Why Stick welding is better than MIG

I don't like mig and don't think it's practical for hobbyist welders or the first welder you should buy. Please subscribe and check out some other of my videos.

0:00 intro
0:28 mig is not easy to learn
1:22 overview of mig
1:46 overview of stick
2:30 why mig is complex
3:35 why stick easy to set up
4:00 portability
4:39 versatility
5:15 cost of welding exotic materials
6:14 complexity and cost of shielding gasses
6:50 bead penetration
7:15 purpose of mig
7:52 introduction cost
8:53 shut up about AC

[MiklthePikl]

I get a lot of the same kind of question so i'll do a FAQ

Q: Do you even know how to weld?

A: I started welding when i was 14 on a DC stick machine (i'm 16 now). Several people have hired me to repair things such as broken trailers. Recently, I spent a few months recently at a multi-million dollar company doing heavy MIG and flux core (300-400 amps) welding on heavy gauge steel, regularly completing heavy equipment repairs, I've also worked at a high-production trailer business welding load-bearing parts out of 1-2mm thick steel using MIG. I've burned through hundreds of stick rods and thousands of meters of MIG wire. I'll let you come to your own conclusions.


Q: I didn't see any welding in the video, whats up with that?

A: I didn't have to weld to get the point across.


Q: What about flux core, doesn't it not need gas?



Q: Why are you sweating so much?

A: its 45 degrees Celsius in my shop during the Autumn


Q: What about tig?



Q: Why so much rambling?

A: I am Autistic and have ADHD and don't take medication. I hope i can build my video styles around being enthusiastic.


Q: Stick welding is not better than Mig, why would it Mig be used at all if it was worse?

A: This video highlights the view of a hobbyist who wants to build things without a lot of hassle. Mig is great for production work and welding shops, who's high volume requires on the speed of Mig, and who can deal with the unreliability.

[pieroog]

Can't understand people giving shit to this kid - he's so into it and his passion is oozing out! Plus, he's not wrong about the subject. Keep up the good work, mate!

[midnight_commander]

Mans absolutely sweating from the outrage.

[cronzcariasojr]

I was wondering whether to get a stick welding machine or a mig welding machine for home projects. Your explanation just sealed the deal. I'm gonna go for stick welding. You have helped a lot. Thanks.

[bjh]

I salute you, Sir. Your video has convinced me to start with stick. You saved me months of time wasting.
@0:00 rant begins
@09:10 rant completed.

You, Sir are a legend of the internet.

[dmgmail]

New hobbyist here and ready to buy a mig. I appreciate you putting this out there. I will definitely start researching stick welding and your not kidding the mig/tig stuff is way expensive even for a cheap setup.
BTW your impressions is exactly how I imagine most people on the internet speak great video had me laughing throughout the whole thing

[GHohn]

I followed AvE’s advice and started on stick and I’m so glad I did. It’s super useful and I actually prefer it (and the simplicity) compared to MIG. No wire feed issues, never run out of gas, only one setting (amperage). Works outside, on an extension cord, on rusty metal. My little inverter runs 6010 and it’s a dream machine.

[carmelpule]

Excellent down to earth presentation, Congratulations. It is obvious that at such a young age, you already have covered a lot of experiences. Your selection and diction of the English language to present the practicality of Stick, MIG and TIG welding. Best of all, it is a workshop atmosphere with no music which tend to annoy me. Well done young man!

[venvnco]

I have stick, mig and tig all really nice miller machines and I use stick 90% of the time.

[__]

Thank you so much. I am an aeronautical engineering student and when i was taking Workshop 101 course i had a convo with my mechanics Professor about welders.
When i asked him for advice, he told me the exact things you mentioned in this video. Thank you for easing our minds.

[darkadore]

Thank you, I been wanting to learn to weld and wanted to try a mig/stick but not wanted to spend the money and this is helpful as hell

[leelotungal]

Thank your clearing this up for people! I'm a welder and honestly I've always found TRUE mig/mag more difficult than stick or even tig.
Stick is so easy to maneuver and control while a mig gun is big and awkward. Your settings have to be on point on a mig rig, where as your stick machine has to be remotely close. Everyone who's ever done any real mig welding knows how complicated a mig machine is, changing wire thicknesses and other consumables etc.
It no joke, hate it when people call it a hot glue gun.
As to what learn first? STICK, stick opens so many opportunities. Good luck ya'll.

[morbin]

Stick welding is huge in the shipyards. Cheap, easy, fast, and it gets into the tight spaces.

[Ry-inxp]

Never welded (yet) but looking to buy a machine and learn. Was put off with all the types, not knowing where to start. Thank you so much! I’m more than happy to start on an arc, then layer learn mig/tig. Just having fun in my shed, but always wished I knew welding. You were a brilliant showcase for starting correctly.

[mmuller]

I'm a frequent stick and mig welder. I agree totally with your video. There mig system of welding has so any variables, it it truly trick. Stick or arc welding is simple and reliable, much cheaper and easier than a mig (Especially for the beginner), . Your spoken words saying, ;stick is not fussy' spot on.
I would always recommend stick first, it's simple, cheap and you don't need to buy a gas cylinder.
Well explained.

[JMRSplatt]

I think all your points are quite good! I am very glad I started with a small stick welder from HF about 2 years ago... Many frustrating welds, but I have also created some fantastic projects. I recently bought a Titanium MIG 170 and wowie.. The pleasure, the welds, the cleanness!! Highly advised to start with SMAW and then if you keep using the machine, go for a MIG.

[evilgrin]

You have passion for welding. And your advice is great. Keep it up. I have a stick welding and hire a Mig if I need it for sheet metal only to get better results.

[christopherkidd]

My first welder was a MIG and I agree that it was a mistake to get before a Stick welder.

[cardwellron]

This video was very helpful and informative. I came here to get some beginner info on welding and I found this person very passionate about welding. I loved it. Looking forward to checking out your other videos.

[flwndnc]

I started with mig, learned big after that. Had NO use for Last year I got into stick.. Has many advantages in my opinion, I have Miller Syncrowave 250 tig, Miller 210 mig, 180i esab stick, Hobart ac/dc stick and thermal arc 95i. l find myself using the stick, more than the mig lately. I recommend people to learn to weld. It is a GREAT skill to have.