Picked a stick welder over a mig for my home shop

Been doing mostly field work for years but finally set up a little shop in my garage. I had to choose between a Lincoln 140 mig or an old Miller stick machine for around 500 bucks. Went with the stick because it handles thicker metal and dirty surfaces better, plus no gas refills. First week I burned through three rods learning the angle again but got a clean weld on a trailer hitch. Any of you guys run stick in your home shop or did I make a mistake?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_stella19d ago

Used to think mig was the only way but stick really grows on you once you get the hang of it.

morgan_bailey9319d ago

Used to think mig was the only way" - I feel you but I gotta disagree. Stick's great for heavy stuff in the field, but mig is just so much cleaner and easier for most jobs I do, especially thinner metal.