The choices that we make are often subjective. It has been said often enough that it is better to view the world with a more objective look, and also to make decisions that are based on objectivity. However, it is certainly easier said than done, as most of us would understandably attest to. I have been guilty of being far too subjective more often than I would have preferred, but that is my natural tendency. Which is why when I was asked what to me is the best type of welding, I knew before I answered that it would be a subjective answer. It is a rather personal question that was given to me, so I guess if I am a little less objective than expected, it wouldn’t seem too bad.
I was asked that question by a friend who knows that I have been into welding for several years now. He knows that it is my main hobby, and he would like to get my insight because he is about to take it up as a hobby as well. He’ll mostly be getting his instructions from me initially, although he’s also going to be taught by a more qualified welding instructor, which is the right thing. And I would just be there to provide support to him and whatever knowledge and guidance I could impart. I am aware that it might affect him and sway his decision making, but it is ultimately up to him to decide whether I am right and if he should follow me At all. For my part, I would also be giving him advice based from my own experience, especially about what I feel is the best type of welding
Types of Welding: Making a Choice
There are actually several types of welding processes, namely: Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Manual Metal Arc (MMA) Welding, which is also known simply as stick welding; Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) which is also known as Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding; and Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) which is also called Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding. These are the three welding processes that I focused on, especially since these three are among the most commonly used techniques in welding today.
If I am going to make a suggestion to my friend, I will suggest that he specialize in stick welding, since it is still considered to be the best welding process to use for outdoor purposes. And since I have a pretty good idea that my friend would mostly be welding outdoors, then that would definitely a very good idea for him to follow. And while others might contend that it is no longer used as much as it was in the past, it is simply not true. Stick welding is one of the best type of welding process for me, without a doubt.