MIG or TIG for a newbie?

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I am sort of new to welding. Many years ago, I was a machinist apprentice and had some exposure to welding. Things being what they are, I am now a computer geek and have been for about 10 years. I am looking at getting into welding some art pieces. The question is, can a newbie learn TIG as a hobby? I am looking at either a Millermatic 180 or a Sync200What to you think? Thanks in advance,Dan
Reply:The question is, can a newbie learn TIG as a hobby?
Reply:Good recommendation Zap. Today with the adavanced power supplies and wide rage of GMAW electrodes one can do just about anything a GTAWer could do.Martin MC Weld TechAWS-CWIAWS-CWEwww.linkedin.com/pub/martin-cramer/20/b36/940/
Reply:I agree with Zap.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I really dont know if MIG will EVER have the same control a TIG has, and that's why I would have to say that its best to learn how to TIG weld first (as I did, but with instruction).  This would be incredibly important for metal arts.  Cost isnt much an issue since while any MIG unit will indeed cost less initially, but you will need to add things like a spool gun ($$$), various rolls of different wire, etc...it all adds up very quickly.  All this, and you still wont get what a TIG unit can do (esp for the arts).Factor in that you will eventually want a TIG system and it gets really expensive!You may also want to look at the ThermalArc 185 ACDC.  I "stepped up" from the Miller Dynasty 200DX by going this route.  You will also want to go look at a plasma cutter (Thermal Dynamics is the leader in this field), and possibly oxy acet.Cant go wrong with Miller, Lincoln, or Thermal Arc/Designs.Just my 2 cents.Last edited by DirtyLittleSecret; 07-15-2007 at 11:28 AM.ThermalArc 185MillerMatic 180 w/ AutosetVictor Cutskill Oxy/AcetyleneThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 38and spite!
Reply:I learned tig as a hobbiest, and I don't think it's so hard to learn. If you have a decent amount of mechanical aptitude and hand-eye coordination, it isn't rocket science. If money isn't a huge issue and you are looking for artsy type stuff, I think tig would be a lot more versatile than mig.- John
Reply:Originally Posted by dgwhiteI am sort of new to welding. Many years ago, I was a machinist apprentice and had some exposure to welding. Things being what they are, I am now a computer geek and have been for about 10 years. I am looking at getting into welding some art pieces. The question is, can a newbie learn TIG as a hobby? I am looking at either a Millermatic 180 or a Sync200What to you think? Thanks in advance,Dan
Reply:If you are looking at welding for art pieces then I say go with tig.  If you can afford it.  It is a slower process, but great for appearance as well as when you might need to weld different materials.  just grab a different rod rather than having to buy whole rolls of wire and then changing gas as wire as you would on a mig.  If i could keep only one welder it would be a tig.I'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Hey Dan(dgwhite),With all the posts rendered, Zap kinda summed it all up regarding choices you need to consider choosing what welding application will suit your needs the best. For artwork, those who indicated a choice of TIG would be correct because of appearance. TIG is the true artform of welds. I have seen the posts of Zap and others' TIG welds here on the forum.....it doesn't get any better anywhere. Each process has its' place and the parameters set by a welder will dictate what would be the best choice. All my AL diamondplate car accessories are TIG...nothing less would be acceptable. When I need to get a lot of AL items(crafts) made, I use MIG because of time & cost constraints.To really enhance your TIG learning curve and the ease to which you would grasp the true technique, Oxy-Acet. welding would really get you into the feel of TIG. In addition, I see a lot of 'newbies" ask questions that could easily be answered by doing some reading in the plethora of welding books available and some classes that can be had even at the high school level. Also, to those who reside in the northeast, the training seminars offered by Zap are really a boon to those who want some "hands-on" training & techniques taught by a man who offers his time & shop to teach......FOR FREE!!!! Not too many doing that today. My hats off to Zap for his generosity and patience to indulge those "newbies" and seasoned welders who want to get better.Although I am 15 years his senior, and have 43+ years of welding & machining, Zap has given me, thru this forum, many helpful aids with some of my projects that closely resemble his projects...so, you see, even an "old dog" can learn. Do your homework....Good Luck.....DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Great words Yorkie...the true words of wisdom from a welding professional.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:I don't know what artsy stuff entails, but if it's going to be made out of thin metal, choose the tig.  My machine goes down to 12 amps.  Some go even lower.  Depending on what mig machine you look at, it might not go lower than 40 amps, which will limit what can be welded.WeldingWeb forum--now more sophomoric banter than anything else!
Reply:Great words Yorkie...the true words of wisdom from a welding professional.
Reply:As a hobbiest working on cars....I need to be able to weld aluminum in a semi presentable state.  For that reason alone, TIG was the only answer.
Reply:For artsy stuff, I recommend starting with an oxy-fuel torch rig.   You can weld, bend and cut with one 'machine' that doesnt cost much to buy, and, you'll practically be learning TIG as you learn to weld with the oxy torch.  That experience will be valueable later if you decide you want to TIG.  If you look for a used oxy-fuel rig on Craig's List, you should be able to find one in descent condition for $300 or less.  Not bad for an initial investment.  Oxy-fuel is also really fun to work with if you like fire .MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:i am going thru this same dilemma although I have never welded before at all.  I want to learn to tig, eventually I would like to be able to make my own turbo exhaust piping (2-3" SS), weld roll cages etc for cars. I cant afford both setups now.....I have been reading a welding book and have seen several people say TIG is much easier to learn.  THen I hear others say mig....I just cant decide
Reply:Originally Posted by z0diacI'd go mig (although I usually tell everyone just learning to start with stick).