The Basics of MIG Welders and How To Use Them

MIG, or metal inert gas, welding is a process in which an electrical arc is used to bond or join to pieces of metal. This is done by creating and electrical arc between the metal being worked on and a wire electrode. The arc heats the metal causing it to melt and become the bonding agent. The process is kept free of air contaminants via a shielding gas which is fed through a welding gun alongside the wire electrode.

MIG welding, sometimes referred to as gas metal arc welding or GNAW, was originally invested in the 1940’s. It’s versatility, speed, and ability to be robotically performed has prompted it to become the most commonly utilized global industrial welding application for non-ferrous metals, including aluminum, to date.

MIG welder components:

Standard MIG welders include a power cable and control switch, contact tip, gas nozzle, gas hose, and electrode conduit.

The control switch activates the welder via power from the cable which then initiates the wire feed and the flow of shielding gas resulting in an electrical arc. Electrical energy is then sent to the electrode welding area via the contact tip, which is commonly made of copper.



NOTE: For welding supplies and other tools, view the complete line of Gasweld professional power tools here.

It is necessary for the weld target to be appropriately sized and well-secured to maintain electrical contact as the welder is draw past to obtain a quality weld. Larger weld areas can be accommodated by increasing the flow of shielding gas by choosing a larger nozzle.

Shielding gas:

Shielding gas is required to prevent nitrogen, oxygen and other atmospheric gases and/or fusion defects from coming in contact with the welding metal interrupting the electrical arc of the electrode.

The type of shielding gas employed varies by the type of material or metal being welded and the process being used to do so. For nonferrous metals, the pure inert gases Argon mixed with helium, nitrogen, hydrogen, or oxygen. Pure carbon dioxide is another option well-known for its deep penetrating weld properties, but is also sometimes avoided as it can encourage the formation of oxides which have an effect on the weld’s mechanical properties. Argon and helium mixtures are often implemented for non-ferrous metals, and hydrogen is frequently mixed with Argon in small doses to weld thicker surfaces such as stainless stell or nickel.

Welding safe:

Appropriate safety attire including leather of Kevlar gloves, protective leg wear, and long-sleeved jackets should all be used when operating a MIG welder as an electrical arc is involved, though all forms of welding carry individual safety risks. In addition to the typical protective clothing, eye protection is especially vital to welders as ultraviolet light created by the welding process can permenantly damage the cornea of the eye or cause inflammation. This condition is known as ‘arc eye’.

Visit the following site if your are looking for Lincoln welding supplies:

http://www.gasweld.com.au/brands/lincoln

Your Must-Have DIY Makita Power Tools

The home handyman or woman needs a variety of power tools at hand in order to perform home building and home maintenance tasks. Some tools are necessary for pretty much every job, while others are more specialised and may not be necessary for every do-it-yourselfer. One of the best brands to use is Makita, and with it you can apply the principles below:

The Basics

Not surprisingly, a power drill comes first for anyone interested in DIY work around the home. A good quality drill can fulfil a multitude of tasks from simple repairs to more complex building projects. A power saw is another great tool for the home handyman to have. A saw and drill are essential for anyone who wants to tackle simple building tasks. These, plus the standard hand held tools that are found in most households, will get you by, but for the serious DIYer, your projects can be made easier by adding some other items to your power tool arsenal.

Other Useful Power Tool Additions

For someone who does a lot of nailing, a nail gun which is designed to make any nailing jobs simple and accurate (with no more hammered fingers)is a great addition to the power toolkit.

Planing and sanding are also made easier and a lot less tiring with power tools than sanding and planing by hand. A power sander can be used for a multitude of tasks around the home, from sanding walls that need painting, to finishing off carpentry and restoring furniture.

Angle grinders and routers are other devices commonly used by DIYers who need to perform more intricate tasks. For those who tackle complex DIY projects, these should be added to their power tool shopping list.

Tools for Finishing the Job

For those looking to do a lot of painting, a power paint sprayer can save a lot of time and effort and give a professional finish to every painting job and in and around the home. A good paint sprayer can utilise a number of different types of paints and finishes, for whatever needs to be done around the home.

For someone just starting out in DIY, it’s a good idea to get the basics. Quite often those new to doing their own home maintenance won’t know what they need until they need it, so sometimes it’s a great idea to just get going and see what you need along the way!

One thing not to compromise on though is quality. Your power tools should be viewed as investments – they will be with you for years. Visit http://www.gasweld.com.au/brands/makita

NOTE: For power tools, as well as air tools and equipment, visit the Gasweld Tool Center.

