Alkivar
10-30-2009, 02:04 PM
Just throwing out some basic questions I know people are going to ask:
What's the difference between MIG and TIG welding?
When should I use MIG instead of TIG?
What supplies should a beginner pick up if he wants to get into doing his own welding?
How much should I be expecting to pay to get the basics?
Do you recommend a specific brand of welder or plasma cutter?
George@R.A.I
10-30-2009, 05:14 PM
Just throwing out some basic questions I know people are going to ask:
What's the difference between MIG and TIG welding?
With a MIG welder, the filler rod is fed through the torch by an electric motor in the machine. The filler rod also acts as the electrode. As the current arcs to the metal, the filler rod begins to turn into a liquid. With a MIG welder, you can control the speed of the wire and how much current is passing through the wire but you have to set those prior to creating an arc.
With a TIG welder, you use a tungsten electrode (Tungsten Inert Gas = TIG). The electrode sits in the middle of the torch. You also have a pedal (usually foot operated) that controls how much current passes through the electrode. The farther you push down, the more current you get. In the hand opposite the torch, you have a piece of filler rod. With TIG you manually feed the filler rod into your weld as needed. Its not automatic like a MIG.
In a lot of ways, a MIG is akin to a hot glue gun. Point and Squeeze. Both welders use an inert gas to shield the metal while it is in a molten state. TIG generally uses straight Argon while MIG can use C02 or a mixture of Argon and C02
When should I use MIG instead of TIG?
From a structure or engineering standpoint, never. A TIG weld is always better. Sometimes cost, space and time dictate other wise.
What supplies should a beginner pick up if he wants to get into doing his own welding?
I would recommend the following:
Welder
Argon
Gas Regulator (you need to control the flow of the gas)
Filler Rod
Electrodes
Welding Helmet
Welding Gloves
A Bench grinder w/ a wire wheel
How much should I be expecting to pay to get the basics?
I'll let Ray answer this as I'm out of touch with the cost of these things.
Do you recommend a specific brand of welder or plasma cutter?
I grew up using both Miller and Lincoln TIGs. In my opinion they both make fine machines that up to task that any DIYer can dream up. I can't remember off the top of my head what brand our plasma cutter is. I'll have to look on Monday. Remember with a plasma cutter, that you'll need a pretty heavy duty air compressor to keep your air supply up.
HTH