• Many welding process require long hours of practice to perfect.welding project image by leemarusa from Fotolia.com
  
  Miller began operation in 1929, selling welders in northeastern Wisconsin. By 2010, Miller has grown to the world's largest manufacturer of arc welding and cutting equipment. Providing more than simply welding machines, Miller offers many informational and educational resources in order to aid both professional and hobby welders in the proper welding technique.
  
  

Preparing a Weld Joint

• Miller recommends that all weld joint areas be cleaned properly before welding in order to achieve a strong weld. Remove all paint, dirt, debris, oil and grease from the joint area. Clean all filler metals. If the pieces of metal remain unstable, use clamps to secure and support the work pieces together. Short 1/4 inch welds, called tacks, help hold the piece together for the final welding process.
  
  

Proper Arc Starting

• When welding using a tungsten inert gas (TIG) process, start with the smallest diameter of tungsten possible and 100 percent argon shielding gas. High-quality tungsten, a quality torch and clean work leads will improve the starting arc. Miller recommends using a DC-straight polarity and a 2 percent thoriated tungsten when welding steel and stainless steel.
  
  

Shielding Gasses

• According to Miller, the proper shielding gas affects the penetration pattern for steel. CO2 penetrates deeply, providing a good weld on thick steels. However, a 75 percent argon and 25 percent CO2 shielding mix is recommended for thinner steel, as it features less penetration. Pure argon provides the appropriate penetration depth for aluminum. When welding stainless steels, triple mixes of helium, argon and CO2 are recommended.
  
  

Increased MIG Penetration

• Applications requiring increased metal inert gas (MIG) penetration and narrower beads benefit from a drag or pull gun technique. When dragging, the electrode is positioned at a 10 degree angle pointing back into the bead. For a wider and less penetrative weld, use a push technique by angling the electrode at a 10 degree position pointing ahead of the bead.
  
  

SMAW Starting Techniques

• When using a shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) process, also known as stick welding, Miller outlines two techniques for starting the arc. When scratch starting, simply drag the electrode across the workpiece like striking a match. Then lift the electrode slightly. To tap start, bring the electrode directly down to the metal and lift slightly. Under both techniques, if the arc goes out, the electrode was lifted too high off the metal. When an electrode sticks during arc starting, a quick twist will free it.
  
  

Steel Resistance Welding

• The only Miller-recommended applications for resistance spot welding include steel and stainless projects. Resistance units without heat controls may be managed by controlling the tong length. The shorter the tongs used, the increased amperage output and produced heat. Gaps between metal pieces should be as minimal as possible to increase the strength of the weld. Miller advises spot welders clean tips on a regular basis in order to maintain amperage.