I have both a MIG and a TIG, and I like having the option. TIG is great
fun/artistry, but IMO MIG is more practical for most sheetmetal--i.e. body
repair--work than TIG.
For instance, if you're stitching a repair panel onto the side of the car, TIG
would be less practical. And, since you're going to grind off the excess--for a
butt weld, anyway--the MIG is handier and much faster. Also, for overlaps I
prefer plug (rosette) welds and TIG would be slow and cumbersome, and MIG
usually produces a nice-looking weld that could pass for a spot weld (and if
you're good/lucky you don't need to grind).
MIG is also easier/faster if you just need to improvise a tool or fix a broken
something-or-other.
TIG is certainly better for 'delicate' work and the only way to go on aluminum
(unless you have a spool gun for your MIG and you're not overly concerned with
appearance). However, you do need AC for TIG/Al, and I don't think the
lower-priced units do AC.
bs
--------------------------------
Bob Spidell - San Jose, CA
Well, I went and got the HF $350-on-sale TIG machine last week, and
after playing with it for a week I do not regret buying it. The only
real downside is the lack of a foot pedal, but people have described
how to add one.
So, I was wondering: do people think that a TIG/stick machine can
effectively replace a MIG machine? Can I put my MIG welder up in the
attic? What sort of tasks could a (120-volt) MIG machine do that a
160-amp TIG/stick machine cannot do? I know the MIG is faster for
large jobs, but I always seem to have a bunch of little jobs.
Also, I tried using the TIG as a "blue wrench", turning down the amps
a bit, and making the arc as long as possible. It seemed to work
pretty well. Is this a common practice, or some sort of horrible
abuse of the machine? The only downside I can see is that you need to
remember to use the right body/eye protection for yourself and any
spectators.
How about brazing with a TIG, or soldering copper plumbing?
(I guess for must plumbing jobs, you want something more portable...)
How about heating coffee or leftovers? :-)
Doug
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