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Beginner MIG Welding

4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Based on 196 ratings
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Josh Maynard

Join this course to learn MIG Welding and how to operate a MIG welding machine and gas regulators. This course will introduce you to the welding industry with goal of teaching you how to MIG weld. In addition to welding you will also learn welding machine set up and operation, shop safety, MIG welding on all joint types (bead on plate, t-joint, lap joint, butt joint, outside corner joint, tube notch joint), and lastly a bonus on how to Troubleshoot your welds. When first starting to weld it can seem overwhelming and this course is designed to be precise and relatable. No big fancy machines or shops just a simple MIG welder similar to most home kept machines and can easily be understood.

Read more

Join this course to learn MIG Welding and how to operate a MIG welding machine and gas regulators. This course will introduce you to the welding industry with goal of teaching you how to MIG weld. In addition to welding you will also learn welding machine set up and operation, shop safety, MIG welding on all joint types (bead on plate, t-joint, lap joint, butt joint, outside corner joint, tube notch joint), and lastly a bonus on how to Troubleshoot your welds. When first starting to weld it can seem overwhelming and this course is designed to be precise and relatable. No big fancy machines or shops just a simple MIG welder similar to most home kept machines and can easily be understood.

This course is meant to introduce you to the welding machine and process so you can safely and correctly learn how to MIG weld. MIG welding is great for all your DIY building needs. If your looking for a fun hobby, great career path, or just want to get some projects done then this course will get you one step closer.

This course is just the beginning of the welding journey and I’m constantly working to better my courses as well as student experience.

After taking this course expect to know 1. How to operate a MIG welding machine

2. How change wire on MIG machine

3. How to assemble MIG welding Gun

4. How to transport MIG cylinders

5. How to set Gas CFH Flow

6. How to Weld different joint types 

7. How to Troubleshoot your Welds

More.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Students will learn the set up and operation of mig welding machine
  • Basic shop safety
  • Safely operate welding equiptment
  • Become proficient at mig welding
  • Gain confidence in their work
  • Troubleshoot mig welding

Syllabus

Get excited to become a Great Welder.
Introduction Video

My name is Josh Maynard I am your course instructor, I have been working in the Welding and Fabrication industry for almost 7 years now and am very passionate about welding, so I have set out to teach others who want to learn this Amazing Skill. As  currently work as a production welder, I get tons of "Hood" time and have gotten my welding techniques better and better to the point where I'm confident I could teach you to master this skill.

In this course I'm going to teach you the ins and outs as well as the tricks and techniques I have learned in my last 6 years as a welder and fabricator. We will be covering all basic knowledge in Metallurgy, Safety, Welding Hood Operation, MIG Welding Machine Complete Set Up, Weld Troubleshooting and MIG Welding Techniques to Weld all the Major Joint Types.

As well as all of the video content you get full access to my Blog Anonymousfab.com and our Facebook group where you can share your progress, ask questions and get all the help you need.

I look forward to seeing you in one of my courses and Hope you can chat with me when you need it!


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Safety Equipment PPE

-Steel Toe Boots

-Safety Glasses

-Respirator

-Ear Plugs

-Welding Hood

-Gloves

-Sleeves or Jacket

-Jeans

Wire Speed

Amperage

Gas Flow

First Step

-Turn off welder and shielding gas

-Open welder to expose wire feed area

-Release Tensioner on leftover wire

-Unbolt and remove Wire Spool

-Use Welpers to Pull existing wire out of Gun and Lead

-Carefully insert new wire spool and be sure the wire is pulling over or under depending on your MIG Machine. 

