MIG vs TIG vs Stick Welding: What’s the Difference and Which Do You Need?
When it comes to welding, the most common processes are MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas) TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas) and Stick Welding. Widely used across industries, from construction and automotive to fabrication and repair. But what’s the difference, and which option is right for your project?
At Hudson Contracting, we specialise in mobile welding Brisbane services, offering Stick, MIG and TIG welding on-site. Let’s break down the key differences so you know what to expect and which method best suits your needs.
What is MIG Welding?
MIG welding uses a continuously fed wire electrode and shielding gas to create strong, fast welds.
- Best for: Larger projects, structural steelwork, and situations where speed matters.
- Advantages: Quick, efficient, and relatively easy to perform.
- Limitations: Portability, Less control over delicate or thin materials compared to TIG.
What is TIG Welding?
TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode and requires a filler rod (in many cases) to join materials. It’s more precise than MIG welding, making it ideal for detailed or delicate work.
- Best for: Stainless steel, aluminium, exotic metals and thinner metals.
- Advantages: Produces cleaner, high-quality welds with excellent precision.
- Limitations: Slower and requires more skill than MIG welding.
For projects in Brisbane where aesthetics and precision are key — such as custom fabrication or fine aluminium work — TIG welding is often the preferred method.
MIG vs TIG: The Key Differences
Here’s how MIG and TIG stack up against each other:
- Speed: MIG is faster and better for larger projects.
- Precision: TIG is slower but offers greater control.
- Materials: MIG suits mild steel and structural jobs, while TIG is perfect for stainless steel and aluminium.
- Appearance: TIG welds tend to look cleaner and require less finishing.
- Cost: MIG is generally more affordable due to speed and efficiency.
At Hudson Contracting, we provide both techniques as part of our mobile welding Brisbane services. This means we’ll choose the method that best suits your project, ensuring the right balance between cost, strength, and finish.
Stick Welding
While MIG and TIG welding both have their place, stick welding is still the go-to method for many on-site jobs because of its portability and practicality. A caddy stick welder weighs as little as 5 kg and is about the size of a shoebox, making it easy to carry and set up anywhere. By comparison, even compact caddy MIG and TIG welders are heavier (13–18 kg plus the added weight of wire or gas cylinders), that being said, the Large Generator Welders are commonly used on site, but you are limited by access, they are very practical if you are close to where you are working as they are generally placed on our vehicle or can be craned into a site.
When to Choose Stick Welding
Stick welding is often the most practical option for on-site jobs, especially where portability matters. Because the machines are small, lightweight, and don’t rely on heavy gas cylinders or long welding leads, they’re easy to move around and set up in almost any environment. Stick welding is ideal for farm repairs, structural work in remote locations, or projects where access is limited and speed is important. While it doesn’t always produce the same clean finish as TIG, its reliability and convenience make stick welding the go-to method for many mobile welding jobs in Brisbane.
Why Mobile Welding is the Smarter Option in Brisbane
Instead of transporting heavy equipment or materials, mobile welding Brisbane brings the workshop to you. Our qualified welders come directly to your site, saving you time and reducing downtime.
Whether you need MIG or TIG, we arrive fully equipped to handle the job. From construction sites and farms to factories and home projects, mobile welding makes the process simple, fast, and cost-effective.
The Hudson Contracting Difference
At Hudson Contracting, we combine expertise with convenience. Our team is:
- Fully qualified and insured
- Skilled in both MIG and TIG welding
- Equipped with the latest tools for on-site work
- Flexible, reliable, and Brisbane-based
We’ve built our reputation by delivering quality results across a wide range of welding projects, large and small.
Maintaining Your Welds
Getting the right weld is only half the job, keeping it in good condition matters too. Regular inspections, touch-ups when necessary, and using the correct protective coatings can extend the life of your metalwork. Our mobile welding Brisbane service isn’t just about doing the job once, we’re here for ongoing maintenance and support.
Get the Right Welding Solution On-Site in Brisbane
Whether your project calls for the speed of MIG welding or the precision of TIG welding, Hudson Contracting has you covered. With our mobile welding Brisbane service, we come to you, saving time while ensuring a professional finish every time.
