I am part way through the Professional Gunsmithing Course and noticed so far that Mr. Dunlap uses a TIG welder to add metal a lot. I want to add that to my shop, can you MIG weld as well in gunsmithing applications? Should it only be TIG welding? Trying to figure out what type of machine to start looking at, I am by no means a professional welder, but understand some of the basics. Already have an oxy-acetylene set up, but figure that would get the metal too hot in the process, where as MIG or TIG would be relatively quick and precise. Any opinions or info or advice? Thanks in advance
You definitely want to go TIG, NOT MIG. The TIG allows you to put controlled amounts of heat & metal where you want it. Gas torches are useful for heat treating, case hardening and soldering, but TIG is the way to go for general repair. AGI has a welding course that takes you from A-Z through all types of welding, and it thoroughly covers TIG welding for gunsmithing applications. As a Pro-Course student you will be eligible for a special discount on it.
