well, seeing as J cant tell the difference between Ally and Steel(snigger), i dont feel quite so sad asking;
whats the differance between the 3 main types,mig tig and arc (is it?) and more importantly what is it that makes them more suitable for one application or material or whatever?
I was under the impression ally needed one sort and steal another which leaves me wondering what the third ones for? ...... Both? (Blush)
Arc ( stick) is better for thicker metal ie exhausts
mig is better for thin metal ie sills and so
I belive but no doubt everyone will correct me if Im wrong.
The only reason why arc is more suited to larger metal is because MIG is limited to a maximum wire feed rate and diameter and hence there is a theoretical currant limt.
Exhausts are not what I call think metal though, MIG is best suited to them!
Stick is not to hard (I have some RSJ's to weld with stick in the next few weeks), the real art is striking the arc, you either use a scratch technique or, I use a tap technique. Then its a case of maintaining the arc by keeping the electrode the right distance from the work piece! (remembering it burns down as you use it)
TIG is nice, its about the closest you can get to gas welding and is nice for aluminium etc.
I would love to get hold of a good TIG welder ideally with plasma cutting capabilities