welding course - tig or mig?

[Henrik]

Last year I did Mig level 1 (C&G) at Crawley college and improved my MIG welding loads.

This year, I've had some "time off" from doing courses, as I've been busy badgering around in the garage building my engine etc, repairing some rust on the car etc etc. Now, however, the time has come to do another course, and I've got a place again at Crawley.

The thing is, I can do either MIG level 2, or TIG level 1, but I don't know what to chose. The problem is that I completed MIG 1 too early, so had a play with the TIG and stick sets (stick is the best thing ever - LOVE that thing, but honestly I wouldn't have much use for it ). TIG was also good fun, although quite frustrating.

Now, I really want to learn how to build beautiful exhaust manifolds etc, but should I hold off with TIG for a while and just do Level 2 MIG?

I'm planning on getting a cheapo Chinese AC/DC TIG at some point, but at the moment I don't have the funds to get one unfortunately (saving up for a plasma cutter + compressor first).

I know that ultimately it comes down to what I chose, but if anyone has any input then it would be greatly appreciated

 

[BillJ]

In your place, I would want to be able to practice at home to get the most out of the course so I would be doing the MIG level 2. I would worry that what I learned on TIG would fade somewhat before I could buy a TIG and start using it.

I can see that stick welding would be of less use to you if all you're doing is welding bits for crazy car projects

 

[Henrik]

In your place, I would want to be able to practice at home to get the most out of the course so I would be doing the MIG level 2. I would worry that what I learned on TIG would fade somewhat before I could buy a TIG and start using it.

I can see that stick welding would be of less use to you if all you're doing is welding bits for crazy car projects

Good comments Bill, I'm kind of leaning towards learning mig "properly"

Crazy car projects is what life's about Speaking of which, how's that 900 coming along?

 

[BillJ]

The 900 repair is complete and has survived a hoon around Llandow circuit. I'm quite pleased with the job I did. I took photos and keep meaning to post them here or on the Saab forum (or both, if I'm feeling keen).

I dabble a bit with my DC TIG but I would like to get some tuition at some point. I reckon it will be invaluable to have the kit to practice at home.

 

[Henrik]

Well, I went with Mig-2 in the end, and I'm happy I did, because it seems a lot harder than Mig-1.

Also, I forgot how nice the professional welders are - christ there's a *massive* difference between my clarke 135te compared to the 3 phase murex jobbies they have at the college. Everything just seems to work so much better with them, and even a numpty like me can produce a decent looking weld with them

Unfortunately, not a single house I've viewed so far has had three phase (and I've viewed quite a few)

 

[Triggerhappy78]

Yeah, MIG-2 covers positional, 5 test pieces, Butt weld flat and vertical up,
lap joint vertical up, t fillet vetical up and a 3" tube to plate welded all the way round all in 2x1/4" flat, made a helluva difference to the way i welded, failed oral test first time though, got fire extinguishers mixed up, did'nt know they're now ALL red but with coloured band on them