Choosing the correct and strongest welding technique can be tricky. No matter you are a beginner or a professional, it is always confusing. If you don't know the differences between each technique by heart, you could confuse things and end up choosing the wrong one for your project.
Some professionals like to follow the old methods, believing it is the best, while others claim that MIG is the easiest. It's not something you can decide based on what others prefer, you have to decide for yourself. If you don't take the time to understand the difference and the pros and cons of each of them, you won't have the chance to improve your techniques. Here's everything you need to know.
Advantages and Disadvantages of MIG Welding
First you need to know how MIG welding works. Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding uses inert gas to operate, which is usually made of argon and carbon dioxide. These welders use consumable electrodes generated from a spool.
This process happens through a long cable connected to the machine. The spool feeds the wire with enough current to melt the electrodes and base metal creating a joint between them. The process is simple and straightforward, which proves that MIG welding can be easier than manual welding in the operational part. However, MIG welding has no disadvantages. If you are not an indoor welder, MIG will not help you in your work as it cannot operate outdoors. A little breeze can disrupt the shielding gas, which can result in weak welds. Another disadvantage is that this machine does not work well on metals with rust and paint. You will also need to change the spool when working on different metals.
On the other hand, MIG welding provides a higher level of precision during welding than other techniques. It's much faster, which means your productivity will increase, and it's easy to learn. This means anyone can learn and use MIG, even beginners.
Advantages and disadvantages of electrostatic welding
If you've been welding for a while, you're probably familiar with the arc welder. It has been around for many years and was the most popular method. This machine uses a stick or rod made of metal and covered in a fondant material that comes in different shapes. Based on the level of strength you want, you choose the flux core wire type. Arc welders charge the stick or rod and create a high-temperature arc.
Unlike other methods, electromagnetic welding leaves a slag on the metal after finishing, which requires removing the slag by chipping or scraping it off before painting. It also requires a lot of rod replacement during work. All of this takes a lot of time and reduces your productivity. It is also difficult to use electromagnetic welding on thin layers of metal as the temperature can get too high, damaging the thin metal.
However, electromagnetic welding can be done anywhere, it is not affected by wind or any environmental conditions. You can use it with already painted metal, without having to remove anything. Furthermore, when you work in different materials, it is easy to switch to the required filler material.
What's right for you
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, has many differences but also many similarities. Both forms present risks. For example, electronic welding produces more smoke and sparks, which can be dangerous while working. However, MIG welding comes with a gas cylinder that you must take care of at all times. No method is better than the other and choosing the right method depends mainly on the type of work you do.
When comparing each method, you will find that each machine has its pros and cons. MIG may be easier to use for beginners, but difficult to set up. The toothpick machine is portable and can be used outdoors, allowing you to move and work anywhere you need. However, if you are going to use it indoors, you will need adequate ventilation. You can decide which is more suitable by trying and comparing the two machines yourself.
