MIG Welder Settings: MIG Welding Basics for Beginners

[@TimWelds]

You can learn to weld. I'll show you exactly what to do in my affordable online welding courses at courses.timwelds.com.

[@chelseyr4280]

Yes!

[@ferrarim5p75]

There are many complementary comments from viewers about your video, but I think you have gotten the fundamentals of arc welding, of which MIG Welding is a sub-type, wrong. The arc is not generated when the electrode touches the base metal; it is generated when the electrode is at a short distance from the base metal, around 3 mm. The high current and voltage allows the electricity to move across the air, which is an electric insulator, but in doing so, generates a lot of heat. It does so, by turning the air into a ionised particles, called plasma, which is a better conductor than normal air. The plasma is the arc you can see. This is why if you do not move your electrode after the arc had formed and the filler metal had been deposited, the filler can connect the electrode to the base metal and the electric circuit is closed, meaning electricity will flow 'properly' and no arc can form and the welding process will stop.

[@maustinau]

You taught me more about Mig welding in 5 minutes than I've learned from 6 months of poring over KZbin, you legend! Thanks Tim, keep up the amazing work!

[@jesusmontanes8844]

Right 😂

[@dustinhester6242]

Same here

[@ThatOne77]

"You legend??"

[@josephromasco4860]

I’m glad this is the first video I watched trying to learn

[@cephasmartin8593]

I'm an old, old stick welder, but I have always wanted a mig welder, so at 72 I bought a good one. Luckily, it came with a thickness gauge and inside of the cover to the wire storage and drive mechanism is a chart for the recommended settings. The little welding that I've done with it, the recommended settings give me excellent results. I've chosen to use flux core wire because I don't do enough welding to justify the hassle of using gas. My welder is dual voltage, but thus far I've only welded with 110 volts, but I have a project pending where I'll need 220 volts because of the thickness of the metal I'll be welding. I appreciate these welding videos because there are differences between stick and mig welding. I wish I could have afforded a mig welder when I was young. Being a farmer, it seemed like there was always something that needed to be welded.

[@weaza.p.k.436]

Right on sir that’s amazing!!!! How have you liked it so far?

[@MBwelding]

I’ve been welding for a living almost 20 years all with smaw . Every time I touched a mig it was just a fight, and since my work is outside 99% of the time I just never really learned. This helped so much thank you for sharing your experience. I’m looking forward to doing more shop work with my mig set up.

[@davidgates1122]

I was taught to weld with a torch and stick in high school metal shop class. I was taught to TIG weld in college during exam week right before I graduated (perks of having a job working for the Physics department -- this was not part of any curriculum). My gift for my first father's day was a MIG. I had to teach myself. Now we have KZbin (KZbin did not come out until my first born was almost 10). Some of the videos have helped a little. This is the first one to explain what is actually going on. I have been setting the voltage first and have nearly always had to set it at the highest. I know that can't be right. I am going to try it your way, and perhaps I will be able to get decent welds all the time instead of having my "good days and bad days" like I do now. Thanks for taking the time to make this video and actually explain how the welding process works. For those of us with an educational background in Physics, we learn better when we understand the how and why in addition to the what.

[@GodlessArtist]

Thank you for making these videos. Truly. I am a theatre carpenter and I'm starting to be asked to fabricate some things which need steel structure. I learned stick welding 20 years ago and have never had the opportunity to use mig. Now that I have access to a welder, I'm starting fresh and your tutorials are going to keep me safe and shorten my learning curve a lot!

[@stuartlloyd1746]

Perfectly explained with no silly music or nonsense, just the useful stuff explained in a sensible way.

[@queuerious]

Tim, thanks for this short lesson. Directly from your teaching, I’ve made more sense of wire welding (the curious relationship of wire speed and ultimately heat into the work piece) than a lot of readings on the web. Thanks!

[@bud1412]

Tim, I watched this 6 months ago, and still keep referring to it. Thanks you gain love these type videos.

[@nicholascrosby8182]

This is a tremendous help. I hadn't welded in a LONG time and forgot all the basics. This and the technique video are a must for anyone how wants to start with mig welding.

[@deanford7407]

Best description I’ve seen of what the arc is doing in short circuit and why voltage affects the transfer process.

