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What does an MIG Welder do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A MIG welder is a type of welding machine that uses a wire electrode and an inert gas to weld metals. The metal is melted by the heat of the arc and the gas protects the weld from contamination.

MIG Welder job duties include:

  • Read and interpret welding blueprints, drawings, and specifications
  • Select and set up welding equipment according to project requirements
  • Operate angle grinders to clean metal surfaces prior to welding
  • Fit, clamp, and tack-weld workpieces together
  • Ignite torches or start power supplies and strike arcs by touching electrode to metals
  • Guide and direct filler metals through the arc to form specified bead configuration
  • Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating of metals or excessive penetration of base metal
  • Remove slag from weld beads after each pass
  • Repair broken or cracked parts and fill holes as needed
  • Finish projects by trimming excess weld metal, grinding down uneven beads, or adding filler metals as needed

MIG Welder Job Requirements

MIG welders are required to have a high school diploma or equivalent, although many welders have received training through a vocational school or community college. Many companies require certification from the American Welding Society (AWS). Experience is not always required, but it is beneficial. Some companies may require a welding test.

MIG Welder Skills

  • MIG welding
  • Reading and understanding welding blueprints
  • Determining the best welding process for a given application
  • Setting up and operating MIG welding equipment
  • Adjusting welding variables to optimize weld quality
  • Welding in various positions (vertical, horizontal, overhead)
  • Inspecting completed welds for defects
  • Repairing defective welds
  • Maintaining welding equipment
  • Keeping work area clean and organized
  • Complying with safety regulations

Related: Top MIG Welder Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an MIG Welder

MIG welding is a process that uses a wire feed to create an arc between the workpiece and the electrode. This arc is used to heat the metal, which melts the filler material and creates a weld. MIG welding is a popular choice for many projects because it is relatively easy to learn and can be used on a variety of materials.

If you're interested in becoming a MIG welder, there are a few things you need to know. First, you'll need to have some basic welding experience. This will give you a good foundation of knowledge and help you understand the basics of MIG welding. Next, you'll need to purchase some quality welding equipment. This includes a welder, wire feeder, gas cylinder, and other accessories.

Once you have the necessary equipment, you'll need to practice welding on scrap metal or old pieces of metal that you don't mind ruining. This will help you get a feel for the process and allow you to make mistakes without damaging your project. As you become more comfortable with MIG welding, you can begin working on projects that are more challenging.

Becoming a MIG welder takes time and practice, but it's definitely achievable if you're dedicated to learning the process. With some patience and perseverance, you can develop the skills needed to create beautiful welds that will last for years.

Related: MIG Welder Resume Example

Related: MIG Welder Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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