MIG Welders – High-Quality Welding Equipment
At Xtreme Plasma in Gloucester we stock a great range of MIG welding machines as well as all the supplies and consumables that you need to go with them. From inverters and torch consumables to wire, gas, and other accessories, we have everything you need to complete your next big welding project.
Top Brands We Offer
Find the Perfect MIG Welder
Explore our wide selection of MIG products, whether you’re a beginner or a professional looking for high performance
Hobby MIG Welders
A beginner’s machine is a user-friendly, often smaller and more affordable machine designed for simple welding tasks and learning the basics of the MIG welding process.
SIP MIG Welders
SIP welders are reliable, user-friendly machines designed for efficient and precise welding, offering versatile performance for both professional and DIY applications.
Parweld Professional-Industrial MIG Welders
Parweld welders are high-quality, durable machines that deliver smooth, consistent welds, making them ideal for both professional workshops and home use.
GYS Professional-Industrial MIG Welders
GYS MIGs are innovative, robust machines known for their precision and versatility, providing excellent performance for a wide range of welding applications.
Mig Welding Consumables
Stock up on essential MIG welding consumables like shielding gas and welding wire to keep your welder running smoothly and producing quality welds.
Mig Wire
MIG welding wire is a consumable electrode fed continuously through the welding gun, creating an arc and filler metal to join workpieces. A steady wire feed speed and a dependable wire feeder are key to maintaining performance.
R-Tech Welding
R-Tech Welding has released new MIG 181 and TIG Easyset machines, now available at Xtreme Plasma’s Trade Counter, offering enhanced features for various welding needs. These new models aim to provide improved performance and reliability for both professional and hobbyist welders.
Best Sellers
GYS in Action
GYS MIG welders offer a range of options, from easy-to-use machines for hobbyists to powerful, advanced models for industrial use. They are known for their quality construction, innovative features like synergic control, and suitability for various applications from automotive repair to heavy fabrication.
All You Need to Know About MIG Welders
What is a MIG welder used for?
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a versatile and widely used welding process.1 It employs a continuous consumable wire electrode from a wire feeder and a shielding gas to create an arc that melts and joins metal workpieces. 2 MIG welding is known for its speed, ease of use, and ability to weld a variety of metals and thickness of materials, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. 3 It finds applications in various industries, such as automotive, construction, manufacturing, and repair, for tasks ranging from fabricating structural components to repairing machinery and creating artistic metalwork.
Can you weld stainless steel with a MIG welder?
Yes, you can absolutely weld stainless steel with a MIG welder. However, it’s not quite as straightforward as welding mild steel. Stainless steel has different properties that require some adjustments to your technique and equipment. You’ll need to use a specific type of stainless steel MIG wire that matches the grade of stainless you’re working with, and you’ll also need a shielding gas that’s designed for stainless steel, typically a tri-mix of helium, argon, and carbon dioxide. Additionally, stainless steel is more susceptible to heat distortion, so you’ll need to control your heat input carefully and potentially use techniques like pulsed MIG welding to minimize this. With the right setup and technique, MIG welding can be a very effective way to join stainless steel.
Can you weld aluminium with a MIG welder?
Yes, you can weld aluminum with a MIG welder, but it requires some specialized setup and technique. Aluminum has a high thermal conductivity, meaning it dissipates heat quickly, and it also forms a tenacious oxide layer that can interfere with the welding process. To successfully MIG weld aluminum, you’ll need a spool gun to feed the softer aluminum wire, a shielding gas specifically for aluminum (typically pure argon), and you’ll need to adjust your welder settings for the specific alloy and thickness of the aluminum you’re working with. When welding thin material, extra care is needed to avoid burn-through or warping, and precise control of wire feed and voltage is crucial. Additionally, proper cleaning of the aluminum before welding is essential to remove the oxide layer and ensure a clean weld.
What gas does a MIG welder use?
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), uses a shielding gas to protect the molten metal from atmospheric contamination during the welding process. 1 The most common shielding gas used in MIG welding is a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide. Argon is an inert gas that helps to create a stable arc and prevent oxidation of the weld. 2 Carbon dioxide is added to the mixture to increase the heat of the arc and improve penetration. 1 Other shielding gases that may be used in MIG welding include helium, oxygen, and nitrogen. 3 The type of shielding gas used will depend on the type of metal being welded and the specific welding application.
Are gasless MIG welders any good?
Gasless MIG welders, which use flux-cored wire instead of external shielding gas, have their pros and cons. 1 They offer increased portability and convenience since you don’t need to lug around a gas cylinder, making them suitable for outdoor or on-site work. 2 However, they generally produce more spatter and fumes compared to traditional MIG welding with gas, and the flux-cored wire itself is typically more expensive. While gasless MIG welders can be effective for certain applications, particularly for thicker materials where the increased penetration can be beneficial, they might not be the best choice for thinner metals or projects requiring a very clean finish. Ultimately, their suitability depends on the specific welding task and the user’s priorities.
Can you weld cast iron with a MIG welder?
Yes, you can weld cast iron with a MIG welder, but it’s not the easiest or most recommended method. Cast iron is a tricky material to weld due to its high carbon content, which makes it brittle and prone to cracking. While it’s possible to MIG weld cast iron, it requires a lot of care and attention to detail. You’ll need to use a specialized cast iron MIG wire and a specific shielding gas, and you’ll also need to preheat the cast iron to a high temperature to prevent cracking. Additionally, you’ll need to weld in short bursts and allow the metal to cool slowly to avoid stress buildup. Carefully adjusting voltage steps and using proper filler wire can help reduce the risk of cracking, but many experts recommend other methods like stick welding or brazing for better results.
Can you MIG weld without gas?
Yes, you can MIG weld without using an external shielding gas. 1 This is achieved by using a specialized type of MIG wire called flux-cored wire. 2 Flux-cored wire contains a flux material within its core, and when the welding arc is generated, this flux releases a gas that acts as the shielding gas. 3 This eliminates the need for an external gas cylinder, making it more portable and convenient for certain applications. 4 However, flux-cored welding has some drawbacks, such as producing more spatter and fumes, and it may not be suitable for all types of metals or welding projects.
How do you use a MIG welder?
MIG welding involves several steps to ensure a safe and successful weld. First, you’ll need to prepare your work area by cleaning the metal you’ll be welding and setting up your equipment, including the MIG welder, shielding gas, and safety gear. Next, you’ll need to adjust the welder settings based on the type and thickness of the metal you’re working with. Once the welder is set up, you can start welding by holding the MIG gun at a slight angle and pulling the trigger to feed the wire and create an arc. As you weld, you’ll need to maintain a steady hand and consistent speed to create a clean and even weld. Finally, after you’re finished welding, you’ll need to clean up your work area and properly store your equipment.