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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.
== Status ==
== Status ==