MIG vs TIG

Dave Sage · 2005-05-22T00:53:59+00:00

I'm sort of new to this group and welding in general. I've been trying to determine the pros and cons of TIG vs MIG by reading through the posts here and it has been difficult. I already own a TIG machine because I wanted to weld aluminum, so I'm already aware of the advantages of AC for TIG and the balancing of the wave for cleaning so there's one advantage for sure over MIG etc. But everyone asks me why I would TIG anything when you could MIG it and get the job done quicker. Why would you TIG and spend so much more time doing the job when MIG might do the job. I always seem to see (on bike reality shows) guys TIGing frames but why? I'm going to assume they are going to grind the welds and fill them with Bondo anyway so why spend the time TIGing. Same for the gas tans they always seem to be fabricating. I have a friend who's a pretty good welder and he had no problem MIGing a set of headers from a box on mandrel bends for his cobra so TIGing thin wall tubing apparently isn't necessary either.Splatter apparently isn't a big deal on MIG with some of the sprays you can put on the metal. I've heard that for racing car roll cages you aren't allowed to MIG because the welds are more brittle. IF that's true then this is the only real reason I've heard for TIG over MIG.So what are the real advantage of one over the other? When and WhyDave

May 22, 2005 21 Replies

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trp8xtl02 21 years ago

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Scroll down to "void free welds."

I know a guy who used to do process engineering for Klein. Apparently all the welds are TIG...

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John 21 years ago

I like the flexibility of TIG, I can easily switch between mild steel and stainless, different thickesses, etc.

TIG is a challenge when it's difficult to get the electrode and rod where you need it (e.g. the inside corner where two pieces of angle iron meet to form a right-angle corner). And the footpedal is a pain unless you are sitting down. A hand control is easier if you are moving around or standing up.

If the goal is to quickly and easily put things together, MIG is better suited.

Best of luck.

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