{"id":3726,"date":"2023-07-28T11:53:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-28T16:53:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/?p=3726"},"modified":"2024-01-18T11:09:59","modified_gmt":"2024-01-18T17:09:59","slug":"welding-picking-welder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.farmandfleet.com\/blog\/welding-picking-welder\/","title":{"rendered":"Picking the Right Type of Welder"},"content":{"rendered":"

Each welding process requires a different type of welder<\/a>.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

If you are just starting your search for a welder, you may not know about the several different types of them. Each welder meets a specific need and uses a different welding process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you start, find out which welder will best suit both the material you are working on and your skill level.<\/p>\n\n\n

Stick Welding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Stick welding, also known as arc welding, is one of the easiest options for joining steel and other metals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stick welding uses an electrode holder<\/a> and electrode<\/a> to create an electric arc. This occurs when the arc is struck between the electrode and the work-piece. This creates a molten weld pool.<\/p>\n\n\n

Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

Stick welders<\/a> have plenty of advantages. They’re great for use in windy, harsh conditions, and are perfect for welding dirty, rusty materials. You’ll find that they’re even tough enough for thick materials.<\/p>\n\n\n

Cons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

Stick welders aren’t very portable because they’re quite heavy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

They also have a heavy amp draw. This causes a lot of energy use. It makes these welders a bit more difficult to use when compared to wire feed.<\/p>\n\n\n

Wire Feed Welding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n

Wire feed is one of the most used processes in the world today. When using a welding gun, a power source, shielding gas<\/a>, and a constant feed of welding wire<\/a>, it’s fast and easy to do. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two different types of wire feed processes: MIG<\/a> and Flux Core<\/a>. Both have their own advantages and drawbacks.<\/p>\n\n\n

MIG Welding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

MIG, or metal inert gas, uses both a continuous solid wire electrode for filler metal and externally supplied shielding gas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The shielding gas, which is usually carbon dioxide from a cylinder, flows through the gun and cable assembly and out the gun nozzle with the welding wire. This shields and protects the molten weld pool. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Molten metal is very reactive. The inert gas usually continues to flow for some time after welding to keep protecting the metal as it cools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A slight breeze can blow the shielding gas away and cause porosity in the weld. Therefore, you should usually avoid welding outdoors unless you put up special windscreens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if done right, the weld looks excellent with MIG welding. Good technique will yield great results. The properly made finished weld has no slag and virtually no spatter.<\/p>\n\n\n

Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

This is your best choice when looks are important. The spatter levels are lower than with flux core welding, so there’s no slag to chip off, making cleaning time faster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a beginner, MIG welding is the easiest type of welding to learn. Using MIG welding, you can weld a wider range of materials, including stainless steel, nickel alloys, and aluminum.<\/p>\n\n\n

Cons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

It requires shielding gas. So if you are looking for something that offers portability and convenience, this might not be the best choice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MIG welding also requires additional equipment such as a hose<\/a>, a regulator<\/a>, solenoid (electric valve) in the wire feeder, and a flowmeter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because MIG welders have a soft arc, they will not properly weld thicker materials. A 10 gauge would be the maximum thickness for this process. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

MIG welding is also not appropriate for outdoor use.<\/p>\n\n\n

Flux Core Welding<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n

With flux core, the shielding material is already in the wire. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flux core process is only recommended on materials as thin as 20 gauge, which is a bit thicker than what is used in MIG. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In general, this process is best for joining thicker materials with a single pass, especially if you need to weld outdoors. You may need to do this for things like repairing a tractor out in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n

Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

Self-shielded electrodes are perfect for outdoor uses. The flux is built into the wire for positive shielding, even in windy conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The flux core welding setup is easier and faster than MIG welding. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flux core is best for jobs with thicker materials.<\/p>\n\n\n

Cons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

Flux core is not recommended for very thin materials (less than 20 gauge). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The machine settings need to be precise. A slight change in the knob position can drastically change the arc. So you must hold the gun at a consistent and proper angle to make a good weld. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flux core creates splatter and slag that you’ll have to clean if the project involves painting or finishing.<\/p>\n\n\n

TIG Welding<\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n

With TIG, or tungsten inert gas, a tungsten electrode heats the metal you are welding. And a shielding gas, usually argon, protects the weld pool from airborne contaminants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIG produces clean, precise welds on any metal. When required, you should add the filler metal by hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIG welders produce a slower weld, which means you have unbelievable control with the arc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIG welding is the most difficult of the three processes. However, if you need to weld on sensitive materials and are looking for a beautiful weld, TIG welders are what you need.<\/p>\n\n\n

Pros<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

TIG doesn’t create as much spatter and spark as the other processes. You’ll also have a cleaner work environment with less fumes and smoke. And you’ll have more control and precision when working with thin materials. This process makes welds without contamination.<\/p>\n\n\n

Cons<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n

The equipment used is more complex, which makes it more expensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIG is harder to do than the other processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whichever welder you choose, remember to wear the proper safety gear. Whether you’re in the process or chipping away slag, you need to wear safety glasses<\/a>. You need to wear a welding helmet<\/a> to protect your eyes and skin from arc rays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You also need to wear heavy duty welding gloves<\/a> to protect your hands and wrists. Wear long sleeves, work pants, and closed toe shoes or work boots<\/a>. And refrain from rolling your sleeves, as sparks can get caught between the material. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learn more about safety tips<\/a> and the types of processes on our Welding Blog<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you’re interested in welding, you need to know about the different types of processes and welders you can use. From stick to TIG, we’ve got you covered.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":27,"featured_media":3752,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1509],"tags":[1486],"content_type":[1370,1373],"class_list":["post-3726","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tools-diy","tag-welding","content_type-buying-guide","content_type-article"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nPicking the Right Type of Welder | Blain's Farm & Fleet<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"If you're interested in welding, you need to know about the different types of processes and welders you can use. 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