The
post you alluded to was my response to Charlie Jones lamenting the mediocre performance of his inexpensive MIG welder...
In my work, I would say I use the MIG 80-90% of the time...it is an all-purpose piece of equipment that can weld almost anything and do it fast...
It also should be said that it cost nearly 3000.00 20 years ago....commercial quality MIG machines with the ability to stitch and spot weld and push flux core as well as hard wire just can't be bought for under 500.00, regardless of technologies improvements....
Charlie has a MIG...with some tweaking, it can do probably everything he needs one to do...
I suggested the TIG because, if I predominantly worked on race car stuff for myself, that's what I would own (it was my first welder purchase)....For someone who doesn't weld every day, it is much more forgiving of control and technique errors....if everything isn't just right on the MIG, it's real easy to botch a job....especially on thin material...
As an example, if I was to go from welding 3/8" wall hydraulic tubing to welding 16 or 18 guage with the MIG, it would require a feed roller, guide tube and tip change from .035" to .020 or .025".....that takes time and costs money to inventory the required parts...
With the TIG, just turn down the volume and/or insert a smaller tungsten electrode and go to work....I often use 1/16" or 3/32" rod for everything from 18 ga to 1/4" when using the TIG...
Also, with the TIG, there is fine control of the weld puddle and you can actually see the quality of the weld as you lay it...for many years, NHRA would only accept TIG welding of the 4130 tubing used in certified chassis. I'm not sure if that has changed in the last few years since I raced actively but my opinion is that it was required because a TIG gave the purest weld of the alloy material in an application that saw extreme stresses at the joints...
I've welded up enough roll cages inside of race cars to know how much easier it is for me to weld with a TIG vs MIG....oil pans too....
Years ago, before I lost my job, I even had a portable generator driven TIG welder and did chassis repairs for my racing buddies and provided support at the track...
In the final analysis, it comes down to the individual's needs and budget....I do all forms of welding except the exotic stuff like laser so I have the requisite equipment....does a hobbyist need that...? No way....
Of course, considering the accutrements of your new garage, maybe I should re-consider...*G* Now, if you really want something cool, get a plasma cutter....I can't imagine how I lived without one....my poor welding gas supplier won't be selling me much oxygen or acetylene anymore...*G*
Pat
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