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Welding can be a complicated process without prior knowledge. For starters, there are three basic types of welding: MIG, TIG, and Stick. There are proper guidelines to keep in mind, as well as for instructions on what not to do. This article will cover the basics of what not to do when welding.

What Not to Do- MIG Welding:

· Improper Liner Length

Wrong liner length is a common issue in MIG welding. Having the liner be cut too short can lead to poor wire feeding, as well as wire chatter or erratic arcs. To alleviate this issue, a liner gauge should be used when trimming and installing liners.

· Allowing the MIG Gun’s Consumables to Overheat

Prevention of overheated consumables can occur by using proper wire stick outs and being aware of the gun’s duty cycle. Additionally, a correct contact-tip-to-work distance should be maintained. Keeping consumables cool will allow the amount of gun vibration to be limited, which will reduce issues with burnback.

· Not Properly Maintaining the MIG Welder

The MIG gun and consumables should be properly maintained in addition to the contact tip, liners, and nozzle. Overall, properly maintaining the MIG welder can save money, as well as improve productivity and reduce downtime.

The Pro Welder Guide is a good resource to conduct thorough research when deciding on a MIG welder and to learn how to maintain it.

What Not to Do- TIG Welding:

· Having Poor Gas Coverage

If the shielding gas is turned off, contamination can occur. The gas cylinder label should be checked, and the right type of gas should be used. Additionally, the proper gas flow rate should be set, a standard collet body should be used as opposed to a gas lens, and fittings and hoses should be checked for leaks.

· Choosing the Wrong Current

This is a mistake mostly made by beginners and is a widespread mistake to make amongst welders. It is essential to check that the correct flow is being used to weld metal.

It is important to know which electric current to use with whatever metal and electrode are being worked with. More information on easy mistakes made with TIG welding can be found at weldingpicks.com.

What Not to Do- Stick Welding:

· Resuing an Electrode

Electrodes from previous welds should not be used in welding. This can disable a

clean weld and lead to porosity. Proper materials should focus on quality over quantity and cost.

· Not Having the Right Size of Electrode

The size of the electrode is the size of the diameter of its core wire. Each electrode

has a specific current range. It is recommended that the size of overhead and vertical welds are 3/16 inches and 5/32 inches for low hydrogen welds. Also, the size of the joint will be used to determine the diameter of the electrode that will fit into the joint.

As a general rule of thumb, high deposit rates require high currents and large electrodes. More information on electrodes, as well as other tips on stick welding, can be found at toolshaunt.com.

Overall, whichever method of welding you choose, it is crucial to understand the basics of what not to do to reduce your downtime and produce quality work.