Selecting a welder – TIG vs MIG
Since attending the welding evening class, I’ve been saving up for my own welding machine. To help make a decision, I’ve been reading a variety of books such as Performance Welding
I also found a video from Andy Fogarty the At Home Welder @HomeWelder which explains some of the key differences.
Summary
| MIG (GMAW) | TIG (TMAW) | Speed | Faster | Slower | Ease of use | Easier | Harder | Initial Cost | Lower | Higher | Precision | Lower | Higher | Spatter | Yes | No | Gas? | Flux core wire can be used instead | Gas always needed | Post weld cleanup | Only needed with gasless | Not needed | Filler material? | Always | Optional | Thermal distortion | Higher | Lower | Cold starts | Yes | No | Typical use | Garage or workshop | Bench |
Additional comment from a couple of sources is:
“The wire used in MIG cools harder than in TIG welding, making it harder to hammer and dolly the weld afterwards” as the MIG weld would be more brittle
Metal sculpture in brass, mounted on an 1800s French Coin
These are very basic differences between mig and tig. I actually work with mig welders and I’m very satisfied with it, but also interested to work with tig, Would it be nice if you could provide a description of the tig or tell me if the decision to work with the tig was correct?
Hi Anthony, I picked a TIG machine as at the time I was working on smaller items. I don’t regret my choice as it produces some very tidy welds. It also can run as a stick welder for larger work. You can see my latest welds at https://www.workshopshed.com/2021/02/new-garden-gates/