which welding process

[1930artdeco]

Hi All,


I am just completing my basic welding class and need to enroll in either MIG or TIG this fall. I enjoyed TIG as it is slow and I can see the weld pool easier than with MIG. MIG is generally a little cheaper and easier to learn on.

This is what I will be welding on. I have some fenders for my Model A that is approx. 18/19 gauge steel. The frame is probably a max 1/4" and that being generous. Now I am a hobbyist and not doing this on a daily basis. More like a yearly basis.

So my question is which process to enroll in? Which gives the best welds? Or will wither work equally well?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[velillen01]

I would go with MIG personally. Its easier to get the hang of so youll be better at it than you will with just one class in TIG. Since you dont plan to use it very often (mentioned yearly basis....) MIG is probably a skill you can keep better. TIG takes lots of prep work and practice time that if you arent planning on investing in (time wise) I dont think youd be happy with it.

As for specifically for auto body....people use both.

TIG welds will look better IMO. But again getting them to look good takes lots of practice

 

[APEowner]

Tig is by far the most versatile and if I had to give up either the MIG or TIG the MIG would be the one to go.

 

[kerrynzl]

TIG if you're a car hobbyist.
Then you can learn Alloy welding and cross over to Gas welding.

A good TIG welder can use a MIG but I know plenty of good MIG welders that can't TIG

 

[JKady]

I'd go MIG for your situation/needs. TIG has a much steeper learning curve, and a much higher buy in to get the machine. With the uses you listed, I see a need for anything more than a good 110v MIG welder.

 

[jchaneng]

i would agree with mig, at least to start with and then if you find you start to use it more and get more practise, wich you will once you have the kit trust me) you may wish to add tig training and or equipement in the future. mig will be much cheaper to get settup with, even basic tig plants cost alot. also mig is easier to get right.

 

[dogdog]

Go with TIG if you are going to class and learn something... but Mig would be easier and you can just watch some videos...... get a good mig welder... Lincoln or Miller, so this is one of those times I wouldn't recommend those cheaper Chinese ones (ahmmmmm search that Cut50 group buy thread, you'll see what I mean).. I just watch video and do a few welding projects / welding coupons, for learning... saved the $$$ from the classes

 

[Grizzly Guy]

TIG if you're a car hobbyist.
Then you can learn Alloy welding and cross over to Gas welding.

A good TIG welder can use a MIG but I know plenty of good MIG welders that can't TIG

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^What kerrynz says is so true.

 

[bobcatdan]

Learn both. I'd probably take mig first then tig. Mig is simpler and easier and you will probably find it good enough for most things. Tig in many places is better look and just better. It's worlds ahead for aluminum over a spool gun. Personally I never tig welded because I don't see a need in my line of work. If you took a basic welding class already, I would guess you can stick weld. Many people have told me if you can stick weld, tig isn't that hard to pick up.

 

[theoldwizard1]

TIG if you're a car hobbyist.
Then you can learn Alloy welding and cross over to Gas welding.

A good TIG welder can use a MIG but I know plenty of good MIG welders that can't TIG

Probably the best advice.

When welding thin metal, you will only be able to make tacks, spread out by about 6". Once completed end to end, repeat making 3" gaps. Repeat until completed. Grind. inspect. Repeat as required.

 

[600SL]

If true welding **** is important as it often is on auto restorations than TIG is way to go. If making a profit in the welding business is important than MIG is the way to go.

 

[Stuart in MN]

It sounds like you've already done both in the introduction class - personally, I'd go with the TIG class, for what you want to do it sounds like the best choice.

 

[DekeT]

If you are going to a class and spending money I would pick TIG. Mig would be an easy on your own experience after that.

 

[ford33]

Mig is your best solution. Your plans to weld fenders and do welding infrequently is best served with mig. Lower overall cost and easier to get good results consistently.

 

[Blazinzuk]

Lot o opinions for sure.

Tig is a cleaner more controlled welding process. In speaking of mild steel Mig is the less expensive of the two. Tig is a more expensive machine. But if you don't want aluminum welding capability the tig price can drop substantially. If all I did was hobby stuff my only welder would be a tig machine.

A Mig will do everything you are wanting to do with ease.

That said I would prefer a tig

 

[gt1guy]

It doesn't matter which class. Flip a coin. Because after you finish one, you're going to want to take the other. After you buy one welding machine, you'll buy the other.

Today you have Model A fenders to weld on. Tomorrow.....well.......you'll think of something.

Welcome to the wonderful world of melting metal together.

 

[jlipsky14]

I would personally take the tig class but buy a mig machine for what you do. The tig class will be more difficult and you will have a pretty easy time teching yourself mig if you can tig.
However if you only want to learn one process and stick with it I would take the mig class and get a mig welder.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

A good MIG guy wold fix the fender better with a MIG.
A TIG welder would do better work with the TIG
An old guy with a hammer and torch might school them both.

After 2 classes, you might have the best chance of being closer good with MIG.

 

[1930artdeco]

Thanks for the replies guys. I actually liked TIG better because it was slower and I could see the weld pool vs. a MIG gun being in the way. That and I liked how the torch felt in my hand vs. the MIG gun. I also seemed to like the controls a little better but then again I am a newbie so I am still learning. Granted I just took a basic overview course so I **** at it compared to a person who just took a full semester of either. I will probably end up taking both classes eventually.

I have also looked at machines and the price difference is not that bad and I found a Lincoln machine that will do all three process-not fast but will do them. I will talk with my instructor some more tonight and see what she says, she recommended MIG.

Thanks,

mike

 

[3 Gun Shooter]

Mike

I agree take TIG classes, there is a lot to learn to TIG weld well both skill and knowledge wise. I see you're in Oakland, where are you going to school? I grew up and lived for years in San Leandro.

 

[steel 35]

I would look closely at that machine It may not Tig aluminum.

My vote buy a Mig with a spool gun;
That's what I grab tig was fun for years now I could care less, have better things to do.
Make sure you get lots of overhead assistance.

 

[brownbagg]

tig for thin metal, less to grind smooth than mig, mig leave a big bead. with tig you control the heat. but then anybody can weld mig, just point and pull the trigger

with the extra heat of grinding will warp the metal

on thin metal i will torch weld it

 

[sberry]

You are a poster child for a 200 compact mig to start with. Thids is the workhorse of small shops, if you don't have one will want it anyway and the rest become dust collectors.