By J.G. Pasterjak
Dec 20, 2019
In which our hosts attempts to learn to TIG weld live on the air after watching a few videos on the internet. Is a TIG welder right for you? Or should you just stick to self-tapping screws and JB Weld? Don't even waste our time with the "this guy can't weld" comments. We know. Join us on tonight's edition of Grassroots Motorsports Live! Presented by CRC Industries.
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12/21/19 9:11 a.m.
So, everyone working on their welding this weekend?
12/21/19 9:20 a.m.
I find a decent MIG will do 95% of a "regular-guy" car build, and take 1/10 the time. Especially for sheetmetal bodywork, it's essentially a manual 3d printer for steel.
But it sure is nice to have a TIG. It opens the door to building fuel tanks, modifying charge pipes, intercoolers, radiators, anything aluminum. Also really helps with thick-to-thin welding like putting threaded bungs on panels or suspension links.
12/21/19 9:35 a.m.
A MIG will do most things a hobbyist needs to do, and should be the first welder you buy.
I added a TIG a few years ago.
I don't use it very often. In fact, when I do, I usually have to spend some time practicing before doing the 'real' work. That said, it is absolutely worth having one!
12/21/19 9:42 a.m.
My Tig has been gathering dust for a lot of years. I fire it up on occasion, but since it requires that you use it often to be proficient, I default back to the MIG.
Pete
12/21/19 10:20 a.m.
I bought a TIG first, because "if I'm going to buy only one welder...."
It kicked my butt for a while as I tried to learn it, and for a time I regretted buying it. But now, I love it.
I did end up buying a cheap 110V MIG when I couldn't tack the headers together in the engine-bay/dash-board of the V8 Pontiac Firefly. Too hard to get my helmeted head, both hands, contorted body, and work a foot pedal, and still be able to see. MIG for easy quick-and-dirty tacking!
Every welding process has its place.
12/21/19 10:29 a.m.
If you really want to learn TIG (and lots of fabrication skills) Look up Justin The Fabricator and The Fabrication Series on YouTube. Justin is bad ass, and he's an excellent teacher.
https://thefabricatorseries.com/about/
I was able to interact with him a bit when we lived in Vegas and he can make learning welding very simple, even for the slowest of us.
12/21/19 2:12 p.m.
Also Jody at Welding Tips & Tricks
12/23/19 10:58 a.m.
Funny, I can't even remember the last time I fired up the MIG. I TIG EVERYTHING, I just love it, so neat and controlled.....once you get the hang of it that is.
12/23/19 11:41 a.m.
I picked up an Eastwood AC/DC Tig nearly 5 years ago after my cheapo MIG finally stopped working and didn't touch another MIG machine until earlier this year. My nephew wanted to learn to weld for a school project, so being a good uncle I picked up a new MIG and started using one again albeit mainly for tack welding my own stuff. I have to say, I much prefer TIG welding. Unless I'm welding aluminium, it's quiet, and for either AC or DC, there's no sparks to burn holes in things. I'm sure if I were doing bodywork (like MGB sills, or floors) the MIG would be the preferred welding method, but for building spaceframes, headers, and suspension parts, the TIG is my favourite.
12/23/19 6:22 p.m.
I had this discussion with a machine shop owner in about 1993. Except the argument was stick vs. MIG instead of MIG vs. TIG.
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