MIG vs ARC vs all the others as well

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So I get that MIG is easier but whats the difference in terms of weld quality and strength and such....When should you go w/ MIG and when should you go w/ ARC if you've got both , and for theory's sake assuming you could use both equally well?  Also does TIG just blow the **** out of both?  I suppose I've never really understood why you'd use one form over another all things being equal w/ skill and equipment budget (which they obviously aren't).  Sorry if this is a pre-school welding question, and thanks.
Reply:Originally Posted by SlapHappyDrums.When should you go w/ MIG and when should you go w/ ARC if you've got both?
Reply:Each process has its strong points.  MIG is easier.  MIG is faster than stick.  MIG with cored wire can be faster yet, or you can use self shielding wire so if the wind is still blowing, you can still weld.Stick is most portable and convienent.  Usually takes the smallest investment to be able to weld.  TIG is for more specialized stuff and takes longer than Stick.    It works great on aluminum and stainless.  You have the most control with TIG.I would mig small thin plate.  I MIG bigger plate flat or out of position.  When I am on the road, its stick unless its a bigger job, then I get out the wire feed. I don't TIG much because the type of work I do.  Lots of repair welding.  DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:What David R said. I will add my opinion and it's not intended to degrade anyone, just my opinion.I'm of the opinion that SMAW and GTAW are finess weld methods. I prefer and enjoy both of these methods on about any project I jump into. The exception is bodywork. I have my SP125PLUS with .023 wire and C25 bottle that does a great job with that.I've run tons of solid, flux core and dual shield wire in the manufacturing arena and it works good for that, which is generally considered it's stongest point. I've run from the old 1/16th inch flux cores 3/32nd dual shield down to .035 solids in most configurations. Long story short, I believe GMAW/FCAW is so easy you could teach a monkey to do it. I might have even proved it once, not sure if that one was a monkey or not. Wire welding is fast and simple, easy to learn. Which process is better depends on what the job requirements are. A lot more could be said but I better leave it at that. Again, not intending to upset anyone...JMOAnything worth doing is worth doing RIGHT
Reply:MIG is Arc weldingTIG is Arc weldingStick welding is Arc weldingSo what do you mean?
Reply:Yes, they are all arc welding processes, but it's hard to blame the amatuers for not knowing that.  Even Lincoln markets their AC225 Stick machine as just an "Arc Welder."
Reply:Originally Posted by MAC702Yes, they are all arc welding processes, but it's hard to blame the amatuers for not knowing that.  Even Lincoln markets their AC225 Stick machine as just an "Arc Welder."
Reply:Hey Guys/Gals,I'll just throw in some additions to the previous posts to only provide some "food-for-thought". My opinions are simply experiences and years of welding, fabrication, tool & die, production design, & machining. In general, welding is an ARC process utilizing a filler metal in a Positive or Negative potential application. Other processes such as plasma, laser, induction, resistance, and friction, involve a different set of parameters.Of all processes, most experienced welders would say MIG is the fastest and most efficient, but not necessarily the most effective for all applications. Each process, ie. MIG(gmaw), TIG(gtaw), Stick(smaw), or O/A, are needed because of the tremendous differences in structure, thickness, metallurgy, strength and application. Each process has a place, and to learn each process takes many years of study and practice. For the youngsters/newbies, you gotta do some homework, take some classes from teachers who are professionals and learn each process. Only you can become adept and produce a good weld if you understand the characteristics of metal and the processes that will be the optimum for that application. After 43 years, I still 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:Right on wasn't trying to ruffle feathers just make some sence of all the different bits of info I've picked up along the way , so Stick  , MIG , and TIG are all ARC....good to know, thanks for the info
Reply:My 2 cents.TIG is superior to MIG or Stick when welding material less than 1/8 inch thick.MIG is superior to TIG or Stick when welding material from 1/8 inch to at least 3/4 inch thick. Probably always in an indoor shop environment.Stick is superior to TIG or MIG when welding outdoors or on large steel structures.Try building a 100 foot steel boat with MIG or TIG and you will spend all your time moving welding machines around. With Stick a 100 foot electrode cable is the most you will ever need to move. Besides using TIG or MIG inside a boat has killed quite a few people over the years. The yard I worked at used Cobramatics for aluminum with Helium shielding gas because they were so terrified of the liability from Argon.
Reply:Originally Posted by jrfvMIG is superior to TIG or Stick when welding material from 1/8 inch to at least 3/4 inch thick. Probably always in an indoor shop environment.Try building a 100 foot steel boat with MIG or TIG and you will spend all your time moving welding machines around.