Weldfabulous Blog

Ask any welder about their preferred welding process, and you’re guaranteed to spark a lively debate. Some swear by the speed and convenience of MIG, others insist nothing beats the precision of TIG, and plenty will defend Stick welding as the rugged, go-anywhere workhorse of the industry. 

So why all of the strong opinions? Because the welding process you choose affects everything, from the quality of the bead, the required skill level, the job site conditions, the materials, and even how much time and money you’ll spend on consumables. 

That’s why understanding the strengths and limitations of MIG, TIG, and Stick welding isn’t just useful, but it’s essential for choosing the right method for your next project. And when you pair the right technique with high-quality gear (like the Miller, Lincoln Electric, and ESAB equipment available at Weldfabulous), your welding results speak for themselves. 

Weldfabulous is here to break it all down so you can confidently choose the process that fits your job, your skill level, and your goals.

MIG Welding: Fast, Efficient & Beginner-Friendly 

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding (also known as GMAW) is often considered the easiest welding process to learn. 

With a continuously fed wire electrode, smooth weld puddle, and minimal cleanup, MIG excels at getting the job done quickly and cleanly, making it best for: 

• Automotive repairs 
• Fabrication shops 
• Home hobbyists 
• Light- to medium-duty industrial work 
• Welding mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum (with a spool gun) 

MIG Pros

• Fast learning curve 
• High welding speed 
• Fewer stops and starts 
• Cleaner welds compared to Stick 
• Great for long beads 
• Works well indoors 

MIG Cons

• Less ideal for rusty or dirty metal 
• Requires shielding gas 
• Poor performance outdoors in windy conditions 

Popular MIG Gear From Weldfabulous

• Miller Millermatic® Series: A favorite for both pros and hobbyists thanks to excellent arc stability and ease of use.
  
  
• Lincoln Electric MIG Pak & Power MIG Models: Versatile, durable, and great for multi-metal applications.
   
• ESAB Rebel EMP 215ic: Highly portable and powerful, ideal for welders who want both MIG and multiprocess capability.
  
  
• Weldcote Wire MIG Wire: Dependable feed and consistent performance for cleaner, stronger welds. 

MIG is your go-to if speed and simplicity are your priorities, especially in controlled shop environments.

TIG Welding: Precision, Control & High-Quality Finishes 

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding (or GTAW) is beloved by welders who value a clean, controlled, artistic weld. 

With a non-consumable tungsten electrode and manual filler rod, TIG offers unmatched precision but also demands more skill and patience, making it great for: 

• Stainless steel welding 
• Aluminum welding 
• Food-grade and sanitary applications 
• Aerospace and automotive fabrication 
• Decorative, visible, or precision welds 

TIG Pros

• Extremely clean, beautiful welds 
• No spatter 
• Excellent control over heat and bead profile 
• Ideal for thin materials 
• Weld almost any metal 

TIG Cons 

• Slowest welding process 
• Steep learning curve 
• Requires very clean metal 
• Less effective outdoors 

Popular TIG Gear From Weldfabulous

• Miller Diversion™ 180: Known for smooth arc starts and professional-grade control.
  
  
• Lincoln Electric Square Wave® TIG 200: Highly versatile and beginner-friendly for welders new to TIG.
  
  
• ESAB ET Series or Rebel EMP with TIG Functionality: Portable machines capable of advanced TIG performance.
  
  
• CK Worldwide TIG Torches: Industry-leading torches for comfort, accuracy, and exceptional cooling. 

If your job demands beauty, finesse, or exacting weld quality, TIG is certainly worth the time and skill investment.

Stick Welding: Tough, Versatile & Built for the Outdoors 

Stick welding (SMAW) has been around longer than MIG or TIG, and for good reason. It’s robust, forgiving, and capable of producing strong welds even in less-than-ideal conditions. 

For jobs where weather, dirt, or metal conditions become obstacles, Stick is often the winner, especially for welding projects such as: 

• Outdoor or on-site construction 
• Farm and field repairs 
• Heavy steel structures 
• Welding rusty, dirty, or painted metal 
• Thick materials (¼” or more) 

Stick Pros

• Works in wind, rain, and remote locations 
• No external shielding gas required 
• Great for structural work 
• Inexpensive equipment 
• Handles poor metal prep better than other processes 

Stick Cons 

• More slag and cleanup 
• Less aesthetic weld appearance 
• Harder to learn than MIG 
• Not ideal for thin metals 

Popular Stick Welding Gear From Weldfabulous

• Lincoln Electric K704 Stick Welding Accessory Kit: A legendary must-have for beginners and farm repairs.
  
  
• Miller Maxstar® Series: Portable, reliable, and powerful for a wide variety of field tasks.
  
  
• ESAB Rogue ES Series: Compact, tough, and perfect for demanding job site conditions.
  
  
• Weldcote Stick Electrodes (E6010, E6011, E7018, etc.): Excellent quality with smooth arc characteristics.
  
  
• Tillman & Black Stallion PPE: Gloves, jackets, and aprons built for high-heat Stick environments. 

When metal is dirty, conditions are rough, or power sources are limited, Stick welding is your most dependable choice.

So… Which Welding Process Is Right for Your Job? 

Choose MIG if you want: 

• Fast work 
• Cleaner beads 
• Easy operation 
• Great shop performance 

Choose TIG if you want:  

• Precision 
• Beautiful, smooth welds 
• Control over heat and bead shape 
• Ability to weld thin or specialty metals 

Choose Stick if you want: 

• Strength and reliability 
• All-weather, all-environment performance 
• Ability to weld through dirt, rust, or paint 
• Minimal equipment requirements 

Remember, each welding process has its place, and the key is matching the method to the material, environment, and results you need. 

And no matter which method you choose, using quality machines, filler metals, and PPE makes all the difference in your comfort, efficiency, and final product.

Get the Best MIG, TIG, & Stick Gear at Weldfabulous 

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend welder, Weldfabulous offers industry-leading brands like Miller, Lincoln Electric, ESAB, CK Worldwide, Weldcote, Tillman, Black Stallion, and many more to help you get the job done right. 

Need help choosing the right welder or accessories? Our experts are here to help you find the perfect equipment for your workflow. 

Call Weldfabulous today at 507-494-5169 for personalized recommendations, or shop our full lineup of MIG, TIG, and Stick welding tools and supplies.