VIPER™ 185: Gas-shielded MIG Welding Guide

In this video, we explain how to set up the VIPER 185 for gas-shielded MIG Welding. First of all, plug the machine into a 10 AMP powerpoint and organise the suitable PPE (Welding Jacket, Mig Gloves, Welding Helmet)

STEP 1 – POLARITY

The earth lead goes into the negative panel-mount socket while the polarity cable goes into the positive panel-mount socket. The torch goes into the euro connection which makes the setup DC electrode positive (DCEP).

STEP 2 – GAS CONNECTION

It’s now time to connect the gas hose to the gas inlet on the back of the machine and crimp it tight using a hose clamp. Insert the regulator tail into the other end of the gas hose and crimp using a hose clamp.

Now we connect our Argon regulator to the gas bottle and tighten using a spanner. The gas used in our video is Argon-CO2 mixture, ideal for MIG welding mild steel. Next step is to attach the other end of the gas hose to the regulator and tighten once again with a spanner.

STEP 3 – DRIVE ROLLERS

In our setup video, we are using a “V” groove roller for solid wire. Since we are using 0.8mm wire, we’ll need a 0.8mm roller. To change a roller, unscrew the retaining cap, take off the existing roller, replace with ‘V’ groove roller and screw back retaining cap.

STEP 4 – INSTALLING THE WIRE

First, remove the spool retaining nut. This machine will take a 5kg spool or a 1kg spool. Mount the spool onto the spool holder making sure the location holes match the spool locator then replace the nut and tighten.

For 1kg spools, remove the 5kg spool adaptor, slide on the 1kg spool and re-attach nut and spring.

STEP 5 – FEEDING THE WIRE

Feed the wire through the inlet guide on top of the roller and into the guide tube, secure the top arm with the tensioner and tighten just enough so the wire feeds through.

Now you’re ready to feed the wire. Remove the front end torch consumables so the wire feeds through smoothly and feed the wire using the inch button. Replace your tip and shroud on the front end of the torch, not forgetting to cut the excess wire sticking out.

STEP6 – MIG WELDING

Now it’s time to set your burn back (burn back dictates how far your wire will stick out once you’ve finished your weld). We recommend setting the dial around halfway. Also, set your spool gun/standard MIG switch to standard and the selector switch on the front panel to MIG.

There is a general guide on the inside of the machine for setting your Wirespeed and Voltage, depending on the thickness of metal to be welded.

Now that you have set your parameters, it’s time to turn your gas on to around 10-12L per minute and attach the earth clamp to your workpiece. You are now ready to weld.