What’s the difference between MIG and TIG Welding?

Here at J&S we provide both MIG and TIG welding services. Although most of our clients know the difference some do not. To save having to ask the question we have highlighted the main differences below.

Hopefully this will help you with your requirements and how we will make it happen for you.

Of course if you have any questions or would like to talk through your ideas prior to getting a quotation then please do give us a call. We are committed to explaining the process in plain English for you!

Now sit back, grab a brew and prepare for a little education….

The major difference between MIG and TIG welding is that one process uses a continuous feeding wire (MIG) and the other uses long welding rods which are slowly fed into the weld puddle (TIG). MIG and TIG welding both use an electric arc to make the weld.

MIG welding is a very simple and easy process to learn compared to TIG welding. The technical names for these are metal inert gas (MIG), and tungsten inert gas (TIG).

A MIG welder works by using a continuously feeding spool of welding wire that burns, melts and fuses both the base and parent metals together. You can weld a variety of materials such as mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

A range of material thicknesses can be welded, from thin gauge sheet metal right up to heavier structural plates.

TIG welding on the other hand is more commonly used for thinner gauge materials. Items that are made with this process are things like kitchen sinks and tool boxes. The biggest benefit is that you can get the power down really low and not blow through the metal.

Pipe welding and other heavier tasks can also be performed, you just need to have a unit that is capable of outputting the amount of power that you need.

The main difference between MIG and TIG welding is that one method uses a continuously fed electrode and is a very fast way of putting down welds. The other way is a much more fine and delicate welding technique.

The most versatile machine is the TIG welder as you can weld many different types of metals. The downside is that it is very slow.