MIG Like Mankandy: Techniques for Stacking Dimes with a MIG Welder
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2025
- 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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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😊
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.
Thank you both!
@@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!
@@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?
@@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.
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!
Thank you Bradley! I don’t know how it took me a year to see this comment. You are appreciated my friend. I hope all is well.
This was easier to understand than the "professional" welders. And I've watched a lot of those videos.
Thank you for that my friend! 🙏
Agreed.. been welding and fabricating for about 9 years and I like your way better than my welding teachers.. well played mate.
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!
I guess that’s proof! I’m not a welder. 😔 Much appreciated, Fred! I’m happy to be of service.
There are a few self-righteous pricks in welding.😂
Agree
my teacher hired me with no prior shop experience and has been incredibly patient with me, and ive made several very expensive mistakes...
That's too bad. Mine was the cool type of crusty old welder who like to cut farts and tell jokes.
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!
Nice! Thank you for that. I’m happy to be of service. Things should continue to get better with time. Best of luck!
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!
Nice!! Lemme know if the info crosses over to the real world. Thank you my friend. 🙏
Your teaching method is a "remove the mystery from it, gradual step process" style. A very effective way to learn, thank you!
Delayed… but thank you my friend. 🙏
This is like the first video on TH-cam I have not skipped through at all, thanks a ton!!
That is quite the honor Isaac! Thank you for your time my friend. 🙏
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
A very delayed thank you, my friend. I appreciate your kind words and constructive input. You are appreciated. 🙏
Definitely one of the better explained how to weld videos I’ve seen on TH-cam.
Killer work man!
Thank you my friend! How have you been?
@@GarageFab Doing Good man! glad to see your channel is growing, I bet your about to snowball like crazy. Hang on!
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! 🙏
Except for he’s dragging and not pushing the weld
Why dont robot welders "stack dimes"?
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 .
Thank you Kenneth!
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.
Nice. Did he ever explain why?
@@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
@@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.
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. 🤷♂️
@@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 😆
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!
I've watched this video 8 times and it is the gospel for teaching this old goat to weld. Thank you for taking the time to teach us.
Thank you for your time my friend! Lemme know it plays out in the real world. Best of luck Allyn!
Being an amateur fabricator it’s a well explained video, i watched it over and over.
Nice. Thank you my friend. I hope it helps in the real world.
This is absolutely the best explanation i have ever heard. Ever.
Thank you my friend. 🙏 let me know how it works out in the real world!
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.
Thank you my friend! The video is growing in value as the comment section grows. That’s what I was hoping for.
I’m returning to welding after many years, what a great refresher
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
The trifecta! Definitely a popping comment section. 🙌
45 year structural/aerospace industry welder here.... Just f*ckin' with ya! This video is awesome! You had to have KNOWN that the "Tradesman" professionals would be chiming-in on your technique video. At the end of the day, it really doesn't matter what they say, because this video is in regard to what YOU do with your welder, and not what THEY do at their jobs. Like most of your other videos, the information can be put into to practice and, if performed as instructed, should provide a good weld. Anyone who would like to stress test their welds can go to their local community college welding program and see if the Instructor will allow them to perform destructive testing with the school's equipment. They seem to be pretty cool about doing that. That being stated, it was pretty helpful that the Instructor I spoke with was my teacher from back when I was a student. Welders are pretty cool folks, generally speaking, and like to be helpful. Thanks again!
Haha! That’s amazing! I’d like to locate an instructor and find out. I’m still wanting to take a class or two so maybe I’ll get the opportunity then.
Thank you my friend!
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!
Nothing more important than practice.
This video helped me more than some professional videos
Yes! Happy to be of service, Alijah.
Nice Man! Probabbly tone of the best tutorials I've seen here!
Thank You!
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.
I appreciate your kind words my friend. 🙏 See you in the next one!
Different standards in the US. Here he'd be told to grind out every single one of those welds. What looks pretty and works functionally are two different things. Great stuff for hobby welding but it doesn't work for anything structural.
I am a welding this is helpful and students will like this video !
Thanks! I like how you set expectations at the get go and then provide really approachable information.
Thank you, Jason! You are so very much appreciated my friend. 🙏
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!
Nice! Thank you. Lemme know if you think it helps when you get hands on. Best of luck!
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.
Nice! Thank you for that, Jay! I’m happy to be of service. Best of luck on your journey my friend!
Really apreciated thank you the welding rather than the singing from across the pond thanks again Happy new year.
Dude, might not be certified, but can TEACH VERY WELL. And the welds look dialed. Thanks for the video.
My pleasure. Thank you for the kind words Mike!
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,
Thank you, Richard! Much appreciated and I hope it helps in the real world.
Best of luck my friend.
I usually don't comment on TH-cam 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
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!
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
So not for strength then?
Every once in a while you run across a TH-camr who is just magical! You sir, are in the top 2...
That’s huge. I appreciate you my friend. 🙏 Motivation has been lacking in this summer heat, but that certainly helps!
Cheers!
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!
