MIG Welding Class
Lesson 6: Operating the MIG Welder
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Introduction: Operating the MIG Welder

The following outlines basic operation and etiquette when using the MIG welder.

Area and Machine Preparation

  1. Clean and clear the table.
  2. Prepare your workpiece.
    • Grind all coatings from the metal.
    • Use the fume extractor when grinding.
  3. Adjust the welding screens to protect people in the shop from flash.
  4. Remove all flammable and combustible materials from the area.
  5. If working from Pier 9, cover the exposed parts of the table with the aluminum covers to prevent slag from damaging the table.
  6. Attach the ground clamp to the workpiece.
  7. Slowly open the gas bottle fully.
  8. Turn the machine on.
  9. Set the voltage and wire feed according to the chart.

Operating the Machine

  1. Bring the torch to approximately 1/4” from the surface to be welded.
  2. Hold the torch at the correct angle.
  3. Pull the trigger to begin the weld.
  4. Pull or push the torch along the seam where the two pieces will be welded.
  5. Release the trigger.


  1. Turn the wire feed and voltage down to the minimum setting.
  2. Close the tank valve completely.
  3. Press the trigger to release any gas.
    • Point the torch away from anything grounded.
  4. Turn off the welder.
  5. Clean the tip of the torch of welding debris.
  6. Loosely coil the cables and hang them from the welder.
  7. Put your materials away and put the machine back in its storage location

Print Out This Guide

This course is available as a PDF that is attached to this step. Enjoy the MIG welder safely!