-Once new spool is secure feed wire through eyelets and clamp back the tensioner

-Once Spool and tensioner are secure Turn on the WELDER only and crank up the Wire Speed an pull the trigger

-Wire will come out the gun and you can now Turn your GAS back on and return the wire speed back down to your required speed.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on MIG welding with simple machines, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists looking to get started with welding projects at home
Covers essential safety practices and proper equipment use, care, and storage, which are crucial for beginners entering the welding field
Explains how to troubleshoot MIG welds and understand the sounds, which can help learners develop a deeper understanding of the welding process
Teaches MIG welding techniques for various joint types, including T-joints, butt joints, lap joints, and outside corner joints, providing a solid foundation for practical application
Requires steel-toe boots, safety glasses, a respirator, ear plugs, a welding hood, gloves, sleeves or a jacket, and jeans, which may pose a barrier to some students
Instructor shares access to a blog and Facebook group, which may provide additional support and resources for students to share progress and ask questions

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Reviews summary

Practical beginner mig welding and safety

According to learners, this course is an excellent starting point for anyone new to MIG welding, including hobbyists and those exploring a career. Students praise the knowledgeable and clear instructor, Josh Maynard, who makes learning accessible even with simple home-kept machines. The course provides a solid foundation covering essential safety practices, machine setup and operation, and basic welding techniques for various joints. The troubleshooting section is also highlighted as particularly helpful. Reviewers consistently mention that the course builds confidence and is easy to follow and practical. While it focuses primarily on beginner content, learners find it comprehensive for its stated purpose.
Primarily covers beginner topics, less on advanced.
"This course is excellent for beginners, but doesn't delve into more advanced techniques or materials."
"While it covers the fundamentals perfectly, I would love to see a follow-up course with more complex welds."
"Great starting point, but you'll need more training for professional-level skills."
Includes a valuable section on troubleshooting issues.
"The bonus section on troubleshooting welds was incredibly helpful."
"Understanding what sounds mean and how to fix common problems is a great skill the course teaches."
"The troubleshooting part is very practical for when things don't go perfectly."
"I found the section on troubleshooting very useful; it’s information you need when learning."
"Learning to troubleshoot my welds will save me a lot of frustration."
Demonstrations use basic, relatable welding machines.
"Appreciated that the course used a simple MIG welder similar to ones people might have at home."
"No big fancy machines, just practical demonstrations with relatable equipment."
"Using simple tools made the concepts feel very accessible."
"It's great that the demos don't require expensive, professional-grade machines."
Helps beginners feel confident in their skills.
"This course really boosted my confidence to try MIG welding myself."
"I feel much more confident operating my welder after taking this course."
"Gained the confidence needed to start practicing and tackling small projects."
"It definitely helps you gain confidence in your work as a beginner."
"After this course, I feel confident enough to make my first welds."
Provides an excellent base for further learning/practice.
"This course is an excellent starting point for someone with zero experience like me."
"It gives you a solid foundation in MIG welding to build upon."
"Perfect introduction to welding for DIY projects or exploring a new skill."
"This course is just the beginning of the welding journey and I’m constantly working to better my courses as well as student experience."
"Provided me with the foundational knowledge to confidently start welding."
Instructor is clear, knowledgeable, and passionate.
"Josh is a fantastic instructor who breaks down complex topics and clearly shows how to set up and use the MIG welder."
"The instructor is clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about welding, which made the course very engaging."
"Josh Maynard's instructional style is superb! He's clear, concise, and passionate about teaching, making complex concepts easy to grasp."
