Dust, Wind, Rust — Not All Welds Are Built for the Field. Here's How We Choose the Right One.

You’ve got a trailer with a cracked frame or a gate with a broken hinge — and you’re out in Mills or Glenrock, hours from a full-service shop. Do you need fast MIG work, or is stick welding the better option in this case?

At Frontier Welding & Fabrication LLC, we offer both MIG and stick welding services — mobile and in-shop — and we choose the method based on your project’s material, location, and urgency. This blog compares the two so you know what to expect when we show up on-site.

What’s the Difference Between Stick and MIG Welding?

Both are used for steel welding, but they behave very differently in the field.

🔹 Stick Welding (SMAW):

• Uses a consumable rod with flux coating

• Doesn’t require external shielding gas

• Performs well in wind, rain, and dirty conditions

• