If you are carrying out a home improvement job on a fairly large scale, you may have to join two pieces of metal and will need to explore all options. You know that this join needs to be well made and stand up to a lot of pressure, so you may be thinking about welding. Yet what approach should you take and should you choose the MIG or TIG method?
Welding Basics
Both of these solutions can effectively achieve the same result. They both produce an electrical arc that generates an extreme amount of heat in a concentrated area. Two pieces of metal can be quickly and easily paired, and filler components are often used in order to create a stronger bond. Both methods also use a form of gas to help perfect the work and keep the area clear of contamination.
Yet there are some key differences in the way that the work is performed and the type of gas used.
MIG vs TIG
In the first instance, metal inert gas welding (MIG) feeds a consumable wire through the welding gun as the electrode. The wire will then create the weld and is protected by carbon dioxide gas. This is typically a more robust and more affordable option than the other.
Tungsten gas is used in TIG welding, but the tungsten electrode is not consumed in this approach. Rather, the technician will use filler metal for a complex bond or will simply use the host metal to create the weld itself. Argon is normally used as the shielding gas in this case.
Which to Choose?
Much will depend on the scale of the job at hand. If you are working with more precision and the metals are relatively thin, then TIG welding is the way to go. MIG welding, on the other hand, can be very effective if you have to weld a substantial, load-bearing beam in your home, for example. This is why it is used more widely in industrial applications around the country.
Mobile Help
Of course, you probably won't have this type of equipment on hand and will probably not have the expertise either. In this case, you need to call a mobile welder in your neighbourhood instead. They will be able to offer either of those welding options, so you should tell them exactly what you want to achieve so that they can prepare in advance.
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