[@carthius]

I love the sound of a Mig running smooth theres something soothing about that hiss it gives. It drives me insane when im watching something like Forged in Fire when they are trying to mig metal together and its just popping like a firecracker and you just see bird nest all over it

[@nryme]

Thank you for this no-nonsense, easy-to-follow and clearly explained video! I recently started welding (DIY) and I keep struggling with figuring out the right settings on my machine. Turns out I went the other way around and started with setting the voltage and trying to match the wire speed. Now... on to your other videos! I hope they are as informative as this one.

[@TimWelds]

Glad I could help!

[@mnkb2]

Really nice video and explained well. With not a bunch of talking. Straight to the point. Thank you!

[@dundeeorganix]

After 30 years of owning the old stick welder, i have finally lashed out and bought a good old monomig!! Thanks for your experience on your video. Now to weld up the old truck floor!!!!

[@powerwagon3731]

Thanks! I have been using a flux core Lincoln for 20 years and I got pretty good at it for a part timer but now I just got a Millermatic 200 and It is like starting over the learning curve. Just subscribed.

[@MadQuixote]

Thank you! Getting back into welding after 10+ years and this is exactly what I forgot. A lot of useful info in such a short vid, you're awesome!

[@mandyspacek1087]

Very well explained- you are the 'go to' in learning the basics- I have copped abuse from guys who tell me to 'leave welding to the big boys', what wankers, but this only makes me so much more determined to 'nail it'. Most on youtube are terrible at explaining and expect you to know the basics and just go straight to the 'hard core layin dimes' business, so Thank you so much! 20/10!

[@totalplacementstaffing6027]

I have been trying to learn Mig. You gave SUPER info that is exactly what I needed to hear. Specifically, the sound we need to be listing for and just as important, how to adjust for problems, too cold or too hot. SUPER vid. Keep it up!

[@Choober65]

THE BEST MIG welding tutorial I have seen on the internet. Subbed, liked. EXCELLENT.

[@hwfranjr]

Watched a lot of videos on here,just got my machine and never welded,this guy showed me what I needed to do,thanks fella. I started with just learning to tack weld,my first job will be tacking wire mesh to square tubeing for a cat cage. I’m getting good at it now,looks good for a beginner and actually holds good,cant beat it apart on my practice PICES,lol. Again thanks,practice makes perfect guys,lol

[@SiR2Dean]

You've just got one if those voices that's pleasant to listen to and want to learn from. Good work sir.

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Tim I learned more in that few minutes than all the slide rules, pc, whatever, in a long, long time. I subbed and give you a high five, cause I could only do that once! THANK YOU! I am 76+ and I are gonna weld, I HOPE!

[@chrisseitz5671]

That was one of the biggest helps that I have heard on understanding the settings. I had it completely backwards. Thank you for your explanation.

[@miguelheras7371]

Very nice presentation what about the flow setting to accomplished your suggestions, I like your recommendations thanks Miguel

[@flyboykfpr]

One of the better videos on welding. Good explanations.

[@terryjohnson4391]

Legend has it that there are welders and then there are grinders… I’m a grinder ! But you just taught me that i have been thinking about it all backwards… it’s not as much the heat causing me to burn through my sheet metal as it is my wire speed..

[@michaelcardona7397]

I stopped reading the comments because Max Austin, Cueuerious Guy and Mad Q all expressed what I wanted to say; I'v been looking for a simple to understand Setting chart for my welder (it didn't have one printed, embossed or otherwise stickered); it's an inexpensive machine from Amazon, i started a short course on welding and then a horrific storm hit us down in Puerto Rico (MARIA), well it's been some 3+ years and I WANT TO USE THIS MACHINE; I love working with metal, (making a gas tank out of a flat piece of sheet metal), it's just cool. i finally got tired of wire feeding like a contest, welding spatters and knowing I'm doing something wrong, just can't figure out WHAT; the machine manufacturer can't or won't answer me, then by chance I spotted your video "MIG WELDER SETTINGS", Like Max Austin said I've learned more in 5 minutes than from 6 months of viewing useless video's; i know I have to keep practicing, nonetheless, I can't thank you enough, again Thank you for your simple Simon style, it works, don't change, you're Good!!

[@christopherwhitney2711]

Tim your tutorials are the first time this has gelled into understanding for me. You present a perfect blend of explanation and practical demonstration, all tempered with practicality. Thanks mate, If you were a gun shearer, you'd be the Ringer, Good one 👍

[@christopheralvarado9257]

Finally a video that explains welding for true beginners. Learned so much more from this single video. Thx 👍

[@noahlefrancois3775]

Out of all the videos I’ve looked at this one was the best one

[@gregroles69]

LEGEND. great to the point video, been blowing holes and spattering for years as I'm an occasional welder, looking forward to todays job now!!!

