Learning how to solder can create huge business and hobby opportunities. Some welders like to make chairs, tables and other materials at home for entertainment. However, others use their skills in many different industries, from construction to automobile manufacturing. No matter which path you go, learning different welding methods will give you the opportunity to expand the variety of materials you can build. Read this list of the most common welding methods to determine which method is worth learning next.

MIG stands for "Metal Inert Gas", although this method is also known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW). When using the MIG method, the welder melts the electrode wire to fuse the workpiece. The welder must steadily feed the welding wire into the welding gun, while the shielding gas exerts its magic power to protect the weld from contamination. This method is the first choice for beginners because it is fast and easy to learn.

In addition, MIG welding has a wealth of commercial and hobby applications. For example, you can use MIG welding on aluminum and steel workpieces, making it a perfect method for the automotive industry. In addition, car repairers often use MIG to repair classic vehicles.

Like MIG welding, tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding has several names, including tungsten gas welding (GTAW). TIG welding does not use a welding torch to melt the welding wire, but requires you to generate an arc with the help of a tungsten electrode, and argon shielding gas provides protection. This may sound simple, but TIG welding requires extremely high skills and precision, so after learning how to MIG welding, this is usually a good method.

TIG welding is popular because it can produce impressively durable, clean and attractive welds. Therefore, you will often find this method in the construction and automotive industries. In addition, due to its ability to produce attractive welds, TIG welding is the best choice for welding sculptures and other artistic creations.

Rod welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), uses electric current to complete the welding. The current flows from the electrode to the workpiece, shielded by the flux coating instead of the external gas tank. Bar welding is very simple and does not require much preparation, but it will not produce the most beautiful welds. Although TIG welding does not produce too much spatter, bar welding certainly does. In other words, rod welding is common in manufacturing, metal manufacturing, aerospace and construction industries-although rod welding is not as attractive as TIG welding, it does not make the former useless.

Now that you understand the most common welding methods, you can plan your next actions accordingly. Although they are all different in different ways, each welding method has one important thing in common-the need for safe and intelligent practices. For example, any welder should know what safety checks to perform before welding, whether they perform MIG, TIG or rod welding. Each of the welds above can help you complete a large number of tasks with the right preparation, whether it is hobbies, career choices, or both.