-1
Debating if stick welding on thin tube is worth the hassle or just use a mig
Honestly, I've been fighting with 16 gauge stainless tube on this railing job in Phoenix. Tried stick welding it with 3/32 rods on lower amps, and it actually held up better than I expected after some practice. But the cleanup took me like 2 hours versus maybe 30 minutes with a mig. My buddy swears by stick for any outdoor job because of wind and says the penetration is stronger. I'm wondering if the extra time on prep and grinding is worth it for a stronger joint. Has anyone else tried both on thin material and stuck with one?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
veraramirez16d ago
Sometimes the harder way teaches you something the easy way never will, you know?
4
wait, hold up... TWO HOURS of cleanup?? dude i would've thrown the whole project in the trash after 45 minutes lol. i tried stick on some 14 gauge mild steel once for a fence and the slag was like armor plating, had to chisel half of it off with a hammer. mig with some .023 wire on thin stuff is just so much less headache, even with wind issues you can get a gas shield that handles it decent enough.
2