Fabrication Q? Stick or Tig

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Hello Everyone,I am new to the tig process and my welds are not coming out how I would like them to (especially after seeing pics of what you guys do).  I don't have a MIG machine that I can use so I need to decide which is better for the following scenario.  I need to attach 2 1/2 wide 3/8 thick steel straps to a piece of 1 inch plate that is already welded into an "L".  Basically I am fabbing a hanger bracket  to hang the "L" piece under a 3 1/2 square tube.  The unit is going to be lifting some concrete slabs (~ 600lbs) so I want it to be safe.  Am I better off stick welding the straps or going with the TIG.  I think I am getting decent penetration on some of my test welds on thinner material but my unit only goes up to 200 amps.  I am using an HTP Invertig 201, 100% Argon with a 1/8 in. Lanthanated tungsten electrode.  I have Stick welded before and am confident in that process however I would really like to tig it.  Is this unit under powered for that thick of material.  I don't have a lot of extra material so before I start sparking I wanted to get some opinions.  Is it possible to do multiple passes on TIG successfully as can be done with MIG and Stick.ThanksMichael
Reply:stick all the way...faster..cheaper..and for what your doing..just better......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:IMO I would 6010 it root pass.....and then run a hot hydrogen rod over a few times. I'm no pro but I had done some 3/8" for an engine hoist, close to 550 lbs no problem. Or maybe bevel it real good and go to town with the tig. Good luckMiller blue star 2eLincoln 175
Reply:tig is for aluminum and stuff you need "pretty"great for small stuff thats smaller than the flux on an electrode.."where did that piece go?"your aplication does not require "pretty"i know its fun and all but time and consumables is $$$$$...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Zap, you are for sure right......stick it up real quick, boom. Job done....next!!!Miller blue star 2eLincoln 175
Reply:its just common knowledge..but tiggin sure is fun compared to sparks..smoke..chipping..hot flux on your neck....wire brushing..not to mention the prep involved to tig something that big.......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks ZAP and FearCity,  I figured that might be the better answer.  I personally am more comfortable with Stick.  I just can't seem to get the right groove for TIG yet.  Everything seems to weld up nicely but man it's ugly.  There are no pics I can show without spending some time with the grinder.I can't seem to get the "dip" right into the puddle.  I think I am dipping too far away from the puddle and the filler just doesn't want to melt in.  If I move in closer to the puddle the arc wonders over to it and it wets away and I lose the build up. I think I am going to go to a local welder and see if he will demostrate the technique for me.Michael
Reply:You could TIG that using 1/8" electrodes with 1/8' wire and multi-pass, and it would sure be pretty, or you could sitck it and be done in 1/4 of the time and it would work as well, and cost a lot less.I weld thousands of linear inches of double V-groove 304 stainless in 3/8" thick every day, and the customer requires TIG.  I'd give my front seat in hell if they'd let me MIG it.........TIG is nice, but it's not for everything.  1/2 of weld engineering is deciding the correct process for the application, regardless of which one's your favorite.I r 2 a perfessional
Reply:Originally Posted by 383bigblockThanks ZAP and FearCity,  I figured that might be the better answer.  I personally am more comfortable with Stick.  I just can't seem to get the right groove for TIG yet.  Everything seems to weld up nicely but man it's ugly.  There are no pics I can show without spending some time with the grinder.I can't seem to get the "dip" right into the puddle.  I think I am dipping too far away from the puddle and the filler just doesn't want to melt in.  If I move in closer to the puddle the arc wonders over to it and it wets away and I lose the build up. I think I am going to go to a local welder and see if he will demostrate the technique for me.Michael