Kemppi RA User Manual

Page 27

Advertising

FE 32

Having checked that the equipment is prepared in the correct way for the welding task ahead,

and that you are wearing the necessary protective equipment, you are ready to commence

welding.
MIG/MAG welding can be performed down hand, vertically and overhead: either right to left

(right handed operators) or left to right (left handed operators)
First, present the welding gun nozzle to a practice work piece. The gun nozzle should be

approximately 15 mm away from the surface of the work piece and weld joint. If welding a T

fillet joint, the gun should be held at an angle of approximately 45 degrees, bisecting the 90

degree joint at the midway point. Starting at the right hand side of the joint (right handed

operators only), lean the gun backwards slightly, so the gun nozzle is pointing forwards,

towards the centre of the work piece. This is called a 'pushing technique' and is suitable for

most applications.
Pull the welding gun trigger. The filler wire will move forward, and a short circuit will occur and

the arc will be established. Keeping the gun trigger depressed, the molten weld pool will start

to form. Begin to travel the gun forwards, in a controlled manner and travel speed. Providing

you have correctly set your equipment, the quality of your weld deposit is now determined by

your skill and technique.
The resulting weld deposit, width and shape, should be consistent in appearance and quality.

If you are welding too fast the weld bead may be too thin or even intermittent in appearance.

Try to slow your travel speed slightly and maintain an even approach to the joint. If you are

welding too slowly, you may find the weld deposit is too heavy, the weld piece overheats and

possibly burns a hole through the plate. All that may be required to ensure a successful result

here is an increase in forward travel speed, but you may also need to reduce the power setting

slightly, to achieve the desired result.
As with all craft skills – practice will make perfect! For more information, visit the Welding ABC

section in www.kemppi.com.

Advertising