Welding kit, which one?

[Davey]

Having had a browse round these forums I gather there has been some warm debate over whether to use mig or stick welding but don't worry this is not a thread about that. I use MIG for the mild steel welding 'cos that's what I've got and its quick and simple.

My real question is this, I plan to fab my own exhaust headers and collectors in stainless and I was thinking of buying a TIG set (yes I can use one, I spent several years of my life doing specialist fab work) but if I do I'd rather get an AC/DC unit so it can do steel or ally. The other possibility is to get a portapack gas kit which is about the only type of welding I've never mastered.

My thinking is that the gas kit would be more useful around the workshop and with a cutting torch as well is an incredibly useful bit of kit and its a fair bit cheaper.

But I know how to use TIG and can really do some nice work with it whereas to use the gas system will require me to learn a new skill which is a big ask at my age .

So what does anyone else think, gas or TIG? Please don't say both, I'd love to og that way but finances aren't that good even though my business would buy it.

D.