AboutEd Kerr Expertise I can answer questions about TIG,MIG and Stick welding, Oxy fuel and Plasma cutting. The affects welding and heat have on certain metals. Materials you can and cannot weld. What to do and not to do on pressure vessel and pipe repairs.
Experience 22 years Aviation and aerospace tooling and equipment fabrication, welding and repair. Aircraft airframe welding and repair. Welding exotic metals and alloys.Marine Aluminum and Stainless steel welding and fabrication. General welding and fabrication.
Education/Credentials H.S diploma
Awards and Honors American Welding Society Welding code certifications
Military Spec welding procedures and qualifications
Expert: Ed Kerr Date: 5/18/2008 Subject: MIG & TIG Welding
Question Hi Mr. Kerr, Im studying SMAW technique here in the Philippines right now and I want to know if do I need to study also the MIG and TIG welding techniques? Are those two in-demand abroad say U.S., Canada, or in Europe? Is SMAW process already becoming obsolete nowadays?
Answer Hi, Yes, definitely learn MIG and TIG welding, I would not say SMAW is useless, its important to learn it. It also depends on what welding field you plan on pursuing. Pipe welding, especially "on site" pipe welding, is dominated by the SMAW process, whereas the sheet metal field uses MIG and TIG welding for the most part. In my shop I use TIG and MIG most of the time and SMAW about 5% of the time. Mine is considered a "Job shop", which means we do a little of everything. But when we did on site welding it was SMAW due to the ease and cost of set up. SMAW does have its benefits, it would be wise to learn it. I would say out of the three processes, SMAW take the most time to learn, but it also teaches you hand-eye, steadiness and balance, things that you will need in all three processes. Hope this helps.
