Patch panel repairs are one of the crucial widespread welding duties you would possibly encounter when restoring previous automobiles. The query usually comes up about which technique is healthier for the duty – MIG (Metallic Inert Fuel) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Fuel). The brief reply is that MIG welding and TIG welding are each utterly acceptable methods to make clear, dependable sheet metallic repairs.
Nevertheless, every course of presents distinct benefits over the opposite, and the selection as to which one you employ will in all probability come down your expertise, your funds, and the way a lot time you’re prepared to decide to getting the specified outcomes. Listed here are the elements you’ll need to think about earlier than deciding on MIG welding or TIG welding on your sheet metallic patch panel repairs.
Value – Each MIG and TIG welders require using an inert fuel to protect the welding space from airborne oxygen through the weld course of, making them a dearer technique than flux or arc welding. Each varieties of welders even have consumable elements that put on with use and can have to be changed often, however the greatest distinction between them is the price of the machines themselves. A primary all-around MIG welder, resembling Eastwood’s MIG 140, will run round $400, whereas a equally succesful TIG welder, resembling Eastwood’s TIG 200 AC/DC, will run nearer to $800.
Versatility – MIG welding and TIG welding can every be used on a variety of supplies, together with gentle metal, chrome steel, and aluminum. Welding aluminum with a MIG welder, nevertheless, would require a further accent referred to as a spool gun to feed the softer aluminum welding wire on to the welding tip. Relying on the welder you buy, this may occasionally both be an extra-cost accent or could also be included within the welder package, as Eastwood usually does. Aluminum welding may even require 100% argon fuel as an alternative of the same old 75%/25% argon/CO2 combine.
Pace – MIG welding is mostly sooner than TIG welding, particularly for individuals who might not weld fairly often. For skinny metallic like physique panels, MIG welding requires stitching collectively a collection of spot welds to create a whole seam. A MIG welder’s torch robotically feeds welding wire from a spool contained in the machine, making the job so simple as inserting the tip on the level to be welded and pulling the set off momentarily. With a TIG welder, the operator runs a steady bead of welding rod into an arc, feeding the rod by hand. This requires fixed adjustment and alternative of the rod on lengthy runs.
Expertise – Due to the explanations listed above, MIG welding is mostly a better ability for most individuals to choose up, particularly when welding on skinny supplies like sheet metallic. TIG welding requires a bit extra finesse, rhythm, and persistence as you feed filler rod right into a seam. High quality TIG welds, subsequently, take extra apply to good.
Precision – TIG welding supplies exact management over the warmth enter, minimizing the chance of fabric harm or brittleness. This permits the weld to be labored with a hammer and dolly afterward, good for thin-gauge supplies like sheet metallic. MIG welding, however, tends to have larger warmth enter. This may result in a bigger heat-affected zone, growing the chance of warping or distortion in skinny sheet metallic panels, which is why the stitching technique is important to welding skinny supplies with MIG.
Cleanliness – TIG welding produces clear, high-quality welds with minimal spatter, slag, or smoke. This may be essential for auto physique repairs the place the looks of the weld is essential, resembling in seen areas or beauty panels. Whereas MIG welding can present robust, useful welds, the weld bead might not be as neat as a TIG weld and would require extra floor conditioning, particularly grinding.
MIG welding can be extra susceptible to porosity points, particularly on skinny sheet metals. Porosity happens when fuel bubbles change into trapped within the weld, compromising its energy and look, and doubtlessly resulting in corrosion underneath the completed work.
In the end, the choice shall be yours. MIG welding is favored for its velocity, versatility, and cost-effectiveness, whereas TIG welding excels in precision, management, and clear welds. Because the previous saying goes – Pace, high quality, or price. Select any two.