Makita Tools - For Every Home Maintenance Job

Makita are well known for their quality tools, and most homes occupied by a tradie or handyman or woman will have one or more Makita product in the shed. Makita have power tools for just about every building project or DIY application in and around the home.

The Range of Makita Drills

Makita drills are one of their most popular tools, from light cordless drills, to heavier drills used in more industrial applications. The average home DIYer will find power tools and drills is a necessary part of their kit, bearing in mind that there are several types of Makita drill available. There are basic electric drills, variable speed drills, high speed drills, torque drills and angle drills. Obviously, it’s important to consider the applications the drill will be used for when purchasing. Not surprisingly, most tradies, and more experienced home handymen will have more than one drill in their collection.

Makita Saws for Every Application

Makita makes a variety of types of saw, from circular saws to table saws and jigsaws. Those who do a great deal of home carpentry will often have more than one type of power saw, and with good reason. Their applications are all quite different, with some designed to cut large pieces of wood, and others designed for more delicate work. Makita also sell compound mitre saws and slide compound saws, which can definitely be useful around the home.

Makita Planers, Trimmers and Routers

Other tools which are necessary for home carpentry work are planers, routers and trimmers. Not all will be needed for every wood working job around the home, but a basic powered planer and router are certainly key components of many home workshops.

Makita Sanders and Polishers

Makita also sell a great range of sanders and polishers which are useful for those who do a lot of woodwork or timber preparation. Orbital sanders and disc sanders can also be used for preparing surfaces for painting, which is a necessary maintenance job in most homes.

The Makita Multi Tool

Multi tools have become very popular with the home do-it-yourselfer over the past few years, and with good reason. They have a variety of uses around the home and can multitask very effectively. The multi tool allows you to set the blade at 12 different angles (every 30 degrees), and has a variable speed dial. It’s compatible with all oscillating interface system accessories, and has an ergonomic grip for easy, comfortable use.

The Makita range of tools is extremely extensive, so there really is a tool for every application (and some tools for a number of applications). Anyone looking to do home maintenance work, or a bit of extra DIY building in and around the home should consider building their kit from the basics to those tools that are needed for more complex work.

Starting with Makita tools basics means that most applications around the home are covered, and the kit can be extended when necessary.

Karcher Pressure Washers: World Market Leaders

Pressure washers are powerful cleaning tools using the removal action of high pressure water delivered at cold or hot temperatures. The pressure washer market is driven by cutting technology which continues to evolve. Leading the market is the wide range of models of Karcher pressure washers.

History Of Karcher Pressure Washers

Karcher pressure cleaners are the brainchildren of world renowned creator Alfred Karcher, the individual who developed the first European hot-water pressure washer. Over the years, Karcher developed other cleaning devices although his main focus remained on high-pressure cleaners. Karcher later introduced the first portable pressure washer, followed by other innovations in indoor cleaning devices such as steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners for household use. Through continuous development and innovation, Karcher pressure cleaners have remained the leaders in the cleaning technology industry.

High Pressure Cleaners

Karcher pressure cleaners are used in a wide range of situations that require thorough and safe cleaning. From crafts and trades through to agriculture and industry, Karcher products are able to meet various cleaning requirements. Karcher specialises in cleaning large areas quickly and completely with minimal downtime, ideally used for businesses.

Cold water pressure cleaners are used for cleaning vehicles, machines, buildings and structures on a daily basis. These devices use high pressure and high flow rate to remove dirt from large areas. Karcher cold water pressure cleaners are available as compact class, medium duty and super class equipment types.

Compact class models are lightweight yet powerful. They can weigh as light as 19kg and are indicated by the letter ‘C’ appearing after the model number. Medium duty cleaners are indicated by the letter ‘M’ and provide higher maximum pressures. They are heavier than their compact versions. For tough and continuous operation of cleaning equipment, the Super Class series which are indicated by the ‘S’ in the model number, are the heaviest and largest among the Karcher pressure cleaners. They operate at the highest flow rate and water pressure and are best suited for cleaning requirements that call for the highest performance.

Hot water pressure cleaners use oil, gas or electricity to heat water before it is sprayed at the targeted surface. Karcher hot water pressure cleaners are equipped with a chamber for the cleaning agent in order to provide a quick and thorough clean of dirt containing fats and oils. The hot water Karcher pressure cleaners also come in compact class, medium class and Super class series. Selecting the best equipment for your needs can ensure quick and efficient dirt removal to the satisfaction of clients.

To see a complete line of Karcher items, visit the website of Gasweld Discount Tools:

http://www.gasweld.com.au