Mig or tig, Which would you choose? Options

[r_towle]

Lots of sheet metal body welding, flares, patching, several cars.
I did use a mig for years, upgraded to gas mig.
My son took it.

So, I’m getting another welder.
I still have a gasless mig, and a scratch start tig
Neither are very good.

So, which would you choose? Why?
Willing to take the time and learn.

Rich

[Van B]

You had flux core wire then, just to confirm? Pretty much the only thing it could be when you say gasless MIG.

I’ll try to avoid giving an “it depends” answer even though it does lol…


For me, I choose TIG because of the versatility and the fact that I worked as a welder to pay my way through school.

However, for cars, you really can’t beat the simplicity of MIG formally known as GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding). Flux Core FCAW, is motorized stick welding really. Great on a budget and especially good for running lots of beads in the field. But, not as efficient on cars because of all the weld clean up you need to do.

TIG can be difficult on cars when you’re working in tight spaces. And unless you’re very well practiced, you can easily put too much heat into panels. Modern MIG machines can make welding incredibly low threat. Inverters give great output power and allow for pre-intalled accurate programs to get you on target for the conditions of your weld; thickness of base metal, filler wire, etc.

If you’re going to have one welder and it’s for garage type stuff, get a nice MIG.