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Arc or Mig?

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oakeedokee:
I've decided it's about time to learn how to weld, so the question is should I buy a relatively cheap arc welder now, or wait and save up for a relatively expensive mig welder? I know you can weld thicker steel with an arc welder, but how does the quality of the weld compare or is that all down to operater skill?

unknownmanxman:
I use both.. and i find mig is so so so so much easier to use! You can buy cheap migs from B&Q or sealey...

You can weld thick steel with migs.

A few things to think about... the lance on a mig isnt big and unweildy like an arc lance with a rod on it. I find Migs are just a tidier set up and will use one whenever i can..

However, i do use arc because you can get light portable ones, which u can carry on our shoulder (like a handbag  :P ) and these are very useful.

I think there is an art to getting good welds with arc... but there isnt really with mig,  cos its so easy!


If i was you, i would go for MIG

Damonski:
Id have to agree MIG is easier.

seph234:
yes mig is a lot easier :D

Sharpshooter:
Welding is part of my trade, and can i say they both have their advantages, and disadvantages.

With mig, it takes a long time to learn to do it well enough that you dont need to grind half of it away when you are done. Also, it is easier to weld at awkward angles, such as upside down. It is a strong as arc, assuming you have the penetration. Bad points are, the metal has to be very, and i mean very clean to get a good weld. Also, if you want it to be any good, you really need a gas one. So you have to get a gas cylinder, and keep that too.

Arc is easier to learn, if you want to weld clean bits of plate in a vice on your bench. Once you delve into welding upside down, and then uphill, youll start to have probs. Youll spend lots of time grinding, and wire brushing. On the plus side, once you have learnt the basics you dont have to have have the metal spotless, as it will burn the crud away. You just need to learn how to set the amps, to the rod you use, and the metal your welding.

 All in all, i use tig and arc more at work, but through preference at home, i would use Mig. :D

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