Advice on Camper Construction
I am looking at getting a TC for the family. I want something that will last. I don't mind working on stuff as I have remodelled my house so projects are a big deal. I don't have a garage to store it ...
Forum Discussion
jimh425 wrote:SidecarFlip wrote:
MIG is speed, TIG is always quality.
Probably if you are welding it. It's certainly possible to do TIG wrong.
Moreso because of the process and weld parameters. MIG welding eliminates most operator input (so long as the parts to be joined) are prepped properly and that applies to any discipline, not just TIG.
Pre-prep is everything, especially with aluminum welding, though stainless and other exotic alloys require special prep.
Why experienced TIG welders command high wages, it their experience and expertise that command the wage paid.
I'm sure you have heard about N plants being taken offline for refuling. When they do that, they are also repairing / replacing physical components and every weld made in tha replacement process is a certified TIG weld and every weld is x rayed for quality because there is no margin for error.
Aluminum has some unique characteristics when it's joined, mainly oxidation and only a TIG machine has the capabil;ity of 'cleaning' the weld path / puddle while the weld is being formed. No MIG machine can do that. Consequently, a TIG weld on aluminum will be a stronger weld, everytime.
Problem is, of course, RV builders who are all geared for maximum profit and lowest input cost, don't want to pay for an experienced welder, especially an experienced TIG welder, when a spool gun attached MIG will do the job. It might be a marginal job but heck, it's stuck together and besides, it's under the sheathing so no one will see it...until it breaks that is.
Good example of low cost per weld is LCI components and their frame building for various RV manufacturers. All about getting it done quick with minimal labor cost. Consequently, you get missed welds, cold welds and poor join up because the mating parts are not prepped properly (as evidenced in many threads on various forums about how Lippert frames fail. Those frames are mild steel, all welded with a glue gun, nothing fancy there, but even a glue gun weld can be substandard when the welder isn't experienced at all, is pushed to be in a hurry, has no clue about joint prep and and really no proper training. You don't go from making burgers to a quality welder (in any discipline) overnight. They all take experience, training and time on the job.
IOW, you get what you pay for and in the end, the end user gets to deal with it.
