Starting any project is best done with the proper tools. When it comes to welding, educating yourself before deciding on the best method for your project is always the best way to go. MIG welding and TIG welding are two of the most common welding machine types. While they can achieve similar results, they each have unique attributes that should be examined before choosing between a MIG welder and a TIG welder.
MIG Welders & Their Uses
MIG welding, which stands for metal inert gas, relies on the use of a spool of welding wire which feeds continually and is able to melt, fuse and burn the base and parent materials. A MIG welder can be used to weld a variety of metals, such as aluminum, mild steel and stainless steel. A range of material gauges can be used with a MIG welding machine. They are often used in mass production, but can also easily be used at home. These machines are fairly simple to learn, with many crafty DIY enthusiasts contributing photos and videos of finished projects.
TIG Welders & Their Uses
TIG welding is unarguably a more delicate and lengthy process but is often used for thinner and more delicate projects because of the control it offers. TIG welding, which stands for tungsten inert gas, requires the user to hold the torch in their dominant hand while feeding a filler rod with the other. A TIG welding machine demonstrates an increase in versatility over the MIG welder as more types of metals can be welded, but on the flip side, the welding procedure takes a great deal longer. Like MIG welding, the process is used both industrially and in homes for a variety of uses.
Is One Better Than the Other?
The nature of your project is what will ultimately determine which welding method is better for you. While many people prefer a MIG welding machine because of its ease of use and speed, others swear by a TIG welding machine because of the delicacy it offers when welding. If you are an experienced welder, chances are you already have a pretty good idea of the best method for your project. If you're just starting out, a MIG welder is a great starting point on which to learn the basics, but examining the overall advantages and disadvantages of each machine may make your decision easier.
Advantages & Disadvantages of MIG Welding
- Quality work can be done in a short time, making it great for large projects and large scale manufacturing uses
- The procedure does not require a flux, so slag does not become trapped in the weld metal, increasing the finished quality of the weld
- It is a versatile process that can be done with a number of alloys and metals
- Vertical or overhead welding is not plausible with this method, as the weld puddle's fluidity would create a danger to the user
Advantages & Disadvantages of TIG Welding
- Exceptional at delicate and precise welding
- Welds are of high quality and purity when done properly
- Material and equipment cost is fairly low considering the machine's capabilities
- Requires experience and dexterity that beginners may not possess
- It is a time-consuming process, which is not ideal for mass production
Whether your project is big or small, finding the right machine to do the job is essential - it's not about which method is better, it's about which one is better for the job you're trying to do. Knowing the basics can help you to be better equipped to make a welding machine purchase.
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