Whats better, a Tig or Mig Welder for steel? ?

Question

Im thinking of jumping on the DIY Smoker train, and build one myself. I'v seen some videos that go into a decent amount of detail on the building process, with where and how to arrange the metal and to where to weld it, but not so much on the type of welder they are using. I'v seen some use a Tig and other with a Mig welder. Whats best for me is build a pipe style smoker with an offset fire box, and the majority of the steel is going to be 1/8th inch. Which welder would be better for not only welding the steel but for a complete noob like myself? Never so much as gave welding a thought before now, so its going to be a new experience, and am probably going to either purchase or rent (not sure if you can, but I'll look into it) a decently cheap on from Harbor Freight or Home Depot.

redstapler52 · Accepted Answer

You’re not going to build your first smoker with a tig welder. You’re not picking up a tig torch for the first time and laying down a weld that doesn’t look like bird ****. Get a mig welder with a bottle of C25 and solid .030 wire. Spend a minute dialing the machine in and you’ll get decent welds. Stay away from harbor freight’s Chicago electric welders.

johan · Answer

hi everyone 
I am also phasing this time to what is best but I find a really helpful site
in myweldingyard site listed many Reviews & Guide about the welder for steel
https://myweldingyard.com/best-plasma-cutter/
thanks

Anonymous · Answer

A Mig welder with a wire feed is the better choice.

https://www.americantorchtip.com/blog/mig-vs-tig#:~:text=The%20difference%20between%20the%20two,fuse%20two%20metals%20directly%20together.

garry · Answer

mig , its easier to use and 1 hand operation .tig is for thin metal while tig is for thicker metal .

harry · Answer

you will need 2 years to learn how weld

STEVEN F · Answer

Actually learning SQUAT about welding before attempting a project you still won't be qualified to do is FAR more important than the kind of welder.
Given your stated qualification, YOU couldn't properly operate a soldering iron.

fuzzy · Answer

For a neewbee you should stick with MIG but not that damn flux core crap, one that actually uses backing gas since you can get a lot more different wires that are non flux core, for you I would try what is commonly referred to as body shop wire.

Anonymous · Answer

You would do better investing in a local course at a welding school before you buy anything.  You will spend far more for the materials and equipment than what a smoker would cost.  And there is a lot more to fabrication than welding.  For example cutting.

Old Man Dirt · Answer

If it is a utilitarian type weld and you are unskilled go with the MIG or flux core. Mig is better but more expensive.
Tig takes a lot of precleaning and is a two handed operation. More like fuel gas welding. Not something for a beginner.

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Whats better, a Tig or Mig Welder for steel? ?

9 Answers