When it comes to welding, not all methods are created equal. Whether you’re dealing with a broken trailer, custom fabrication, or heavy equipment repairs, knowing the difference between Stick, MIG, and TIG welding can help you understand what your project really needs — and why the right welder matters.
At Stellar Mobile Welding, we use all three techniques depending on the job. Here’s a breakdown of each method, what it’s best for, and how to decide which one fits your project.
🔩 1. Stick Welding (Shielded Metal Arc Welding – SMAW)
Best for: Outdoor jobs, dirty or rusty metal, heavy equipment, structural steel
Pros:
- Works well in windy or outdoor conditions
- Great for thicker materials
- Can weld through rust and paint
- Portable and quick setup
Cons:
- Less precise than TIG or MIG
- More cleanup due to slag
- Not ideal for thin materials or cosmetic work
When to choose it:
Stick welding is ideal when durability matters more than appearance — like when you’re fixing a trailer frame or welding in rough outdoor environments.
🔧 2. MIG Welding (Gas Metal Arc Welding – GMAW)
Best for: Trailers, gates, shop fabrication, thin to medium-thick metals
Pros:
- Fast and efficient for long welds
- Easier to learn and control
- Great for steel and aluminum
- Clean-looking welds with minimal cleanup
Cons:
- Not ideal for outdoor work (wind can disrupt shielding gas)
- Can have trouble with very thick materials
When to choose it:
MIG welding is perfect for jobs that need speed, strength, and good looks — like custom fabrications or trailer repairs done in a controlled setting.
✨ 3. TIG Welding (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding – GTAW)
Best for: Aluminum, stainless steel, thin metals, clean and precise welds
Pros:
- Produces the cleanest, most attractive welds
- Very precise — great for small or detailed work
- Excellent for aluminum and stainless steel
Cons:
- Slower and more skill-intensive
- Requires cleaner material and more setup time
- Not ideal for heavy-duty field repairs
When to choose it:
TIG welding is the go-to for jobs that demand finesse — like food-grade stainless steel, aluminum toolboxes, or decorative metalwork.
🔍 So… Which One Do You Need?
That depends on:
- The material (steel, aluminum, stainless)
- The environment (indoors vs. outdoors)
- The thickness of the metal
- The importance of appearance
- The need for speed or precision
You don’t need to figure it all out alone — at Stellar Mobile Welding, we assess every job and choose the best method to get the cleanest, strongest results.
🧰 Welding Services Done Right — Wherever You Are
Whether it’s Stick, MIG, or TIG welding, our mobile rig is fully equipped to handle your repair or fabrication job on-site. From Portland to the surrounding areas, we bring expert welding to you.
📞 Get a Free Estimate Today
Stellar Mobile Welding
📍 Portland, OR
📱 503-765-6613
🌐 www.StellarWelding.com