"The instructor is very knowledgeable and easy to understand, providing clear instructions for beginners."
"I feel confident in my ability to set up and use a MIG welder thanks to the instructor's clear guidance."
"The instructor explained everything perfectly and made it very easy to follow along."
Focuses on basic techniques and joints for beginners.
"The lessons on bead on plate and different joint types were very practical and easy to replicate."
"I learned the basic techniques needed to start welding and practice on simple joints."
"Understanding the art of the arc and how to create a weld bead was explained well."
"Covers all the basic joints - t-joint, lap, butt, outside corner - which is exactly what I needed to start."
"The techniques demonstrated were clear and applicable using standard equipment."
Thoroughly covers essential safety and machine setup.
"The focus on safety first is crucial for beginners and was covered very well."
"I now understand how to properly set up my machine and handle the gas cylinders safely."
"The course provides a very detailed guide on safety equipment and machine setup, which is essential."
"Learning the correct way to set up the welder and change the wire/gas was invaluable."
"Safety and machine operation were covered in a very clear and detailed manner, making me feel prepared."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Beginner MIG Welding with these activities:
Review Basic Metallurgy Concepts
Reviewing basic metallurgy concepts will provide a stronger foundation for understanding how different metals behave during the welding process, leading to better weld quality.
Show steps
  • Read articles or watch videos on steel composition and properties.
  • Review the effects of heat on different metals.
  • Take a short quiz to test your understanding.
Read 'Welding Principles and Applications'
Reading this book will provide a deeper understanding of welding principles and techniques, supplementing the course material and enhancing your welding skills.
View Welding: Principles and Applications on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the chapters related to MIG welding and safety.
  • Take notes on key concepts and techniques.
  • Practice the techniques described in the book.
Practice Bead on Plate Welding
Practicing bead on plate welding will help you develop muscle memory and improve your welding technique, leading to more consistent and higher-quality welds.
Show steps
  • Set up your MIG welder according to the course instructions.
  • Practice running beads on a steel plate, focusing on consistency.
  • Adjust your settings as needed to achieve the desired bead profile.
  • Inspect your welds for defects and make adjustments accordingly.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Explore 'Modern Welding'
Exploring this book will broaden your understanding of welding processes and techniques, preparing you for more advanced welding projects and career opportunities.
View Modern Welding on Amazon
Show steps
  • Browse the chapters related to advanced MIG welding techniques.
  • Read about different welding codes and standards.
  • Research career opportunities in the welding industry.
Document Your Welding Projects
Documenting your welding projects will help you track your progress, identify areas for improvement, and build a portfolio of your work.
Show steps
  • Take photos or videos of your welding projects.
  • Write a brief description of each project, including the materials used and the techniques employed.
  • Reflect on what you learned from each project and identify areas for improvement.
Watch Advanced MIG Welding Tutorials
Following advanced MIG welding tutorials will expose you to more complex techniques and applications, helping you refine your skills and expand your welding capabilities.
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on specific MIG welding techniques, such as pulsed MIG or aluminum MIG welding.
  • Watch the tutorials carefully, paying attention to the settings and techniques used.
  • Practice the techniques demonstrated in the tutorials.
Build a Simple Welding Project
Starting a simple welding project will allow you to apply the skills and knowledge you've learned in the course to a real-world application, reinforcing your understanding and building your confidence.
Show steps
  • Choose a simple welding project, such as a small table or a metal stand.
  • Gather the necessary materials and tools.
  • Follow a plan or design to build your project.
  • Weld the pieces together, using the techniques you've learned in the course.
  • Inspect your welds and make any necessary repairs.

