What is MIG/TIG/Stick?
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is the “correct” name for MIG, metal inert gas, and is also known as wire feed, and by several trades names like Airco-matic and Miller-matic. It is a semiautomatic welding process: the welder controls the movement of the torch or gun, and the machine controls the wire speed. An electric arc is established between a consumable, solid, bare metal electrode, aka wire, and the work pieces to be welded. Most GMAW machines with have two control knobs, one for power and one for wire speed. More power gives more heat, more wire speed gives less heat. GMAW is generally regarded as the easiest welding process to learn: just pull the trigger and go. GMAW is a gas shielded process, you will need a tank of gas from your welding supply store. Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is the “correct” name for TIG, tungsten inert gas, and the trade name Heli-arc. It is a manual welding process: the welder controls the movement of the torch and how much filler metal is added. An el
