Yet another welder question...

[Feuer_kampfer]

Ive considered buying a TIG welder for versatility, but a MIG seems to be the standard. I plan on taking a few classes on welding...
I like the idea of being able to weld aluminum, but is it worth the extra cost....AARRGh...

[fungus]

TIG is a shitload more versatile, but you have to consider that it costs more in the beginning, costs more to operate, and for general use is a tad more difficult.

With MIG, you have one hand free as the other holds the gun.

With TIG, you have the wand in one hand, your filler stick in the other hand, and your foot operating the switch.

Plus, the wand is a lot bigger, making getting back in automotive nooks 'n crannys nearly impossible; not to mention having to cram your other hand and the filler stick in there.

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE TIG, it's just not necessarily suited for half the work I do...

[bigguy]

You can weld aluminum with mig as well

[Stray Catalyst]

TIG is superior in most ways, but it's more expensive. If you don't currently know how to weld, and you only plan to work on cars, MIG is probably easier. DO NOT buy a flux core welder - you won't be happy with the welds it produces.

With the correct gas and wire, MIG can weld steel or aluminum.

[Unkl Ian]

MIG is less money up front, easier to use.

TIG is slower, a little more difficult,
makes super nice welds.

Both have their place.
MIG is superior for tacking stuff together with one hand.

My first choice is TIG.
But be careful, some of the low end
TIG machines can't do Aluminum.

[Feuer_kampfer]

Hmm...I think I see both in the future, I guess Ill start with a good MIG, and work into a TIG, after some classes.