What are the different kinds of welders and applications?

Assume I know nothing about welding and welders. Can anyone explain to me the difference between all the different types of welders and examples of where you'd apply them within the context of hot rodding? Also, what are the advantages and disadvantages of each? I already did a search to see if there was a previous thread that already broke it down, but I couldn't find one. I'm not looking for a brand recommendation, but more general knowledge on welding processes.

Any help is appreciated. Mahalo.

 

ARC - the cheapest, also called "stick welding". not suitable for thin material, though can do chassis type work okay.

MIG - the most common, and easiest. MIG welders feed a wire into the weld pool. great for heavy steel (chassis work etc). can be used on thin stuff, though the weld is quite hard so it's not great for finesse panelwork.

OXY - basically a blowtorch, that melts metal. you can feed wire into the weld-pool manually to weld. handy, because it heats and cuts too!

TIG - kind of like an electric oxy. greater control of the weld flame than oxy, but doesn't heat or cut. by far the best for aluminium, which you can do with MIG and OXY, but it's hard!

them's the basics...

 

domo arigato mr. roboto

 

You forgot Henrob torch..............will do all of the above(all most)

 

i know, i know, i've got one!

but he did just want to know the basics! i didn't go into single and 3-phase, flux-core or gas, etc etc, either...

 

what's a henrob? i've seen quick examples of it here and there in previous threads but no real explanation.

 

Hey try www.cut-like-plasma.com

 

sounds really good. any downsides to this?

 

Picture yourself welding in a suit and tie. Bright light. No sparks or spitting metal. just a nice gentle humming sound. Thats TIG welding.

 

I dont know much about it. I would contact the guy on that website and he would be able to answer your questions.

 

if all else fails,- duct tap, bailing wire, & bubble gum.

 

aloha maho
all differences? there isn't enough time in the world to go into detail but..

ARC: consumable electrode, can be inexpensive and easy to master but best suited to heavier work, frames and such

Gas welding: typically oxygen and accetalene but other fuels can be used, also relatively inexpensive and not too difficult to learn but best suited to thinner work, bodies and stuff

MIG: metal inert gas, filler rod is electrode, more expensive, easy to learn and can be used for both thin and thick materials

TIG: tungsten inert gas, non consumable electrode, more expensive, more difficult to master, can be used on most gauges and materials on a typical build