What is a Welder.

Tig is Tungsten Inert Gas. Uses a carbon arc and hand held filler metal.

MIG is metal inert gas, wire feed.

MIG is easier to use. TIG will weld thicker stuff.

First welder should be MIG. It's easy to learn and versatile. Welds tailpipes, sheet metal and thicker plate up to 3/8-1/4 inch, with multiple passes.

Both use inert shielding gas, instead of flux. CO², Argon or a mix of those and some others depending on the metals involved.

I'd watch some YouTube welding videos.

I have a Lincoln 120 AMP wire feed welder and it's fine for me. I can weld with flux core wire for rusty or dirty, heavy duty stuff and gas shielded solid wire for clean nice welds.

I always thought TIG was tungsten inert gas, but I suppose anything that conducts electric and doesn't melt at arc temperature is OK.

Sorry,

You're right. I confused my carbon arc welding tip for a stick welder.

The TIG electrode is, of course, tungsten.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/articles/Millermatic-MIG-Welders-Build-Repair-Tornado-Chase-Vehicle-TIV-Passport-350P/

Be it MIG or TIG process the money you are definitely going to spend waisting consumables to learn either process would be better spent taking a class first. You pay the instructor and he will do his best to be sure you don't waste all his consumables.

When you are finished, you will then be able to make your own decision on what machine fits your needs. With any luck, you'll be able to use the machine as well by then.

So far (sorry guys) I see some not so true answers, MIG is the machine of choice in shipyards building large vessels and oil rigs. At times VERY thick material, its all in the equipment and technique used. So it is not by any means limited to thin material, although the 500.00 typical Harry Homeowner MIG is about maxed out with a fence pole.

TIG can weld a beer can if you're good enough