Stick vs wire
 

For all of our welders who have experience with one or both.

Which do you think is best? Which do you like better?

I weld with both. Just curious and wanted your opinions.

Wirelessly posted (Droid X)

Depends a lot on the application. I prefer spray hard wire over anything.

Eff that, pulse is where its at lol.

For pipe, and **** I have to do groove welds on, I like stick alot more. I seem to be able to control the penetration/heat alot better. Nothing like doing grooves with a 6010 rod.

But mig is sooo much more versatile. You dont have to worry about slag getting in your weld puddle.

for most of the stuff i do.....i prefer mig
get the heat and feed just right and i could weld all day

i've tried TIG a few times but never spent enough time with it to get the hang of it

Ive never tried 60 series rods. Have you welded with any 70 or 80's?

As far as penetration, doesnt stick have the advantage?

I know with the correct settings wire can do awesome, but doesnt stick have an almost "safety net" as far as penetration and holding an arc?

With the right mig setup you can weld anything that a stick can do pretty much. If I had to choose one to operate the rest of my life, the choice is obvious. MIG.

FYI - I've been welding MIG for over 12 years and stick for over 18 years or so. Limited experience with TIG but it's fun..



GB :)



GB :)

No 80's series, but ALOT of 7018 and 7024. too much lol. Alot of specialized rods, like stainless, high carbon, alot of work hardening ones, and even aluminum stick once.

As far as more penetration with stick, its all on how you set it up. If set up right, then there really isnt any noticeable difference in penetration to me. But you can control the heat a little bit better with stick without touching the machine IMO.

TIG allday. Mig is easy as pie and stick is sloppy