Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Arcticat,
Have you read the "I want to learn to Weld", Sticky Thread in the Shop Forum?
Lots of good stuff in there, also!
I will say the everyone has given you good information.
Each type of welding process has its good points and disadvantages. There is no "good way" or "bad way".
MIG is easy to learn, has limited penetration, therefore limited distortion.
It requires a Constant Voltage power supply and consumables are widely available.
Gasless flux core and gas covered solid wire provide a "low Hydrogen" deposit'.
If you understand that the actual fusion zone is only where the wire is "burning off" in the arc, you can make good welds.
Thicker pieces will require multiple passes.
Stick requires a fair level of hand/eye coordination. A knowledge of filler rods and base metal compatibility really helps.
This process requires a constant current power supply. Yes, with the correct rod you can weld thin wall exhaust tube. But! It will not be the quality of weld you can get with mig!
Why? The rods that work for that particular job are not "low hydrogen". The weld will "work" but so does a jury rigged bicycle with a pony motor!
TIG, is the cleanest weld process. It requires both hands and eye coordination as well as an expensive cover gas.
It also requires a constant current power supply.
It is also the hottest, creates the deepest penetration and the most distortion. It works well for most metals. Especially where absolute cleanliness is required.
IMHO! This is just a scratch on the surface of a very complicated discussion. Please read the posts in the sticky and ask questions.
I have been out of Welding for 8 years but still maintain my welding necessities. If I was to start over, from scratch? I would buy a Lincoln/Miller/Hobart MIG welder with gasless flux core capability. Harbor Freight china imports would never enter into my though process. Machines break, consumables are constantly needing to be replenished. You need suppliers and repair parts and capabilities if you weld more that just a "little bit"!
Ask specific questions and many here would be glad to share their experience!
Myself, included!
GregH
Have you read the "I want to learn to Weld", Sticky Thread in the Shop Forum?
Lots of good stuff in there, also!
I will say the everyone has given you good information.
Each type of welding process has its good points and disadvantages. There is no "good way" or "bad way".
MIG is easy to learn, has limited penetration, therefore limited distortion.
It requires a Constant Voltage power supply and consumables are widely available.
Gasless flux core and gas covered solid wire provide a "low Hydrogen" deposit'.
If you understand that the actual fusion zone is only where the wire is "burning off" in the arc, you can make good welds.
Thicker pieces will require multiple passes.
Stick requires a fair level of hand/eye coordination. A knowledge of filler rods and base metal compatibility really helps.
This process requires a constant current power supply. Yes, with the correct rod you can weld thin wall exhaust tube. But! It will not be the quality of weld you can get with mig!
Why? The rods that work for that particular job are not "low hydrogen". The weld will "work" but so does a jury rigged bicycle with a pony motor!
TIG, is the cleanest weld process. It requires both hands and eye coordination as well as an expensive cover gas.
It also requires a constant current power supply.
It is also the hottest, creates the deepest penetration and the most distortion. It works well for most metals. Especially where absolute cleanliness is required.
IMHO! This is just a scratch on the surface of a very complicated discussion. Please read the posts in the sticky and ask questions.
I have been out of Welding for 8 years but still maintain my welding necessities. If I was to start over, from scratch? I would buy a Lincoln/Miller/Hobart MIG welder with gasless flux core capability. Harbor Freight china imports would never enter into my though process. Machines break, consumables are constantly needing to be replenished. You need suppliers and repair parts and capabilities if you weld more that just a "little bit"!
Ask specific questions and many here would be glad to share their experience!
Myself, included!
GregH
