I know how a mig welder works and I taught I knew how a Tig welder works,but what are the diffrences between Tig and Stick.I saw this guy just using the tig torch now were is he getting the metal to weld?Stick is used by a filling rod?Right?

 

TIG and Stick (GTAW and SMAW) are VERY different welding processes. However they both use the same type of power source. Most SMAW buzz boxes can be easily converted to a TIG machine.

TIG uses 100% argon shielding gas. You have a tig torch to establish the arc, an amperage control (foot pedal or finger) and filler rod which you feed by hand. TIG is a very slow process and gets great penetration. TIG is most versatile form of welding because you can weld many different metals to each other.

Stick is most common outdoors.. No shielding gas so wind is not a big concern. The base metal doesn't have to be clean.. Probably most common for construction (bridge building, farm work, etc). Stick is a much easier process to use because you don't have an amperage pedal and don't need to feed your filler rod..

Stick makes a lot of sparks and smoke..
TIG is spark free.. clean.. smokeless..

Also, with the same power supply you can weld thicker metals with stick then tig.

 

You can use anything for TIG filler - scrap strips
or whatever, as long as it's what you want for
material type.

Shielding gas can be argon, helium (hence the
old "Heliarc" name) or exotic blends in some cases.
The straight argon is the best bet if you're only
to have one tank.

Stick, you only get what the welding supply place
has for filler metal (steel only, various sub-types)
and casing (low-hydrogen or regular cellulose bases).
There are choices to be made as far as strength /
ductility, penetration, ease of use. A plain old 6013
rod is the most popular for mild steel, a 7014
"surface" rod is easier starting / less sticking for
a beginner but does not penetrate as well. You can
get powdered iron rods for even less penetration,
nickel-bearing ones for cast iron work, fast-freezing
ones for overhead / "out-of-position" welding, etc.
but may have to special-order the more exotic ones.

 

Great info.You guys put it real clear.Thanx

 

And make sure it's clean.. I've used some old general purpose O/A RG45 rod for TIG once (picked it up by mistake instead of ER-70S) and the welds were pourous..

 

Is there somehwere that details a conversion of a bizz box to a tig welder. My dad has one that he never uses and this would be a killer summer project for me.

I would think, just converting the stick holder cable over to a tig cable and getting a argon tank with a regulator and some kind of foot control. Since they use the same current types.

Or is it much more involved?

 

http://www.tigdepot.com/products/p35TD-BBTF.htm

This should give you an idea as to what you need..

 

That is incredibly cool. Thanks for the link.