Nice! Lemme know how it goes! Thank you my friend. 🙏
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
In my view you are a pro welder. Thanks for the tips. Thumbs Up
Thank you, Eddie. I appreciate you! 🙏
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.
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!
You're killing it! Proud of you 👍
Blushing! I’m blushing. Thank you my man. 🙏
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.!
Makes sense!
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.
That sounds like a blast of a project! I hope to hear updates. Best of luck!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!!!!!!
I’d love to trade you skills!
I've been tinkering and checking videos for a good bit and this by far helped me the most.
Nice! Thank you, Scott!
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!
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!
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.
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 TH-camrs on, well, TH-cam! Keep moving forward!
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. 👊
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....
Nice! Thank you, Shannon! Lemme know how things go when you’re actually behind the helmet. 👊
@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.
Yes! Fantastic my man. Keep it up.
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👍🏽💪🔥
Thank you my friend! You are appreciated.
What kind of cheese, I like Cheese and wine together, along with a salad with olive oil and cracked pepper !
GREAT video Dude..........I just got a HTP 220 MTS welder , and so far this runs smooth as cheese !!
I return the question… What kind of cheese? Cuz ricotta and cottage cheese aren’t very smooth at all.
Thank you my friend! 🙌
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.
Thank you, Jay! Oh there are doubters anyway! TH-cam 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.
@@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!
And it’s for those that appreciate, that I’ll keep on keeping on. Thank you my friend. 🙏
....... 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.
Thank you, Joseph! Best of luck.
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. : )
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.
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.
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. 🙏
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.
Nice. Lemme know how it goes, Kevin! I’ll help where I can.
Thank you! I still have some supplies I need to buy but I'll let you know.
Good video brother. Lots of opinions about vertical down, but you not the only one doing it!🙂
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. 🤦🏻♂️
@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!
Well I feel better now, thanks. 😆
@GarageFab don't stress bro, your work is A1 👍🙂
This is the best Welding 101 tutorial I have ever seen. Bravo!
Much appreciated, Dan! It certainly wasn’t intended to be a bigger tutorial, but if it helped… fantastic!! Thank you. 🙏
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
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!
Great “how to” video. You did an excellent job of explaining what’s going on and how to get there, just excellent. And the editing is very good too. Thank you for going to the trouble. We’re watching from Missouri, thank you.
Thank you my friend! I’m thrilled you took notice. 👊
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.
Thank you, Chris! Can’t wait to see the progress! 🙌
i love how you explained it in reality
Thank you my friend. Gotta make it simple.
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 🤙🏻
I could be more honored my friend. 🙏 Thank you for that. 👊
Yes, it is a beautiful thing to train and learn how to make beads. You are a funny man 😂 thank you my friend ..We admire your beautiful style
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.
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.
If you can stick weld you'll be fine with a mig.
@@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 🤷🏻♂️
@@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. 😂😂
I certainly haven’t mastered sheet metal. It’s easy to weld. But NOT easy to not warp. 😩
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 😁
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. 🙏
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!
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.
@@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
Been fabricating most my life and always trying to get better. Besides you being an awesome host and narrator, your welding tips might be some of the best I have seen. Sadly, I havent tried or known about the triangle technique. I am excited to put it to the test of my C10 project. Welds gonna look even better as I have gotten lazy in my ways....thanks for the motivation.
And with you on UP vs DOWN. For what we do, non issue. As an engineer, no Bueno on following gravity for structural. I rarely weld up.
Thank you my friend! Lemme know how things go when trying things out in the real world. I’ve received compliments on my teaching style but haven’t yet heard that someone’s work has improved after watching. Can’t wait to see what you do with the C10. 🙌
Keep it up my man. Constantly striving to be better is the only way to be. 👏
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.
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?
@@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!
I’ll look into it thank you!
I love the way you showed how to operate your stick in the weld to get the precise style of weld. Thank you so much I look forward to watching more of your videos.
Thank you Mike! Lemme know how things go!
I've been welding thin sheet metal to big ole 3/8's for 8 years now. When you are welding on thicker material, I've always recommended a push instead of pull. A push allows promotes a preheat of the base material, and it makes your welds flatter as well. All in all I believe you still have fantastic technique, and the welds look pretty good too. You should see about doing spray welding as well (you'll need a higher argon percentage)
Spray is some thing that has always intrigued me. I would certainly like to try. I have pure Argon. Good enough?
Thank you, Curtis! 🙏
Spray welding is the same technique that you are using just going forward or backwards 98% argon 2% carbon dioxide. The shop I work at wants perfect beads we also use double pulse welders your using cv if you push your weld you only have to go forward and backwards to get dimes my favorite is over head and down at a 45 degree angle just buzz pause buzz pause buzz and the only advantage of going forward truly comes in play with aluminum dragging aluminum will be covered is black soot. It you pace the same your doing its will shine bright light a diamond
Genius communicator.
Thank you my friend! 🙏
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
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.
@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.
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. 😊
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.
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.
