Which is easier to learn? MIG or Stick welding? Well, this question is straightforward, when comparing both MIG and Stick welding and the time it takes to learn the both of them we’ve found that there are reports of MIG welding taking only about a week or two to learn how to perform basic technique. However, you’ll see in the article there are also people who have learned (not mastered) basic stick welding technique in 12 minutes. Aside from that (as you’ll see when you read the article) the difficulties of stick welding outweigh the parts that make it a simple process. On the other hand, the exact opposite can be said about MIG welding – the benefits for the things that make it easy far outweigh the difficulties.
Similarities of MIG and Stick Welding
MIG and Stick welding are both considered arc welding processes. Each introduces a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric gasses. Both are also capable of producing quality welds.
The similarities between the two continue though. Both welding processes make use of a welding consumable electrode that has to be replenished continuously. Both processes weld both stainless and mild steel, on top of being able to weld aluminum and cast iron.
When one looks at all of the basics, they are more similar than one might think. As you get into the details, the differences between the two start to show.
Stick and MIG differences
MIG pumps inert gasses like argon, from a gas tank, through the lead, all the way to the MIG gun. The flows from the hot torch and has to settle over the hot metal. This blanket of inert gas lingers over the metal long enough to prevent defects caused by the reactive gases.
MIG allows users to change out the shielding gas, since it comes from a tank, and it’s pretty common to use a mixture of carbon dioxide and argon. In small amounts carbon dioxide is safe and produces a blend that makes the arc more stable and will reduce spatter.
Stick welders, on the other hand creates gas by using a special external layer of flux that’s applied to the stick electrode. As the electrode is consumed, the heat activates the flux, which makes the shielding gas necessary to protect the weld.
The shielding gas is also partially contained by the slag that forms from the flux. The shielding gas mechanism from a stick welder is different from the gas that’s pumped from a MIG unit.
Indoor vs. Outdoor use
MIG will have trouble keeping shielding gas on the welding pool outside on a windy day. The gas will be blown away as it starts to flow from the torch and won’t blanket the weld.
With a stick welder however, the shielding is outgassing from the flux reacting with the weld puddle. The flux will create slag, a shell that’s supposed to help keep the inert gas in place. Meaning that this method of welding will work well in winds up to 35 mph.
Portability
Since MIG uses a tank of shielding gas, it is less portable.
Stick welders tend to be more compact and basic. If you tend to move your welder more often, you’ll find that a stick welder is more portable. After a few moves the difference will be more pronounced.
Weld quality
Since weld quality depends on technique and knowledge it’s fair to say that both produce quality welds. With that being said, stick welders produce spatter and slag that will require cleanup.
MIG welders are said to make welds that are cleaner and require less post-weld cleanup. This is offset by the amount of prep required when you’re MIG welding.
Stick welders are said to produce better penetration which can make for a stronger overall weld.
Joint and Surface Prep
When it comes to rusty or dirty metal stick welders excel when compared to MIG welders. Stick welders allow you to get high quality welds with dirty pieces.
MIG welders require clean, bright surfaces as dirt or other contaminants cause a weak weld when MIG welding.
Ease of use
Both of these processes are fairly easy to use. However, due to the different settings, the need for a shielding gas, and the wire that is fed from a spool to the torch; MIG welders are more complex to set up. MIG wire can also get tangled.
There are fewer variables with a stick welder – there are also fewer settings to worry about.
Cast Iron
A large difference between Stick and MIG welding is welding aluminum and cast iron. When it comes to welding cast iron, one should choose stick welding. Yes, you’ll have to take certain precautions and preheat the iron but there are a number of electrodes to pick from and you can get a strong weld.
The weld on cast iron will be weaker when you’re MIG welding cast iron.
Aluminum
MIG welding should be your first choice if you’re welding aluminum. Electrodes for aluminum are hard to store as the moisture in the air makes the flux gummy and moist. Also, you have to move fast when you’re welding aluminum with stick.
MIG welding only uses the wire with no flux, so aluminum is easier to work with.
Thin Metal stock
MIG welders were designed for thin gauge sheet metal, which gives you more control over the settings for the weld. This allows welders to handle as thin as 24 gauge, some may be thinner.
If you do things like bodywork with thin stock, MIG should be your first choice. Stick welders don’t typically work well with thin stock as this type of welder works well with down to 1/8 inch.
