Whether you’re learning to weld as a hobby or profession, you’ll need to master all forms of the craft. Two common types of welding techniques are the gas metal arc and gas tungsten arc. They create similar results, but work in different ways and typically require differing skill levels. If you want to learn more about these options, here’s a guide to both types of welds.

Gas Metal Arc Weld

Many people begin with gas metal arc welding, also referred to as metal inert gas (MIG), since it’s considered the easiest to master. With MIG, a metal wire is fed through a gun-like device that provides heat. The wire serves as a binding agent for the two pieces being merged. 

One advantage of this process is that it’s quick, even when joining two thick metal pieces. A MIG device is also easy to control, which reduces the number of mistakes you may make. 

Gas Tungsten Arc Weld

Gas tungsten arc welding is often referred to as tungsten inert gas (TIG). With this process, the filler rod that is used to form a bond is separate from the machinery. However, a filler rod is not always necessary, as some TIG welders heat up the metal components directly using a tungsten electrode, which provides the arc used for heating. Since there are more parts to this equipment, it typically requires more skill than the MIG technique. For this reason, welders often use automated devices like CNC machines to have better control over the weld.

This process also tends to be reserved for thinner pieces of metal. When no filler is utilized, it can take far longer for metal components to heat up. Thick metal pieces would take a while to get hot enough for welding, so MIG is used for that process. 

Since 1959, Wayne Oxygen & Welding Supply Co. has provided supplies to customers in and around Waynesboro, Charlottesville, and Harrisonburg, VA. They offer equipment suited to both MIG and TIG welding, as well as compressed gases, industrial materials, and metals. Learn more about what they do on their website or call (540) 942-4145 to reach Waynesboro, (434) 295-2334 for Charlottesville, and (540) 434-1235 for Harrisonburg.