MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas welding. It uses the arc welding process, an electrical current which melts both the wire and the material and fuses them together.

MIG welders use a spool of wire which is continuously fed through the welding torch. The Gas is also fed out of the gun and circulates the area to protect the vulnerability of the weld from atmospheric affects because the exposed pool is so sensitive, ensuring it’s a strong bond.

It is used in industrial environments and extensively in fabrication for thicker materials.

TIG welders uses a tungsten electrode to heat the metal and form a weld. It produces incredibly clean, strong, and precise welds with no spatter or slag.

The quality of the tungsten weakens with every use as the high current can shorten the length and grinding these reduces the amount of tungsten to weld with, so they will need replacing over time.

It allows for excellent heat control, making it perfect for thin metals. Ideal for hobbyists, fabrication or anything which requires precision such as the aerospace industry.

MIG welding is used in industrial applications on thicker metals that do not require as much precision and you need to get the job done quickly. It is also easier to use if you are a beginner at welding and learning to weld.

It would all depend on what you are welding, but if you are starting out in the welding world a good starting point would be a small multi-process welder such as the Lincoln Bester 200-s Multi process.

You want something which is easy to use this Synergic Mig & MMA Inverter welder gives you just that. It’s compact and fairly light to carry, so great for transporting around. It also has SYNERGY based on automatic selection of welding parameters making processes nice and easy to set up. This machine is one of our best sellers for new welders, hobbyists and DIY experts. This one’s also comes with a torch, earth return, electrode holder and a gas hose.

You must make sure that you have the correct PPE, shielding gas, a gas regulator,  clamps, fume extraction.

Yes, we are fully certified to carry out servicing and calibrations on all types of welding equipment from all manufacturers.

We can offer repairs and calibration at our trade counter in Honiton where will run a full diagnostic on your machine/machines.

We also offer off-site calibrations locally and further afield; additional charges will apply for travel and time.

Safety equipment is a must when it comes to welding.

You need to protect your eyes from harmful arc rays, but you also don’t want to strain your eyes, so we suggest getting a decent helmet with good screen clarity. Eye wear such as goggles are also required under your helmet to protect you from metal debris and welding cap to protect the top of your head. Alongside this a flame-resistant welding apron, welding gloves (gauntlets) and sleeves are standard protection from sparks and debris.

Fume extraction is required to stop you inhaling the toxic fumes. A PAPR (Powered Air Purifying Respirator) helmet is essential if you are welding in confined spaces, working with highly toxic metals (like stainless steel or galvanized steel), or if layout constraints make it impossible to position a fume extraction arm close enough to the weld or fume extraction set up (if you weld in a fixed, enclosed workshop).

We supply welding equipment, machines, accessories and consumables and we are based in Honiton, Devon right next to Eden Vauxhall on the Heathpark Trading Estate.

We are part of the TWM Technology Limited building.

MIG

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding is a welding process in which an arc is formed between a consumable wire electrode and a workpiece. Heat melts both parts and this then forms the weld joint. Consumable wire is fed through a MIG torch by a wire feed unit which is attached to the machine (power source).

TIG

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is a process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area and tungsten are protected from oxidation or other atmospheric contaminants by an inert gas (Argon or Helium), and a filler metal is usually used to fill the weld joint and give the joint strength.

Arc

MMA or Manual Metal Arc Welding is a flexible and widely used welding process which involves striking an arc between a covered metal electrode and a workpiece. The heat of the Arc melts the workpiece and the electrode, forming a weld pool, which cools and forms the weld joint. As the weld is laid the flux coating on the electrode disintegrates giving off vapours that serve as a shielding gas which provides a layer of slag, both of which protects the weld area from atmospheric contaminants.

A multi-process welder is a welding machine which offers you MIG, TIG and stick welding all in one machine. This is a great way to save you money by not having to by three separate machines. They are usually compact and portable.

A multi-process welding machine is great for DIY/hobbyists and fabrications if you require a machine to carry out different types of welds.

If you work in a more industrial environment which requires welding aluminium then you’ll need a dedicated TIG machine, or a Pulsed MIG machine.

Fume extraction is essential when welding indoors.

The intense heat from a welding arc vaporises base metals, filler wire, and surface coatings. As these vapours cool, they form a visible or invisible toxic plume containing carcinogens, metal fumes, metallic oxides, and hazardous gases.

Whether you work in a large workshop or a small one, open doors and windows alone are not enough to remove the harmful fumes produced during welding.

Without effective extraction, fumes can rise under your helmet and be inhaled. If extraction is not possible—for example, when working in a confined space—a PAPR (air-fed) helmet is required. Where possible, using both extraction and respiratory protection provides the highest level of safety.

Yes, we can repair any brand of welder, and we will take a look at any age machine. We will run a full diagnostic on the machine and let you know what needs to be done to fix it and advise you on the next steps.