Depending on what brand, model and version of mig welding machine you have it
might also have extra welding function modes that you can use.
For example my older style machine has three modes of operation that you can select to use.
The most common one, and the one that 95% of people on this website will need to use it the "continuous"
setting.
Continuous mig welding machine setting
This setting when enabled will allow you to weld 100% of the time whilst you have your finger pressed on the
trigger. When you release the trigger the welding stops.
Stitch welding setting
The stitch welding setting on a mig welding machine works by
running off a time limit. On the front of the machine there should be a knob or a dial which you can
adjust. Turning this dial one way or the other will either increase or the decrease the delay or the time
you are welding for. So when you pull the trigger it will weld for arguments sake for five seconds. Then
when you still have your finger depressed on the trigger it will automatically stop welding for a few
seconds and then start welding again.
So where or what would you need this function for? The stitch welding function is very useful for semi
automated welding applications. You would use this setting in a semi-automatic welding tractor such as the
Koike Weld Handy device. A welding machine like this will hold the welding torch and slowly crawl along where
it has to weld. In this situation if you are welding up long runs and lengths of metal you might not want a
full length weld. So by using this setting you can adjust how long a length of stitch weld you need.
Spot welding on a mig welder
You can actually spot weld with a mig welding machine if you use
the appropriate spot welding nozzle. This setting is very similar to the stitch welding setting in that
you can adjust the time for how long the power stays on when you pull the trigger. So rather than having
to pull the trigger and count one or two seconds, you can accurately time how long the power will be
applied to the job.
Just remember that on a lot of the smaller DIY type mig welding machines you may
not have these extra welding functions.
The stitch welding setting on a mig welding machine works by
running off a time limit. On the front of the machine there should be a knob or a dial which you can
adjust. Turning this dial one way or the other will either increase or the decrease the delay or the time
you are welding for. So when you pull the trigger it will weld for arguments sake for five seconds. Then
when you still have your finger depressed on the trigger it will automatically stop welding for a few
seconds and then start welding again.
You can actually spot weld with a mig welding machine if you use
the appropriate spot welding nozzle. This setting is very similar to the stitch welding setting in that
you can adjust the time for how long the power stays on when you pull the trigger. So rather than having
to pull the trigger and count one or two seconds, you can accurately time how long the power will be
applied to the job.