Career center

Learners who complete Beginner MIG Welding will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Welder
A welder uses heat to fuse metal parts together. This course is designed to teach you how to MIG weld. You'll learn about welding machine set up and operation, shop safety, and MIG welding on all joint types. The course emphasizes understanding the art of the arc and how to create a weld bead. Knowing how to operate a MIG welding machine, change wire, assemble a gun, and set gas flow are directly applicable to the day-to-day tasks of a welder. Learning to troubleshoot welds will enable a welder to quickly identify and fix issues on the job.
See salaries and explore the career path for Welder
Metal Artist
A metal artist creates sculptures and other artistic pieces using various metalworking techniques, including welding. This course provides a foundation in MIG welding, which is frequently used in metal art. You will learn machine setup, operation, and safety. Additionally, the course's guide to various joint types enables you to construct complex artistic structures. The discussion of troubleshooting gives you the skills to identify and resolve imperfections. The use of common home-kept machines encourages artists to experiment with welding at home.
See salaries and explore the career path for Metal Artist
Motorcycle Mechanic
A motorcycle mechanic repairs and maintains motorcycles, often using welding to fix frames and exhaust systems. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, enabling motorcycle mechanics to weld metal components together securely. The course will teach you how to set up and safely operate a welding machine, as well as how to weld various joint types. A motorcycle mechanic will find the course particularly useful because it teaches the operator how to set up and operate a MIG machine, as well as maintain a safe work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Motorcycle Mechanic
Fabricator
A fabricator constructs metal products by cutting, bending, and assembling processes, often including welding. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, as well as machine setup, operation, and troubleshooting. The course's coverage of various joint types, such as t-joints and butt joints, is essential for fabricators who need to construct complex structures. A fabricator will find the course particularly useful because it teaches the operator how to set up and operate a MIG machine, as well as maintain a safe work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Fabricator
Race Car Fabricator
A race car fabricator builds and modifies race cars, often using welding to create custom chassis and roll cages. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, enabling race car fabricators to weld metal components together securely. The course will teach you how to set up and safely operate a welding machine, as well as how to weld various joint types. A race car fabricator will find the course particularly useful because it teaches the operator how to set up and operate a MIG machine, as well as maintain a safe work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Race Car Fabricator
Shipfitter
A shipfitter fabricates and assembles metal components for ships and other marine vessels, often using welding to join sections of the hull. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, enabling shipfitters to weld metal components together securely. The course will teach you how to set up and safely operate a welding machine, as well as how to weld various joint types. A shipfitter will find the course particularly useful because it teaches the operator how to set up and operate a MIG machine, as well as maintain a safe work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Shipfitter
Structural Steelworker
A structural steelworker fabricates, assembles, and erects steel frameworks for buildings and other structures, often using welding to join components. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, enabling structural steelworkers to weld steel components together securely. The course will teach you how to set up and safely operate a welding machine, as well as how to weld various joint types. A structural steelworker will find the course particularly useful because it teaches the operator how to set up and operate a MIG machine, as well as maintain a safe work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Structural Steelworker
Pipefitter
A pipefitter installs and repairs piping systems that carry liquids, gases, and chemicals, often using welding to join pipes. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, enabling pipefitters to weld pipes together securely. The course will teach you how to set up and safely operate a welding machine, as well as how to weld various joint types. Learning to troubleshoot welds is also essential for ensuring the integrity of piping systems. A pipefitter will find the course particularly useful because it teaches the operator how to set up and operate a MIG machine, as well as maintain a safe work environment.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pipefitter
Agricultural Mechanic
An agricultural mechanic repairs and maintains farm equipment and machinery, often using welding for repairs. This course provides a solid foundation in MIG welding, enabling agricultural mechanics to fix broken equipment. The course will teach you how to set up and safely operate a welding machine, as well as how to weld various joint types. Learning to troubleshoot welds is also essential for quickly repairing equipment in the field. This will make you a more effective agricultural mechanic.
See salaries and explore the career path for Agricultural Mechanic
Welding Inspector
A welding inspector ensures that welds meet specific quality standards and codes. While this role often requires prior experience as a welder, a background such as that offered in this course can open doors to learning more about welding. This course on MIG welding gives insight into common welding techniques and potential issues, such as weld defects. Understanding machine setup, operation, and troubleshooting will all contribute to a better understanding of the welding process as a whole. Learning about the various joint types helps a welding inspector better evaluate their structural integrity.
See salaries and explore the career path for Welding Inspector
Maintenance Technician
A maintenance technician ensures equipment and machinery are in good working order, often requiring basic welding skills for repairs. If you are a maintenance technician who wants to expand your skills, then this course is for you. You'll learn MIG welding techniques, machine operation, and troubleshooting, enabling you to perform welding repairs on various types of equipment. The instruction on shop safety is especially important for maintenance technicians working in diverse environments. The course's accessible approach, using common home-kept machines, makes it easy for technicians with limited experience to get started with welding repairs.
See salaries and explore the career path for Maintenance Technician
Ironworker
An ironworker erects the iron and steel framework of buildings, bridges, and other structures and they frequently use welding. Taking a course on MIG welding will allow one to excel in the field. Through this course, you'll gain proficiency in MIG welding, including setting up equipment, understanding safety protocols, and mastering various joint types. The course's emphasis on welding techniques will provide a good foundation for performing structural welds effectively. Furthermore, the course teaches one how to troubleshoot welds.
See salaries and explore the career path for Ironworker
Automotive Technician
An automotive technician inspects, maintains, and repairs automobiles and trucks, including welding for exhaust systems and body work. This course may be helpful for automotive technicians who want to learn MIG welding. It covers essential skills like machine setup, safety, and welding techniques for different joint types. The troubleshooting segment is particularly valuable for diagnosing and fixing welding-related issues during auto repairs. The course's focus on accessible, home-kept machines makes it easy for automotive technicians to apply their learning in a shop setting.
See salaries and explore the career path for Automotive Technician
Robotics Technician
A robotics technician assembles, tests, and maintains robotic systems. Welding may be required for repairs and modifications to robot frames or structures. This course may be useful for robotics technicians who want to acquire MIG welding skills. The course offers instruction in machine operation, safety, and welding on various joint types. The focus on troubleshooting is beneficial for quickly resolving welding-related issues during robotic system repairs. Learning about wire changes and gas flow can provide valuable insight.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Technician
HVAC Technician
An HVAC technician installs, maintains, and repairs heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. Welding may be required for ductwork and pipefitting. This course may be helpful to HVAC technicians who want to learn MIG welding. It covers essential skills like machine setup, safety, and welding techniques for different joint types. The troubleshooting segment can be useful for diagnosing and fixing welding-related issues during system repairs. The course's coverage of various techniques can be helpful for installing and maintaining HVAC systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for HVAC Technician

