Mig 175 - what do the switches do?

[Longman]

Hi,

I got given a 175A mig welder. The controls on the front consist of an on/off toggle switch, a min/max toggle, a 1/2 toggle and a variable wire speed controller. Can someone explain what the min/max and 1/2 switches do please? I intend to weld thin-ish metal such as car panels. Most migs have a chart inside for various settings, this one does not.

Thank you.

 

[Longman]

Thanks. I guess I will have a play and see. Cheers.

 

[marlinspike]

The manuals are often online in pdf format if you Google your model, though you might have to trawl through a few pages.

I would get some thick metal, say 3mm, and practise on that until you get the hang of the settings.

 

[octo0072000]

with only 4 power settings i doubt it will go low enough for car panel work
a picture of the mig also the data plate on the back would be good idea for starters

 

[harryb94]

with only 4 power settings i doubt it will go low enough for car panel work
a picture of the mig also the data plate on the back would be good idea for starters

My first welder was a sealy 150 amp with only 4 settings and I managed for car body work, just have to use the multiple tack technique to avoid blowing through

 

[wortgames]

If there are any lines drawn between the switch settings these are also a clue - there's probably a high range and a low range, and then subsequent high or low options within one or both of those ranges, etc.

 

[Chris Stevens]

If you are buying a MIG specifically for car bodywork, then its well worth while trying to get hold of something with a wire feed pulse feature on it. I can easily weld material under 1mm with my Kemppi, and its simply a matter of setting up on some scrap material the same thickness as that you want to weld, and pulling the trigger.