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| |hostarea = Hotmetals | | |hostarea = Hotmetals |
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| + | Essentially "a hot melt glue gun for metals". It releases 75% argon / 25% CO2 gas as you weld to prevent oxidation of the metal. You're melting the metals you're joining, and adding a bead as well. |
| + | |
| + | == Safety == |
| + | * Wear natural fibers (cotton, wool) only. It puts out sparks and can melt synthetics onto your skin. |
| + | * Wear closed-toe shoes, unless you like setting your feet on fire. |
| + | * Cover all skin - it puts out a lot of UV light. You'll get a sunburn, guaranteed. Plus, you can get burned. |
| + | * It's a good idea to have a hat or something under the face shield, as sparks will go onto the top of your head. |
| + | * There are two screens on wheels - arrange them to block UV light from going to the rest of the shop. |
| + | * Use the thick gloves, also the face shield. The face shield for MIG is pretty handy, it darkens when you start welding. |
| + | * Yell "welding" before starting so anyone sneaking up on you is aware to avert their eyes. |
| + | * The piece will be hot for a long time after you welded it. You can grab it with tongs and dip in buckets. |
| + | |
| + | == Approximate Steps for Use == |
| + | |
| + | === Preparation === |
| + | # Pull out the machine |
| + | # Clean out welding tip with the pliers that have files on the outside of the jaws. |
| + | # Check inside if it's wired for MIG. There's a diagram on the inside of the case. This should not change but can. |
| + | ## The reel of metal wire size should match your recommended diameter. |
| + | ## Wire adjustment is much like the 3D printers' - it flips up and has a tension holder |
| + | # Also check the recommended settings for welding. You will need to know a letter and a number. |
| + | # Set the recommended settings on the front panel. |
| + | # Plug it in. |
| + | # Cut the wire tip using the pliers to the recommended length. |
| + | # Check that the gas pressure is above 500PSI. If it's below, press the button on the left wall that will tell Ron to order more gas. |
| + | ## Not sure if can use below 500PSI - I think we're fine as long as it outputs 20PSI? |
| + | # Adjust gas output on machine to 20PSI |
| + | # Attach the ground to either the table or the part, depending on what you're doing. |
| + | |
| + | === Use === |
| + | * Close the screens behind you. |
| + | * Check around periodically for stuff you set on fire. This thing puts out hot sparks. I set a rag on fire the first time I used it. I was confused why the authorizer had brought a smoldering rag for authorization - nope, that was me. |
| + | * You may want to brush the joints before welding. Be sure to pay attention to the labeling on the metal brush - steel only. |
| + | * It may be a good idea to tack both ends of the parts being welded. |
| + | * Make sure there's no crimps in the tube feeding the metal wire. It should be as straight as possible. |
| + | * Ideally you would weld at about a 45° angle. |
| + | * If welding something perpendicular, you're trying to make a puddle (bead) that equally touches both parts. You'll angle it towards the top piece slightly more. |
| + | * Yell "Welding" before starting. |
| + | * The machine has a duty cycle of 2 minutes for every 10. That means you can only use the machine for 2 minutes before taking a break to let it cool down. In practice you usually won't have a problem with this, but for longer, and multiple welds, pay attention to this. |
| + | |
| + | === When Done === |
| + | # Turn off gas. |
| + | # Pull trigger til the PSI reaches 0. |
| + | # Nice to cut off the extra wire you just fed in the above step. |
| + | # Unplug. |
| + | # Coil up everything and put back. |
| + | # Brush off the mess from the table like the fine, upstanding citizen you are. |
| + | # Put away anything else you got out, like metals, gloves, face mask. |
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| == Status == | | == Status == |