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Beginner MIG Welding.
Welding: Principles and Applications
Save
Comprehensive guide to welding, covering various welding processes, metallurgy, and safety practices. It serves as an excellent reference for understanding the underlying principles of MIG welding and troubleshooting common issues. It is commonly used as a textbook in welding programs and provides in-depth explanations of welding techniques.
Welding: Principles and Applications
Hardcover
$$$$
Cover image
Modern Welding
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of various welding processes, including MIG welding. It covers advanced techniques, troubleshooting, and quality control. It valuable resource for expanding your knowledge beyond the basics covered in the course and preparing for more advanced welding projects. This book is commonly used by industry professionals.
Modern Welding
Hardcover
$$$$
Modern Welding
Hardcover
$$$
Modern Welding
Paperback
$$
Modern Welding
Hardcover
$$$$
Modern Welding
Hardcover
$$$
Modern Welding - Complete Coverage of the Welding...
Hardcover
$$$$
Laboratory Manual for Modern Welding
Paperback
$$
Modern Welding: Complete Coverage of the Welding...
Paperback
$$$
Laboratory Manual for Modern Welding by Andrew D....
Paperback
$$$$
Modern Welding by Carl H. Turnquist (1996-10-01)
Hardcover
$$$$

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Course image
Rating
4.2 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
1 total hour
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Josh Maynard
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on MIG welding with simple machines, making it accessible for DIY enthusiasts and hobbyists looking to get started with welding projects at home
Covers essential safety practices and proper equipment use, care, and storage, which are crucial for beginners entering the welding field
Explains how to troubleshoot MIG welds and understand the sounds, which can help learners develop a deeper understanding of the welding process
Teaches MIG welding techniques for various joint types, including T-joints, butt joints, lap joints, and outside corner joints, providing a solid foundation for practical application
Requires steel-toe boots, safety glasses, a respirator, ear plugs, a welding hood, gloves, sleeves or a jacket, and jeans, which may pose a barrier to some students
Instructor shares access to a blog and Facebook group, which may provide additional support and resources for students to share progress and ask questions
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