> For the most part, I agree, John
 > I was certified at one time for steel high pressure steam,
 > Titanium, and SS. I was also a welding instructor for seven
 > years, have read this thread with curiosity,
 > and have seen some misinformation, largely based on
 > hearsay, and home grown welders.

 > To expound on this would perhaps take enough to
 > write a book. However, every method has it's place,
 > and some systems are quite universal.
 > As far as the MIG controversy is concerned, my statement
 > that properly executed, MIG or FCAW is capable of
 > X-ray quality welds still stands, and anyone well versed
 > in this subject would know that.
 > Archie

If everyone here was a walkaway from a welding instructors convention then I
too would recommend MIG just from the speed standpoint. In fact I wouldn't
recommend anything in that case. I have gas, MIG and TIG. For production work
like the kit plane chassis it is a must, lest they still be welding the first
one. For a cluster of tubes where you can get the tip into position, I would
use the TIG. I would tack everything together with the TIG. If I had a lot of
time and curtain gas I would TIG everywhere I could.
But... TIG is slow and not much fun because of the helmet and gloves and bib
to prevent a nasty sunburn. I love plain old gas welding. I can get great
penetration and never crack a tube. All of these systems require a level of
skill. I think the MIG has the drawbacks of the TIG but with less control. I
can teach anyone to weld with gas,
and make acceptable welds in steel, in an hour. The TIG is the next for ease
of instruction, and MIG is last. I don't agree that the one builder should
set aside his gas torch and buy a MIG machine to start on his airplane. I
would like to be there when those first two pieces of .035" go together. We
know what we know, and are more comfortable with what is familiar to each of
us. For weekend warriors the gas set is the most versatile, the quickest to
learn and by very far the least expensive.
But.. that's just my opinion, and I could be wrong.
Lynn E. Hanover

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