Safety Precautions Before Using MIG Equipment

Before you start manufacturing ironwork, you need to be careful with the equipment. Here are some steps you should take before you start welding:

Check your cables: Before striking an arc, check your welding equipment to make sure all of the cable connections are tight fitting and free of fraying or other damage.

Select electrode polarity: MIG welding requires DC electrode positive, or reverse polarity. The polarity connections are usually found on the inside of the machine.

Set gas flow: Turn on the shielding gas and set the flow rate to 20 to 25 cubic feet per hour. If you suspect leaks in your gas hose, apply a soapy water solution and look for bubbles. If you spot a leak, discard the hose and install a new one.

Check tension. Too much or too little tension on either the drive rolls or the wire spool hub can lead to poor wire feeding performance. Adjust according to your owner's manual.

Inspect consumables. Remove excess spatter from contact tubes, replace worn contact tips and liners and discard the wire if it appears rusty.

If you take these necessary steps, you should be able to weld safely. For more information, visit our blog page at http://upkeepingyourironwork.blogspot.com.