. Thanks man!

[@StuPierce77]

I don't do a ton of MIG welding, but every time I load a new spool of wire, I play this video just to ensure I don't screw things up!! Thanks Jody! 🤙

[@reefcastella1860]

We're using this video to study for engineering while in covid-19 lockdown. Very insightful 😆

[@edmorris5007]

I really am hppy I found your videos, Jody. I feel like I am in a Community College, taking a Welding Course...you are an excellent teacher!

[@jasonbellis9128]

Just learning how to weld. The wire speed demo was great. Super informative video, thanks!

[@jeffreykempen7950]

This guy is well spoken. Just off this one video he is clearly instructor qualified.

[@thecluckingassassin]

I learned just by watching his videos.

[@thijsie2301]

Yes this guy teaches as the best! My welding sometimes kinda sucked but now... ;)

[@minskmade]

he is awesome..i watch all his videos...such and easy going knowledgable teacher

[@desertvs]

Just keep watching......

[@DB-dt9rn]

Just found, wow , fantastic video.

[@johnbourg3388]

Hey Jodi, i don't normally write fan mail, but thanks for a great basic series on mig welding. I've watch the series several times now picking up a little more info each time. Your explanations or clear and easy to follow. I wish I could see through my helmet as good as your videos.

[@stjohnsriverrat7161]

Excellent video, and also I like how you thoroughly cover each topic.I will be watching the entire series.Thanks so much.Rick, Daytona Beach FL

[@greggb1416]

I have watched some of your videos when they were a “KZbin” recommend... Not a welder, but somewhat of a “geek” on certain stuff (ok, truth be know, a full blown “geek”)... I am 58yrs young, and the last time I touched any type of equipment related to welding was a one term Junior high class... Recently bought a 1966 Dodge farm grain truck that dumps, for hauling gravel to my rural property driveway. I am looking at doing some modifications to more reliably dump/spread the gravel... Obviously, woefully late to viewing this video, but it has been a great “101” for me on “mig”. Now I will be binge watching your series... Please give give me you “no B.S., opinion on a decent machine to buy. I will be welding mostly 1/8inch or less sheet metal with rust, however I plan to clean it up (wire wheel) prior to welding. I will also he utilizing new pieces of metal i.e., tubing (1/4inch wall thickness) and, pipe (schedule 80) in the range of. I was looking at a “HarborFreight”(really goes against my buy America mentality) Craigslist”, pawn shop purchase), but this will most likely be the only welding project do. Wheeeew, sorry for the long winded comment. I guess it is about time to sign off, already...

[@pierresgarage2687]

Hi Jody, I've been welding for many years now, and, still learn good tips from your videos. I like when you insist on the fact that people think that MIG is soooouu easy... When it's not that easy if it has to be close to perfect. Thanks for sharing, there will bee less homemade trailers running alone on highways...lol Pierre

[@jameskolbe2714]

Great video. I have welded for years with a stick but just got a Miller 211 and guys like this make using a mig for the first time really easy!!

[@Burton1973]

The way you explain things made me subscribe. I know the basics. Been hobby welding for 25+ years. But I have learned watching you. ty very much sir.

[@russellmyers4060]

Your videos have greatly improved my welding skills. Thank you so very much for spending the time doing this.

[@foxwood67]

Love my mvp 210 on 75/25. Novice welder but with your help I'm learning quickly. Cut and etch has helped me produce more confident beads.

[@boost3d831]

thanks for taking the time to put this together has been a great help getting started... very informative in getting the machine setup properly. i found a near new welder that had only been used a couple of hours so cheap and turned out the polarity was wrong but he thought there was something wrong with the machine, he was used to using stick!

[@8MADJACK]

I've done a lot of flux core with my miller 135, just picked up a millermatic 251 and figured I would study up with your vids. The bit about stickout and you trimming the cup back flush or slightly below the tip is GOLD! Mine has a slightly recessed tip and I was concerned with the stickout and less visiblity compared to my flux core. I also learned what the brown stuff was. You are my go to guy when I am working on learning more. Thanks!

[@Straykreature]

You did not show the last two welds that were too slow and too high but when the metal is cold. I loved watching this video and learned a lot! Thank you!!!

[@shayhossman6329]

Very descriptive but not overwhelmed. Great video.

[@fredsmith6160]

It's been a while since I've mig welded with my everlast welder. Thank you for the refresher.