Excellent! Lemme know how it goes! Good luck my friend.
This was a great video. As a new-ish welder, this is exactly the information that matters. Sometimes "by the books" isn't the best way to teach everyone. Thanks.
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.👍
Haha!! I’ve experienced that with the tiny Miller as well. The one at work is always on auto. 😆
Thanks!
Thank you, Ross! You are appreciated more than you know.
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!
It absolutely will get better. Things will slowly start to make sense. Keep on learning my friend.
New Subscriber Here. This is by far the best "learn how to mig" video I've watched so far. I actually learned something. Thanks.
Happy to be of service my friend! And even more happy to have you. See you in the next one!
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
Good info, Lee. Thank you!
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.
Yes! Best of luck on your journey my friend. If you’ve got questions, you know where to find me. Cheers!
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…
That’s good info. Thank you my friend.
@@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 😆
So much truth. I’m going to be experimenting with pushing in the near future. Thanks again!
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 !
Sqeeze, fill, stop, relocate. 🤔 sounds like my dad 🤣🤣🤣
🤦🏻♂️
Sounds like how I pee.
However, this seems to be a universal series of actions. As just the other day I saw my neighbor's dog taking a crap in the same manner. Far more efficient than my urination however 😒
🥺😶
You are so crazy… at the end… oh man I was LOL big time. Thanks for the demonstrations and I totally liked the introduction of the video where you state your background etc with welding. Who can fault you at this point. I’m self taught as well and if a person fundamentally understands about how the base metal must be part of the melting equation he/she can be their own judge. The only thing I would add, and I’ve done this, is for the welder to cut their practice welds perpendicular to the weld revealing the welded joint and look at the penetration, porosity, etc. Great video, I know you were hesitant to make it. We’ll done sir.
Thank you Brother! Cutting and inspecting a weld nugget is something I’ve never done but I would like to! I just might soon.
@@GarageFab Yeah, I’ve done it when using a 110 volt MIG welder to prove to myself it was all good on 1/8” plate. The guy on “Welding Tips and Tricks” does this a lot and shows the viewers the penetration or lack there of. Take care, about to watch your newest video, Clay
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.
👍
Tig 6mm steel? Why?
@@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.
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.
But what if you joint is large? Would the answer then to be multiple smooth passes rather than a weave?
Thank you so much! Just starting out myself in this craft. Your clear explanation and demo of these patterns really helped me.
Excellent. Lemme know how it works in the real world.
you had me rolling watching this intro, as a seasoned fabricator i think your content is awesome. Subscribed.
Thrilled to have you my friend. Been following you and your Brat for years. I’m honored. See you in the next one!
Inches per minute not second my friend
Whoops! I guess that would be pretty fast, huh?
I know the comment about Miller helping with a welder was a sort-of joke, but I think you would represent the brand well. Your videos helped me build my first 4-link and am now thinking about control arms. I am sure these are the type of people they would like to target. I spoke to a friend who works for Miller and they have several levels of partnerships so it cannot hurt to reach out to them. Miller is more selective than other companies but you don't know until you ask! I would recommend reaching out to their marketing department to get the ball rolling or talk to your local distributor to get contact information for the Miller DM in your area and talk to them directly about the possibility. Incidentally, I have the 211 and it is amazing!
Thank you for that Mark! I would gladly reach out. I’ve made a vow to promote only companies I believe in. Meaning you probably won’t see cringey ads with poor reading about things I obviously don’t care about on this channel. We’ll see though I guess! Thanks again my friend.
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.
I'll keep that knowledge in mind and practice. Thanks. I might just get that Miller 211. Later
Thank you Daniel! Tell them I sent you. They’ll say, “Who?”
I really think you’ll be pleased with it. I’m looking for one as a second machine, mostly because it’s so small and light.
My welder is meeting my needs in the shop but it’s miserable trying to take it somewhere else.
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!
Freakin love this video. Straight forward and encouraging. I didnt feel like you were gonna smack my hand for even asking a question lol
Haha! Lemme know how it translates to the real world. Best of luck my friend.
@@GarageFab gonna try it this week on parts of my Tacoma roll cage install
You amaze me with your simple way of explanation, added to this sense of humor 😂
Thanks you Sir
Thank you, John! 🙏 I appreciate that. Thanks for watching!
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😁
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
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
Thank you my friend! Happy to be of service.
I publicly love that song. 😆
First of all, great video, again! There only needs to be one fabrication channel watched on TH-cam 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!
Never before have I heard such a smooth buzz from a welder. How’s the ‘50 Chevy project going?!
Thank you my friend. 🙏
I just found your channel. You got a lot of great knowledge. Your voice is amazing. You should be in radio.
Even amongst all the compliments, “You should be in radio” still stings. 😆 I’m kidding of course. Thank you, Jason! I appreciate you.
You had the best description and demonstration!
Thank you, Dean! Let me know how translates to the real world.
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
Thank you, Brother!! 🙏
I learned a lot here, and enjoyed the singing part at the end! Made me smile. Subscribed and thumbs up!