Thick metal stock
Stick welders tend to get better penetration for thicker metal and are the better option when it comes to them. Stick welders are the best choice for metals with a thickness of over 3/8 inch.
MIG welders don’t work as well for thicker stock.
Safety Issues
Both forms of welding have a shock risk, and appropriate care has to be taken so you can protect yourself – electric shock can kill or injure users.
MIG welders also have a bottle of compressed gas that has to be handled properly to prevent injury.
With stick welders’ good ventilation is needed as the fumes from them can be dangerous.
Also consider the sparks that stem from more spatter; extra precautions will have to be taken to protect the eyes and skin.
Cost
Compared to other forms of welding stick welding machines are typically cheaper. MIG welders involve gas handling and wire feeding and are generally more complicated. The more complex something is the more expensive it is when you’re dealing with welders.
Stick welding
After looking at the reviews of courses on the web I’ve found that there are courses that take as long as 6 months to complete as well as people (as you’ll see below) who’ve learned basic stick welding technique in 12 minutes. In regard to how difficult it is to actually learn and perform stick welding it has been said that since stick welding is one of the simplest forms of welding it actually isn’t very difficult to learn or perform.
Video credits to TimWelds. It goes over a beginning welder mistake and how to fix it.
Video credits to TimWelds. It goes over some stick welding basics.
Video credits to Paul’s Garage. It shows Paul’s first stick welds.
What makes stick welding easy to perform?
Stick welding is considered an easy process to perform because of its properties. Of those properties below are a few that contribute to the simplicity of stick welding:
- It’s simple and inexpensive
- It can perform bonds on unclean and rusty metals
- It doesn’t require a shielding gas because the coating on the electrode automatically disintegrates during the welding process
What makes stick welding difficult to perform?
- However, it is considered a challenge to perform because it can be difficult for beginners to start and maintain an arc.
- It’s difficult to start welding with a stick welding machine since they usually only run on a 220 volt outlet and most people have a 110 volt outlet available.
- It can be difficult for beginners to learn heat and weld puddle control.
- You have to chip slag from stick weld beads
- Stick welding tends to burn through thin materials very easily.
Pros and Cons of Stick Welding
Pros:
- Tolerates rust, paint, and dirt
- Affordable
- Portable
- Easy to learn and setup
- Works in windy conditions
- Better penetration handles thick stock well
Cons:
- Won’t work on stock less than 1/8 in
- Scratch start, electrodes can stick
- Produces slag and splatter that has to be cleaned
- Aluminum welds are possible but will splatter more and rods are hard to store
MIG welding
MIG welding has actually been said to be the easiest welding process to learn. It requires a shielding gas and has been said to take only a week or two to perform properly (basic technique). In fact there are a number of courses that demonstrate that it doesn’t take very long to learn MIG welding.
- Creates neat welds that require very little cleaning
- It has high welding speeds
- One can weld for longer while using it
- It can weld materials as thin as 26-gauge
- You don’t have to buy a gas cylinder – you can use a roll of flux core wire instead
- You don’t need a long welding rod nor do you need a long filler rod
What are a few courses that teach MIG welding?
ROCAFC course: 10 session sessions and takes 5 weeks
ROCAFC course: 2 weeks course
Haunweldingsupply: 12 to 32 hour classes
Examples of how long it takes to learn MIG welding:
Video credits to Urchfab. It goes over MIG welding for beginners.
What makes MIG welding easy to perform?
MIG welding is considered a process that’s relatively easy to perform for the following reasons:
What makes MIG welding easy difficult to perform?
There is very little information stating why MIG welding is difficult to perform, however, a few things we did find is:
- It doesn’t work well on rusty metal
- It doesn’t work well outside (when using a shielding gas)
Pros and Cons of MIG Welding
Pros:
- Gas tank makes it less portable than stick
- Not the best choice for cast iron
- Needs clean, bright white prep
- Wind blows away shielding gas, even light breezes can be a problem
- A bit harder to set up for a weld
- More expensive than stick
Cons:
- Less time spent putting in wire spools vs. stick electrodes
- Produces more feet of beads per hour
- Has more settings, control over the arc
- Can produce clean, professional aluminum welds
- No slag, less spatter, cleaner than stick
- Simple to use, pull the trigger and weld
- Handles thin metal well