[@4570levergun]

That's a great tip on using the wires to help with the ground. Another thing I have learned is to make sure the ground surface is clean. Especially if your doing body work like I am. Even a little bit of oil or dirt makes a big difference. Im looking forward to part 2.

[@irondiver292]

4570levergun .

[@MA-ct7qr]

Thank you for spending your time to teach on welding. I’ve learned so much by watching your videos.

[@arachnenet2244]

thanks for making this series! it is easy to understand and the camera on the welding gives a good insight on what is going on. definetely going to be very useful!

[@davidthompson5108]

I've been using my everlast mig welder for a while now but it is always good to get a refresher from a master welder like yourself.

[@happybudfarms]

Great Job making this stuff seem as easy as possible! I may not know all that much about welding and metal fab, however I do know how to spot talent, experience and true passion for teaching and you've obviously got all three! Many thanks for your videos, I look forward to watching them ALL!. Peace and Thanks Again!

[@83metalcraftllc52]

Great commenting on the tensioning of the wire tensioner and drive roll and how over tightening can draw power away from the machine.

[@jamespolucha6911]

I had the polarity wrong on my welder for years and was so frustrated I was going to buy another welder or just quit trying to weld, thanks for the video, I’m now not welding too bad, thanks again

[@ivantheterrible7377]

Dude... i have been trying to learn about welding and most places just mention things and give no explanation. You did an amazing job teaching.

[@Jimgoodwin846]

Awesome video part 1 and part 2. You are an outstanding teacher and welder. Thank you very much for your time and effort.

[@tommysmith6914]

I love your videos! You have helped me progress way further than I thought I would...

[@johnlannon3596]

It's nice to watch a review from a knowledgeable craftsman.

[@talshaharfamily]

He is a certified welding inspector and instructor. In another video, he shares his background.

[@tommybu8156]

I know this is an older video but this guy is top notch everything is clear and to the point keep up the good work

[@mattgwardesq]

What an excellent video. Thank you for the info and your down-to-earth approach. A great resource for new welders especially.

[@jameswarren8354]

Hey Jodi. Thanks a bunch fit the video. I just got my first welder yesterday. The Hobart 210 mvp. I will be watching more of your vids in the near future Thanks again!

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

Thanks for this! It is perfect timing with my welding class!

[@garyr7027]

Nice to have a simple explanation for those like me who wanna learn. You made it easy to understand and follow.

[@wilsonworks]

Man! I'm getting ready to start welding. This is a GREAT video. Great info. Thank you so much!!

[@GreenLemonMan]

well done as usual man.....love the in depth old school explanations of what ur doin.......I refer you videos and only your videos to all my students daily bro....thanx

[@Maxxamum]

You are awesome. Straight and to the point. I've never welded before and this gives me a good starting point.

[@trentarbeau8753]

Hey Weldingtipsandtricks , thanks for an amazing detailed video to the Hobart welder really appreciate the info on how to set up the Mig welder , and especially your tips about the stranded copper wire for the ground clamp . Keep up the good work and thanks for the videos .

[@ScottTurnerformeindustrious]

Really great tutorial - thank you!!

[@TechIngredients]

Excellent presentation. To the point and useful.

[@mellodan]

I am so pissed at every master mechanic/welder/machinist I've questioned about welding techniques over the last 30, I just learned more in a KZbin video! Thanks, I'll be watching(and welding) a lot more...

[@bquade70]

Back at it.... Back to the basics. Great vid Caron- Lake Havasu 🌞 Az

[@MrRottincorps]

This is going to help me out a lot. With the ground wire and clamp, My friend who is a welder by trade" unlike me" took the ground wire the machine off and we replaced it with a heavy duty neoprene 600V cable from one of his other machines, said it would be less resistance then the P.O.S. that my Lincoln 140c came with......With your Videos, Im learning a lot. Keep them coming. Thank for the help.

[@agp7073]

Subscribed, very well done covering the basics. I look forward to watching the rest in the series.

[@joeinpittsburghpa]

Great educational video! Even though I never had formal training for mig welding and I've been doing it for years in an autobody shop it took me a while to figure out what you just explained in the video. I'm always looking for tips or to improve my skills. I had a basic welding class in community college for my automotive technology's coarse, we learned how to gas weld and stick weld but no mig which didn't make sense cause except for a frame on a vehicle those two types of welding are impractical.

[@philh1830]

This guy is a genius. Thanks for taking your time and creating this educational video!

