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.
Mobile Welding in Brisbane: What It Is, How It Works, and Why You Might Need It
Bringing the Workshop to Your Site
Welding is one of the foundations of construction, repair, and fabrication — but not every job can be done in a workshop. Large equipment, structural steel, or urgent repairs aren’t always easy to move. That’s where mobile welding Brisbane services make the difference.
At Hudson Contracting, we bring the workshop to you. Our service vehicles are fully equipped with generators, tools, and materials, allowing us to perform high-quality welding on-site. Whether you need structural steel tied in, machinery repaired, or custom fabrication completed, our team is ready to deliver results wherever the job takes us. This eliminates the downtime of transporting heavy materials and ensures your projects stay on track.
What Is Mobile Welding?
Mobile welding is the process of carrying out welding work at your location rather than in a dedicated workshop. Instead of asking you to bring in large steel components or machinery, we arrive with everything needed to get the job done on-site. For Brisbane builders, contractors, and business owners, this flexibility is invaluable. It allows structural steel to be modified in place, urgent repairs to be completed without delay, and even remote projects to move ahead without the need for costly logistics.
How Mobile Welding Works
When you book a mobile welding Brisbane service, the process is designed to be simple and convenient. It begins with an initial assessment, where we determine what needs to be welded and the best approach. From there, our team prepares the necessary tools and equipment, bringing generators and welding machines to ensure we can work even in areas without power supply. The work is then carried out directly at your site, and once complete, we leave the area safe, tidy, and ready for use. By removing the need for transport and workshop scheduling, you get a faster turnaround and less disruption to your daily operations.
Why Choose Mobile Welding in Brisbane?
The real advantage of mobile welding lies in its ability to keep businesses and projects running smoothly. Instead of shutting down equipment and waiting days for it to be transported and repaired, the work happens exactly where it’s needed. That means less downtime and less revenue lost. It’s also a cost-effective solution, because transporting heavy or awkward steel components can be expensive and time-consuming.
Another benefit is the sheer versatility of what can be achieved with mobile welding Brisbane. From structural steel on construction sites to gates, fences, handrails, steps and even machinery modifications, mobile welding adapts to a wide range of applications. For businesses facing urgent breakdowns, having a qualified welder arrive quickly can make the difference between costly delays and getting back on schedule. And with all work carried out to the AS1554 SP structural standard, clients can be confident that every job is compliant and built to last.
The Materials and Processes We Use
Hudson Contracting works with a broad range of materials, which means we can tackle almost any project. Mild steel and high tensile steel are common choices for construction, while stainless steel and aluminium are popular in commercial and residential projects. We also handle cast iron, which is often needed for machinery repairs. Having experience across such varied materials allows us to adapt our approach to your specific project requirements.
Who Relies on Mobile Welding Brisbane?
Mobile welding isn’t limited to one industry. In Brisbane, our clients include retail stores and supermarkets who need general repairs and maintenance, construction companies who require structural steel modifications on-site, and industrial businesses who depend on quick machinery repairs to keep their operations moving. Residential customers also turn to us for gates, fences, and custom metalwork.
Civil and infrastructure projects often call for mobile welding too, particularly when dealing with large-scale steel installations or bridge components that cannot be transported. What unites all of these industries is the need for reliable, professional welding that fits seamlessly into their workflow. That’s exactly what Hudson Contracting delivers.
Why Hudson Contracting?
Choosing the right welder is about more than just finding someone with the right tools. At Hudson Contracting, we focus on craftsmanship, compliance, and reliability. Our team brings years of hands-on experience, meaning we can quickly adapt to the challenges that arise on-site. Every job we complete meets Australian standards, so you can be confident in the quality of our work.
Clients choose us because we make their projects easier. We show up fully prepared, with generators and equipment ready to handle even off-grid projects. Our services are flexible, covering everything from small repairs to major structural welding, and our communication is clear and straightforward. By eliminating the hassle of workshop delays and transport costs, we help you keep your project on schedule and within budget.
Mobile Welding Brisbane – Wherever You Need It
Based in Brisbane, Hudson Contracting services the greater South East Queensland region and also takes on larger projects across Australia and overseas. No matter the size of your project, we can tailor our services to your needs. From urgent breakdowns to long-term structural welding contracts, we deliver workmanship that stands up to Australia’s conditions.
Every job is approached with the same level of attention to detail, whether it’s a minor repair for a small business or a major construction project with tight deadlines. By choosing mobile welding Brisbane services from Hudson Contracting, you’re not just hiring welders, you’re partnering with a team that’s dedicated to keeping your operations running smoothly.
Keep Your Project on Track with Hudson Contracting
When you need fast, reliable, and professional welding services, Hudson Contracting brings the workshop to you. Our mobile welding Brisbane team is equipped to handle everything from small repairs to large structural projects, ensuring compliance and quality every time.
Contact Hudson Contracting today to discuss your project and request a free quote. Let us bring expert welding directly to your site and keep your business moving.