I went to the Tig route so that I could weld Steel but also be able to weld Aluminium, Although I still haven't done that as yet. Tig welds look nice and are strong But mig can make beautiful looking welds too , but Tig is harder to learn because you have a foot control (Normally) the torch in one hand and the welding rod in your other hand so each is doing something.

Mig is more forgiving when welding where as with Tig everything has to be as clean as possible to get a good weld, Firstly cleaning the weld material with Acetate before welding.

I am still learning and most of the time things look okay and stay stuck together, well I have blown through material that is thin so thicker material is easier to learn welding on.

Don't forget to budget for a welding helmet and Good Welding gloves and always wear clothes that cover you up. welding can cause Sunburn type burns on your skin.

Most definitely look on the forums because I didn't realise that welding zinc coated items e.g. Nuts and bolts is dangerous to your health so grind Zinc off because you do it and wear a mask if not sure.

Tig is a Higher cost than Mig because you have to use a different gas which the Price is higher using Argon and the Startup costs are higher. I brought a cheaper Chinese tig from ebay and Its fantastic and I still love how much you can make with these things. but still cost a few Hundred pounds but I want it to last for years to come.

Our local college at Coalville does a Welding course sometimes and that is worth looking at your local college first to see if there is a course and they will teach you but also let you get your hands on the kit before you buy.

I brought a rent free bottle from Barnett welding supplies a small family run business and you pay for the bottle for the first time but then it is the Delivery and the cost of the gas.

http://barnet-welding.co.uk/



The gas goes pretty quickly to a bigger bottle is better it lasts in the bottle so can still be stored.

Thanks


Rob