[@liammiller4758]

I really appreciate your videos Jody. I will be buying an everlast mig welder soon. I will watch the entire series.

[@HectorsCarAudio1]

The best beginners review of mig welding ! Great video sir !

[@Hazzy238]

Another terrific video . I really like the way you unfold the learning curve. Could you do some stuff on oxy cutting. How the torch works, how to adjust it , how to correct cutting defects. I know there are plenty of videos out there, but I like the way you approach things and explain it. Thanks again.

[@olddawgdreaming5715]

Great information Jody. Looking forward to seeing the series. Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Santamonicadrainco]

Thank you for sharing. I just discovered your channel and your one of the best I’ve seen on KZbin. I just subscribed.

[@ericp.9497]

Been subscribed for at least a couple years. Only seeing this now! So pumped! Thanks, Jody!

[@wakenya77]

I just started using the Hobart mvp210 and i really like the tip on using stranded wire to increase the ground contact surface. Thanks!

[@noonce]

Good sir, you have earned a subscription. Now on to part 2!

[@rcwarship]

Ah, so nice!!! Jody, thank you so much for putting this together. I really need it!!!! I appreciate you taking the time to make, edit & post your videos. I've learned a lot. Thanks Again & Best Regards, Jon

[@Photowayne]

This is a very good series to learn how to use my new Miller MIG welder! Thanks

[@pablolobo6560]

Great intro class. First time watcher and immediately subscribed. Thank you very much!!

[@buddyboy1953]

Great video I learned a lot. I am new to Mig welding, and I plan on doing a lot of welding, thanks again for your time !!!

[@robertwilmesherr7002]

Great video. I can't wait to try your tips. Setup is everything.

[@ancientafricanking7727]

I love learning from KZbin. Thanks buddy!

[@AndrewLale]

Excellent video. Very good information and delivered in a clear way.

[@jcnpresser]

Just hearing the sound of a good arc is helpful knowing what’s going on, now I know what I’m doing wrong and how to correct it, thanks.

[@michaelfukuda5545]

The bait caster reference was perfect.😀

[@2bestwest2]

Fantastic!!.. I've been introduced to Mig welding. Keep up the great vid's You are making the industrial world a better place. You are helping miantain a good high education/ work knowledge standards.

[@hirammartinez952]

thank you for your time I am going to school for welding this is very very super helpful I look forward to watching more of your videos 👍🏼👍🏼up

[@Mikey-ym6ok]

They show his videos in welding classes in college as part of the curriculum. Nice to see a pro using a Hobart machine.

[@codybroken]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! This is great, explaining how the machine works.

[@Mr.MutantPNW]

hey Jody met u at fabtech this year I was there with my weld club from Skagit valley college. we always watch you're videos thanks for the videos

[@joeseabolt3922]

Fantastic instruction,you have a clear and informative style....THANKS !

[@bunsdad4530]

Love all of you videos, very well done and professional.

[@CheetosMUFUKKA]

Hey Jodi (?) I just wanted to thank you a ton. I have been watching your videos for a year or so and just went to my first weld test for a job. Although I didn’t know how to read the blueprints and have never used a wirefeed machine before stepping foot in this companies shop, they were incredibly impressed by my technique that I learned from you. Just landed my first welding job thanks to you!

[@timziegler9358]

Great job! Your video is very instructive. Thank you

[@TorLangvand]

Great series of videos for a beginner. Thanks.

[@prairiechickendancer]

good presentation loud and clear for us in the back of the class that didn't fall asleep like some presentations that put a guy to sleep or starts yawning.

[@JosephDR]

Thanks so much, Jody. I had too much tension on my spool and not enough on my tension spring thingy. My wire was jumpy and inconsistent. I will make the appropriate adjustments and let you know how it goes. Thanks for sharing your pro tips.

[@W0mpa]

Awesome video! Absolut the stick out, i had no idea! I'm going to try it out and see if my Esab will work better!

[@mikegray1651]

Thank you Jodi! Your videos are priceless!

[@dapacman8849]

im learning and have seen a number of good presentations .this is the best to date ,great break down -thanks

[@TheDronzDr]

Jody can’t wait till part 2. Also can’t wait till you do a video on how to weld aluminum with a wire welder. Love the why you tech on wire welding.

[@samp1394]

Thank you I have had my Hobart for 15 years and just learned things I didn't know.

[@SundownBlazer]

Very good video , you explained a few things others have not and it made a night and day difference in how my Hobart works thank you.