How to Weld Overhead Mig

MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas welding) overhead can be a bit more challenging compared to welding in the flat or horizontal positions due to the force of gravity.

But a few simple tips can help overhead mig welding seem way easier than you thought it would be.

How to weld overhead MIG tips and tricks

One of the biggest mistakes for beginners is to set the mig welding machine way too cold.

you need some arc force to punch in and flatten out the bead.

I recommend using the same settings that are recommended by the mig welding chart on the machine except with lowering the wire speed setting by about 10%.

Here are some tips to help you MIG weld overhead as a beginner:

1. Safety first: Ensure you have the necessary safety gear, including a welding helmet with a proper shade, welding gloves, a welding jacket or apron, and appropriate footwear.
2. Adjust machine settings: Set up your MIG welding machine according to the recommendations for the specific type and thickness of the metal you are welding. Consult the manufacturer's guidelines for the appropriate wire feed speed and voltage settings. Then reduce the wire speed by 10%. For example, if the recommended wire speed setting is 250ipm, then set wire speed to 225ipm.
3. Select the correct wire and shielding gas: Choose the appropriate welding wire and shielding gas combination for the metal you are working with. The most common shielding gas for MIG welding is a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide (75% argon, 25% CO2).
4. Practice your hand position: Hold the welding gun with a comfortable grip and maintain a steady hand. Position yourself so that you have good visibility of the joint.
5. Maintain a consistent travel speed: Start welding at a slow and steady pace to establish a good bead. Move the welding gun in a controlled manner, keeping a consistent distance from the workpiece. Avoid moving too fast or too slow, as it can affect the quality of the weld.
6. Watch the puddle: Pay close attention to the molten puddle of metal as you weld. You may need to tilt the gun slightly upward to help direct the molten metal into the joint. Be mindful of the angle and maintain good penetration.
7. Use a short stick out: For overhead welding, it's recommended to use a short stick out. Because gravity is pulling your arms downward, stickout tends to get longer and that does not help. A short stickout with short circuit mig welding is super important.
8. Practice and adjust as needed: A multipass fillet weld tee joint in overhead position can provide the best practice with less prep and less metal.

 

Learn more about the primeweld mig180 at weldmonger.com

learn more about the MIG 180 at weldmonger.com