[@lamdra8262]

You taught me a lot and I’ve owned my machine for two years🤦‍♂️, you earned a sub💯

[@bogossen2329]

Of all the videos I've watched, I've learned more from this one than any of the other ones combined.

[@djvanchezkenya8194]

Honestly I've learnt a lot about the Settings. Thanks

[@vladimirneutrino497]

Awesome explanation of how wire speed and voltage work together.

[@terrymcintosh1763]

I just started a new job using mig welding robots. This was VERY helpful.

[@garyoneill8868]

Tim, thankyou, that was a fantastic tutorial and I learned a lot from it. And it was, generally speaking, one of the best tutorials I've ever seen on any subject. Well done.

[@fltchr4449]

Great overall explanation and the best I've come across for the effect of voltage on arc length. Higher voltages can overcome greater resistance and span longer gaps. And, longer gaps draw more voltage to maintain the arc (that's for constant current welding, not constant voltage.)

[@stevee1350]

Hi Tim, really good vid. I learned more in a few minutes than in the last 6 months!

[@Oliveirafarmer]

this is the best video of this on youtube man, Thank you 🤓👍🏻

[@bullsmoothtime]

great pace and great explanation and reasoning, i like the addition of what sound you're looking for to really cement what to look for, great vid! subbed :D

[@howardhughes6212]

That drawing of the mig gun is impressive. Detailed and realistic

[@ZionSimba777]

This is what I was looking for. 60/5 sounds like a magical combo.

[@tfconstruction5969]

Love your free tutorials better then most placement instructors

[@TheTaysoren]

The last 30 seconds of the video were exactly what I needed; I was burning through my material.

[@joeyw4442]

Great info. Always good to see the results and explanation of why. Thanks for the video.

[@jku72]

And thank you for addressing the problems- all of which I experienced and didn’t understand why. Excellent

[@DadCMusic]

Glad I watched this video so soon in my journey (day two). I was treating this like souldering, thinking I could cool the pool and fill my trench by cranking up the wire speed. Had no clue I was making it worse.

[@johnjabster2247]

Great instruction Tim you are a true professional.

[@mikem6176]

I bought an inexpensive multi mode welder last year. It does MIG, stick, and can be set up for TIG. I’ve done a little MIG welding with it, and I’m really glad i finally bought one, but it didn’t come with a chart. And the instructions are a bit lacking in that area as well, so it’s been more trial & error than anything else.

[@greatalberto_tech]

Starting with MIG, and you teaching me good!

[@chelseyr4280]

Keep doing what your doing my man. I have learned so much from your videos. I literally knew nothing haha but I started welding at my job an you have given me the foundation to grow on! Your explanations are so simple you make it easy! Appreciate you Tim!

[@viviennehateley1843]

Clear and precise, thank you..

[@dannydalton2317]

Great video to explain how to set up any machine! Needed a lil brush up before this weld test/job interview, thanks man!

[@benboyle617]

awsome video, making lockdown projects in NZ easier. Thankyou

[@johncrump1682]

Very informative and professionally explained. Instructions that can be followed by most anyone. Very good job 👌.

[@joew1865]

Great video. You looked a lot more relaxed and confident than in the first MIG setup video 👨‍🏭. Good work 👍

[@Sailingon]

That was better than most, I like that you put how it sounds when good instead of it sounds like bacon. I'm going to be putting this into practice today 😊

[@jessieramirez8588]

You Literally cured my Problem 😂 LOVE bro !

[@mariusdragomir303]

Thanks to you!

[@joesoap9385]

From South Africa. Thank you Tim

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thanks Tim, this clarified the voltage/wire speed relationship that I always found confusing. Still a few things about it that I find confusing but found your explanation very helpful

[@curtislathrop]

Taking a welding test today nervous about up hill but I think I got this ✨

[@Littrell1966]

Best explanation I have seen! Thanks!!

[@stephs5530]

Clear and too the point, good video man

[@ArjayAntolijao-us2cl]

Thank you very much sir . I'm filipino.and ilike your vid. An very helpful me because I'm beginer. God bless always sir 🙏

[@rodwright225]

Thanks Tim, love those welding vocals , and all the video 😎👍👍

[@readchp]

Very well explained. Also very good photography. Good job.

