VIPER™ 185: Gasless MIG Welding Guide

In this video, we set up the VIPER 185 for gasless 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

Starting off, the earth lead will go into the positive panel-mount socket, while the polarity cable goes into the negative panel mount socket. The MIG torch goes into the euro connection which makes our setup DC Electrode Negative (DCEN).

 STEP 2: ROLLERS

We need an “F” groove roller for gasless MIG 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 ‘F’ groove roller and screw back retaining cap.

STEP3: 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 4: 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.

STEP 5: 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.