MIG welder

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is a useful general technique for most ferrous metal work, it uses an electrode nozzle which guides filler wire from a spool and the arc is between the filler wire and the pieces to be joined. The nozzle allows a flow of inert shield gas around the working area to reduce slag creation.

Some MIG welders can be converted for different kinds of wire, but this often involves changing the polarity of operation, so the Hackspace MIG welder is only used with a ferrous wire.

The MIG welder can be considered a 'single-handed' welder, as separate filler-wire sticks are not used, but it is often best to steady the nozzle using both hands, to keep control over the wire being fed from the spool.

MIG welder shield gas

Until larger cylinders are installed in the Hackspace, the MIG welder uses small disposable cylinders of gas, installed in/attached to the welder itself.

MIG welder power supply

A standard 13A plug is used, so this welder can be used with any of these sockets in the metalwork / welding area. The power is controlled by a switch / trigger in the nozzle, so a no-volt release supply is less important than with the other welders.

RFID control of access will be installed shortly.