Welding Types?

[cheezburger]

I was just curious as to what conditions you would use a different type of welder?

All I really know is that tig is used for joining thin metals and non ferrous metals. MIG can be used for joining ally and steel. I don't understand under what situations I'd need pick up an arc or use oxy welding. What are the pros and cons of each one and under what conditions you'd use a different one?

 

[shenion]

MIG if I am at the bench and usually smaller stuff. I would not use it on aluminum.

ARC for portability and it is quicker to set up for short jobs. Also nice for tight spaces (you can't bend most MIG torches )

TIG for aluminum.

O/A for heating/bending and some brazing.

Lots of times it is just what I'm in the mood to do. As I am down to 200PSI on my argon tank, MIG and TIG have become secondary choices

You can do just about anything with any process. Arc on thin metal is limited. TIG when you need absolute control over the weld size/penetration/profile.

I have been doing much more arc lately. Most my stuff is 5 minute jobs and much prefer to grab the electrode, a few rods; zap and done. No messing with gas, feeders, tungstens etc.

Larger jobs I use MIG as it is most productive.

 

[Welderpaul]

For me:

MIG for shop work cos it's quick and therefore cheap.
Stick for site - more portable, slow but no gas cylinders to drag round
Tig for stainless - both workshop and site.

 

[cheezburger]

Thanks for the replies, could somebody recommend some books on metal working?

 

[Hitch]

Theres lots of variations, genset run mig sets for site use...

If speed is of the essence or its quite thin, i try and use a mig in or out.
Stick, reserved for site use for us, easy for small welding jobs.
Tig, if it needs to be nicely welded stainless, in or out.
Small ally jobs use the Tig, big ally jobs MIG...
OxyAcetylene welding must nearly be obsolete by now except in India!

 

[English Steve]

OxyAcetylene welding must nearly be obsolete by now except in India!

... and Devon

 

[arkangel06]

i use o/a lots insted of tig you dont need a mask i use shade 2 goggles it makes nice neat welds just like the tig and no foot peddle no electricity no ground clamps no big welders just 2 gas cylenders a hose and your torch/rod