Comparison
MIG vs TIG: Which Should You Choose?
The short answer
MIG is faster and far easier to learn; TIG is slower but delivers precision, cosmetics and the best results on thin material, stainless and aluminium. Most fabricators default to MIG and switch to TIG when the job demands control.
The verdict
MIG is faster and far easier to learn; TIG is slower but delivers precision, cosmetics and the best results on thin material, stainless and aluminium. Most fabricators default to MIG and switch to TIG when the job demands control.
MIG — strengths and trade-offs
MIG welding (GMAW — Gas Metal Arc Welding): a continuously fed wire electrode melts into the weld pool under an argon-CO2 shield. Best for beginners, speed, sheet steel. Gas: an argon-CO2 mix (Argoshield-family) or 100% CO2. Difficulty: the easiest process to learn.
- Stick-out too long — keep 8–10 mm from nozzle to work for a stable arc
- Travel too slow on thin sheet, burning holes instead of building a bead
- Wrong wire size for the job — 0.9 mm covers most hobby work in Australia
TIG — strengths and trade-offs
TIG welding (GTAW — Gas tungsten Arc Welding): a non-consumable tungsten electrode arcs under pure argon while you hand-feed filler rod. Best for stainless steel, aluminium, thin material. Gas: pure argon (100%). Difficulty: the hardest common process to master — both hands and one foot.
- Dipping the tungsten into the pool — contaminating the electrode and the weld
- Too much torch angle: 10–15° from vertical is plenty
- Forgetten post-flow gas: tungsten oxidises and turns black as it cools
Side by side
| MIG | TIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | the easiest process to learn | the hardest common process to master — both hands and one foot |
| Shielding | an argon-CO2 mix (Argoshield-family) or 100% CO2 | pure argon (100%) |
| Best for | beginners, speed | stainless steel, aluminium |
| Australian context | Most Australian hobby MIGs run from a standard 10A power point; 15A circuits unl… | Aluminium work in Australia needs an AC-capable TIG — DC-only machines handle st… |
The honest answer
Most Australian workshops eventually run both — the decision is which to buy FIRST. Match it to where you weld (indoors/outdoors), what you weld (thin/thick, clean/dirty) and what you already have for power and gas. Our machine quiz settles it in six questions.
Common questions
MIG vs TIG: Which Should You Choose?
MIG is faster and far easier to learn; TIG is slower but delivers precision, cosmetics and the best results on thin material, stainless and aluminium. Most fabricators default to MIG and switch to TIG when the job demands control.
Which should I buy first?
Most Australian workshops eventually run both — the decision is which to buy FIRST. Match it to where you weld (indoors/outdoors), what you weld (thin/thick, clean/dirty) and what you already have for power and gas. Our machine quiz settles it in six questions.
Make them compete: get 3 quotes
Suppliers know they're up against other quotes — and you'll know the observed market range before you talk to any of them.