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How to MIG weld outside vertical corner?

Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 10:33 am
by hardwood
New guy here - and a novice at MIG welding. I was wondering if there is any information on how to MIG weld an outside vertical corner? My skid loader is showing signs of stress and so far my efforts to shore it up are only partly successful and it looks terrible. Have had a stick welder for years but really like the MIG ... just need to figure a few things out. Have viewed the 3 part series on MIG welding and have learned a lot - keep up the good work.
Thanks
Butch

Re: How to MIG weld outside vertical corner?

Posted: Thu Aug 14, 2014 4:43 pm
by Drifta-X
I'll start with the basics.
Clean!!!!
There will be all sorts of crud hidden in there, so get a grinder, wire brush etc and clean it real good!
2nd thing doing vertical up gives more/better penetration then running vertical down.

Re: How to MIG weld outside vertical corner?

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:12 pm
by mcoe
If you are running an outside corner joint, I would probably run down hill just to keep from melting it away. I know it is less penetration but it would put less stress on the joint in my opinion. I may be wrong but that is what I would do if it was mine. :)

Re: How to MIG weld outside vertical corner?

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:29 pm
by Superiorwelding
Matt is right, if the material is 1/8" or less, vertical down will be acceptable. If set correctly, you will be surprised how much penetration you can have. When running the mig down, use a 45*ish angle. You might find yourself moving faster than you would if you were welding flat but that will depend on your settings.
As to the question of "how", keep the wire in the center of the joint and watch the edges. If they are melting away to fast or you are blowing though, change your settings. If you have never welded a corner before I suggest practicing on scrap material. Hope this helps.
-Jonathan

Re: How to MIG weld outside vertical corner?

Posted: Fri Aug 15, 2014 3:32 pm
by mcoe
Also, if you see it eating away or blowing through STOP!. It is easier to turn the machine down and tie back in than it is to fill in where you blow through. It will save you the head ache.