advice on MIG welding

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So just finished welding school and after not being able to find a job due to lack of experience I have accepted a job that is a mechanical which requires some welding.I went to school to be a pipe welder and only learned TIG and stick welding. Did the normal progressions TIG and stick T-joints then on to Beveled plate on both processes then on to Pipe in all positions from 1g-6g. only rods I've worked with are 6010's and 7018's and did  TIG on carbon and some SS.So knowing all this and my abilities in a "booth" how does MIG differ? How  differently does the puddle act? will this cut into the metal like 6010's? will it solidify like 6010 or like a 7018? Better to weld towards you or away from you? push or pull? what kind of motion works best?I know no there is no "one" answer to all this but I am looking for a baseline. I have watched videos on youtube already but I wanted to hear it from people that have gone through this. Some guys in my class have taken MIG tests for jobs and passed never having welded with MIG and said it was soo easy. But not everyone is the same. The job is fixing and refurbishing Locomotives and railcars so im assuming its going to be heavy wall stuff. Appreciate the help everyone.
Reply:Just my opinion,  I dont believe MIG is realy all that easier because as soon as you think you know all about it...you DONT.  Soo many gass mixtures, electrode differences from flux core to duall shield ect...then theres aluminum. My advice is read all you can about GMAW and you will be able to answer most your questions.Very cool that you have experience in Stick and Tig. weld it like you own it
Reply:If I were you I would of learned everything I could about MIG in school because most welding is done with MIG. Also in my estimation 75 percent of what you can weld with TIG can be done with MIG and a MIG welder is much cheaper to buy.
Reply:LOL lewray....I have "booth" experience biiig difference I'm finding out. But I get ya lol. Well kctgb the problem is I was going for a Combo Welder certificate and mig welding was not in the list of courses needed. If I wanted to take MIG welding I would have to go back to school next fall. But I am now learning that MIG and Fluxcore is where it seems to be right now. I have been reading and watching all I can. I just have to wait and see the set up they have and hope I dont get run out of there on my first week. Anyways I went back to my school cause I know the instructors have to be there even though everyone is on summer break. I told him about it and all he said is "you already know the key to welding, you know how to watch your puddle with that you can weld anything" im like okaaaay lol. That guy has more confidence then I do.
Reply:Can't really help you about explaning MIG welding on a forum due to my bad english and because i'm not a welder, but this job opportunity on refurbishing item sounds like do some repairs on old stuff.If you are a beginner. they will probably put you on not critical stuff to do which is really good to learn how to set your machine and what's work / what's not! No pressure, you won't be a pipe welder after this but its a good start to learn how to set your machine and do some test!My opinion, but if i was you, i would try to send some resumes by the time you are at this place, only to try to find somewhere you really want to work!Last edited by LayoutMan; 05-23-2012 at 07:19 PM.Calculator > Bevel Square