Filling gaps with MIG

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Hi, all,I'm looking for some advice on how to fill in gaps and blow-outs while MIG welding, and really in general.I've been bubble-gumming the sides towards each other until I can get the puddle to cross when I'm stick welding, but with MIG I haven't had a lot of success with this approach; the gaps are small and I'm having trouble getting a hot puddle.  Just winding up with a stack of cold mess that never moves over.I expect it's mostly my mediocre Chinese beginner's MIG, but I don't think I'd have a clear, specific plan even if I could run hotter.  What's the industry standard, not-going-to-laugh-at-you way to handle gaps and blow-outs?Thanks!frood
Reply:Originally Posted by froodleyI've been bubble-gumming the sides towards each other until I can get the puddle to cross
Reply:froodleyMIG will bridge a gap better than any other process.The trade secret is to pull a long arc.  Pull the gunin-axis back from the gap to be filled while washingside to side. The added resistance of 'more wire' extending fromthe contactor-tip is enough to cool the puddle so it will fill, and not drop-out.Opus
Reply:its also where you aim the wire. Jody at weldingtipsandtricks.com has a couple of pretty good videos on doing open root vertical up welding with a mig, and how to keep the wire from shooting out the back. Same principle would apply here.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:Like stated you need to get the machine dialed in. Mig is easy to fill gaps. You just need to practice . How thin is the material ? You could also try backing up the joint with a copper plate or some call them spoon. http://www.eastwood.com/welders-help...FepAMgodBHQAiA
Reply:Great tips, folks, thanks.  The spoon would be my go-to except that I'm specifically messing with small diameter pipe.  I spent the afternoon screwing around with settings and got a lot better at bubble-gumming them, but I'm going to try some of this stuff tomorrow.
Reply:Originally Posted by froodleyGreat tips, folks, thanks.  The spoon would be my go-to except that I'm specifically messing with small diameter pipe.  I spent the afternoon screwing around with settings and got a lot better at bubble-gumming them, but I'm going to try some of this stuff tomorrow.
Reply:Great idea!  Thanks