[@TonyDamiano-vv4dn]

Good video and well explained. The only thing I’d add is an explanation of the different scenarios of where the use of short arc dip transfer and spray transfer would be used. Also an explanation of the amps/ volts slope and the relationship between the two and how they fit in on the weld slope of the machine.

[@johnathonarnold9070]

I learned more about how to work with my machine in this video than my half semester at school on mig.

[@lebogangmolale5060]

I’m speechless💁I’ve learned a lot about how to set my wire speed and Voltage🙏thanks

[@markharrisllb]

Personally I find the Miller App by far the easiest to use as a weekend warrior's uninformed apprentice. It’s basically what method you are using, material and wire or stick size. Even I can manage that, where some apps seem to presume specific knowledge or that you are using the app maker's materials.

[@TimWelds]

I do use the miller app quite a bit. Whether a weekend warrior or pro, there's no need to overcomplicate it. Thanks for the comment!

[@tangerined5412]

This is going to be so useful. We're welding at school, and it's so so fun, but our teacher has to spend 45 mins finding the correct settings for each machine. So if I can do it myself I can save so much time!

[@lividliza6698]

i’m in welding school too, i graduate this year. i hope u love it , a tip make sure u focus on ur work n actually show up . bc i’ve seen too many of my classmates fall behind n give up and not be able to certify

[@TimWelds]

Very cool! Also, a notebook can be your best friend. Once you find what works for a particular joint and thickness, jot down the settings or grab a picture with your phone and you’ll be in good shape next time you have to run something similar.

[@tangerined5412]

@@TimWelds I thought you might be interested in an update. I didn't quite get it. I had the right ratio, but I set both too high, we're gonna continue on Friday and I took a picture of the settings so I have them for next time. We welded cylindrical pipes to plates and it was super difficult, even doing two halfs was a challenge. Do you have any tips? Because I've got straight lines on lockdown, but holding the right angle and distance while going at a locked pace is super difficult in a curve.

[@seabass22]

Nice video. So if I want it cooler, turn down wire speed. Got it. I had it backwards, messing with the voltage. Thanks man!

[@josephburnham4621]

Great job again on your Tutorial!

[@philgoogle1535]

Thanks Tim for another informative video. I'll be watching this one a few more times 👍

[@williamdumont912]

Thank you man ! Really well explained

[@petertrickett2911]

Thankyou Tim! Very knowledgeable!

[@shanecollins3271]

Thank you iv just started my first welding job and using mig this should really help me as I'm using a miller migmatic 380 and can't get uniform welds all around

[@tundeclipse]

awesome video! love the ease in the way you simplify it for the beginner. Effortless and ive gone through a few of your videos now and im pumped to go in the shop and try what youve shown. Thank you!

[@dandeangeli9860]

very helpful I'm glad you ran it on different levels of power to show the difference of range.

[@WrenagadeWorkshop]

Thank you for that most clear explainenation, I am actually exited to try my new MIG now :)

[@TimWelds]

You're gonna love it!

[@blessedandtalented113]

@@TimWelds what about MIG machines that are set up to gas bottles, how do you set those?

[@JamesSavanhu-kp1mb]

you are a great instructer. l am going to try tomorrow

[@red-can-help]

thank you Tim for the wonderful comment and example. I will practice using your comment. really appreciated.

[@rcytb]

Great teaching as usual. Thank you.

[@pawo100]

Thank you! From Sweden

[@lanceryan1203]

This is the video I’ve been looking for 👍

[@rienzcomputechmobility1910]

Thanks dude, its really helping me out...

[@and29799]

Excellent - well explained in simple language.

[@rich5034]

Thanks. I appreciate the samples shown along side the voltage settings.

[@xfavstvs]

It's the best technical explanation i found. Great!!!

[@musadlamini3054]

Thank you so much I'm testing on Monday 🙏

[@twayland6186]

Thanks for this video. I needed a simple explanation to make information i had been to finally click in my mind. This was very easy to understand

[@glennmeyer4197]

Excellent explanation and information. Thank you.

[@not2late2game53]

That was good - simple - to see what I need, to get the right setting. Thanks

[@Thepreacher1960]

Good presentation, Thank you.

[@yourlocalalexis4578]

thank you very much for your simplified explanation!

[@MohitoGaming-z5z]

Sound showing off whats right and wrong was super helpful

[@busasquid]

Great video it helped a lot thank you 🙏

[@builder6477]

You were very helpful and to the point, thanks.