Mig vs stick while welding frame

Dynamicdan · Feb 12, 2013

Just curious...is stick welding a acceptable method of frame building...or should i use mig.....i absolutly love the way stickwelding looks

twitche · Feb 12, 2013

You can usually get better penetration with stick, unless you have a large and powerful mig.

Dynamicdan · Feb 12, 2013

So a common 7018 rod would be ok...or do root with 6011 then cap 7018.. This is gonna be first frame build

sgtpontiac · Feb 12, 2013

Stick welding is preferred by some for frame work....

and they say it's much stronger welds....but I've seen a ton of frame work done with mig and tig....so stick weld to your hearts content...

Bonehead · Feb 12, 2013

Dynamicdan said:
So a common 7018 rod would be ok...or do root with 6011 then cap 7018.. This is gonna be first frame build

You can do that, or all 6011 or all 7018

TMP · Feb 16, 2013

Dynamicdan said:
So a common 7018 rod would be ok...or do root with 6011 then cap 7018.. This is gonna be first frame build

Absolutely that will work. I build all my frames this way. I have been a pipeline welder 35+ years and it is the best between the two. Now if you are an ace at tig welding you may get some argument which is better. Far better penetration with the stick.

sorj · Feb 16, 2013

If you are comparing penetration, the stick will give you more bang for your buck (if you buying a welder). The mig is also good but it would have to be larger enough to get the penetration you looking for. I, too, am a sucker for the old stick bead verses the mig. Don't get me wrong, a mig and tig will lay down some very nice welds without all the splatter. In fact, I have both (mig and stick) and I use them equally. If I'm doing a patch panel, I grab my mig. But as far as ole skol and frame work, I just personally like the stick weld bead looks more...