Hi all, i thought i`d ask this here instead of the uk forum as you guys seem to be far more technically minded, a tribute to you.

I`ve been welding for quite a few years now, and have a fairly respectable array of workshop equipment. I started off gas welding, then MMA and finally moved to MIG/MAG, but have always wanted to go TIG.

I currently have a Migatronic 180mxe (set for MAG), Oxford 250 MMA, and a 200 amp Mosa engine driven lump, but i`ve been offered a rather nice Lincoln V200 tig plant with all the toys for a bargin price. Currently the type of work i do ranges from gates and railings to sculptural stuff and everything in between, but i`d say about the thickest steel i weld is about 3/8. Thing is, i`ve recently found myself turning away a lot of work on stainless steel, i know i could use the MIG, but i`m more worried about welds cracking as i have a small reputation to withold. I could pick up a lot of work if i could move to stainless.

So my question really is, should i sell the MIG and MMA equipment and buy the TIG? Are the slower process times worth the ability so produce solid work on stainless? Am i going to regret getting rid of the MIG for those bigger jobs?

Ive got to say, the portabilty factor of the TIG might make it a winner in the end, after all the MIG must way about 150lbs, the Oxford is virtually unmovable, even on wheels, and the noise from the Mosa is a bit of a concern in most areas.

Cheers folks, I look forward to your opinions on the matter. Jay

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DONT SELL THE MIG


you will always find a need for it - speed and ease compared to TIG - especially if you havent done much TIG work.


plus dependant on what your doing, even if you start TIGing your mild steel you'll end up with a spot you cant get the nozzle into and you'll have to mig it.

Hi All,

Generally an arc welder (stick) gives more penetration due to the amout of heat it produces.....generally welding materials over 2mm with 2.5mm rods and over where heat and distortion arn't much of an issue. You can weld Cast/mild steel and stainless.

A mig welder generally uses less heat thus thinner materials can be welded ....0.8mm to 6mm in mild/stainless steel and Aluminium. Also the best for process work as it is the fastest way to weld!

A TIG gives you the best control over heat and distortion for very light materials 0.4 to whatever and can weld cast/mild/stainless steel and Aluminium.

In a nutshell, You know what you are doing the most of, and each has the strengths and weaknesses.
A bit of info but not a lot of decision!

I've got a MIG and and ARC cos I use both but I cant justify a TIG for maybe such a small amount of work I "may" do.

Cheers JC