The Basics Of Welding

1. The first step of a successful weld is grinding the surface clean of any paint or debris and grinding a spot for the ground clamp to attach (a clean surface is a must for MIG welding).
  |   Grinding Surface Clean 1 2. With a 60-grit flap disk, I cleaned the surface of a gusset and grinded a bevel on the edge of the mating surface, which lets the weld penetrate better making it stronger.
  |   Grinding Surface Clean 2 3. You can see the bevel ground onto both sides of the mating surface.
  |   Ground In Bevel 4. I try to keep my ground clamp close to my welding location; electricity takes the path of least resistance—this reduces your chances of getting zapped.
  |   Ground Clamp 5. A mix of 75/25 gas (75-percent Argon and 25-percent C02 is the best shielding gas for welding mild steel). For indoor, I use 15-20 psi and 23-30 psi outdoors.
  |   75 25 Gas Mix 6. Tack welding is a very important step. I tack weld everything before finish welding. This prevents anything for moving or bending while welding.
  |   Tack Welding Piece 7. Now on to welding this 3/16-inch gusset with a 10-degree angle on the torch and a 3/8-inch work depth (how far the wire sticks out) using circular motions covering both sides evenly dragging it parallel.
  |   Welding In Place 8. Finished weld should be even and have a somewhat flat look to it like a stack of dimes and not a raised stringy look.
  |   Finished Weld