Jim’s Cover Pass: Why new welders should learn GMAW first

Jim Mosman recommends instructors teach and the beginner learns first is gas metal arc welding (GMAW), more commonly referred to as MIG. Getty Images

Q: What is the most important welding process to learn in welding school?

A: This is a question individuals frequently ask who want to begin learning about the different welding processes. The first and most important thing to pay attention to is welding safety. From there, make sure you are developing a strong work ethic and are open to the many paths that a welding career has available.

Having said that, the welding process most people are taught first is shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), commonly referred to as stick welding.

Many beginners struggle with this process and often become frustrated and quit because of how difficult it is to strike the arc, maintain the proper arc length while the electrode burns back, hold the correct work and travel angles, and run the bead at the right speed. The only thing that has made SMAW any easier to learn is the widespread use of autodarkening welding helmets that allow novice welders to see where they are scratching the electrode now.

As I have mentioned in previous columns, welding instructors often teach the way they were taught. But it is important that we train students for the future and not the past. With that said, the welding process that I recommend instructors teach and the beginner learns first is gas metal arc welding (GMAW), more commonly referred to as MIG. The first reason is that this process is the most widely used in industry, which provides more employment opportunities. The second reason is that it is rather easy to learn how to pull a trigger, hold the work and travel angle, and maintain a rather straight line.

My experience with new welders has shown that they are able to begin making quality welds with GMAW with less frustration and in less time. It is important to mention that GMAW requires the most extensive technical welding knowledge to keep up with the advancements in the industry. Not much has changed in SMAW or gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in the last 20 years. After a new welder gains some experience with welding with a wire electrode in GMAW, the transition to flux-cored and metal-cored wire is relatively easy.

After a student learns the basic requirements of controlling the weld puddle and developing fabrication skills, the other processes will become easier to master.