If you're about to get your first welding starter kit, you should be aware that there are three different types of welding. These types of welding are very frequently used throughout many industries and hobbies, and there's no single type of welding that is better than any other. Whether you're learning for a career or just trying something new, you should become acquainted with all of these.
Stick Welding
Stick welding is one of the easiest methods for a hobbyist to take up, and it's also one of the older types of welding. Stick welding can be used on alloys or joints, and it can be done anywhere. If you need to weld indoors, stick welding is an economical and versatile option. Stick welding is also useful because it can be used to create welds on dirty or rusty materials; thus, you may find yourself using it a lot in the field.
Stick welding is done through an electric current, which is arced from the metal to the welding stick. When the electric current arcs, it creates the heat that welds the materials together. Though this is a fairly rudimentary process, it's also a very effective one.
TIG Welding
TIG Welding uses a tungsten electrode to create heat, which in turn produces a weld. This type of welding is generally used on thin sections of metal, and it can be used on everything from aluminum to steel. TIG welding is a fairly precise type of welding and it creates extremely strong welds. However, it's one of the more complicated types of weld to perform, and it may take some time for you to learn.
MIG Welding
One of the best overall forms of welding, MIG welding involves a gas arc. A wire electrode is fed into the welder, while an arc develops between the metal and the wire. All of this together creates heat that creates very strong welds. However, it does need some advanced equipment and it will consume equipment over time. MIG welding is one of the most used types of welding because it can be used in virtually any environment.
It can be expensive to invest in equipment for welding all at once, but there are often supplies at your local trade school, or a "tool library" in your community. A good welding starter kit will also have everything that you need in a single easy to purchase package. Contact a company, like Edge Welding Supply, for more help.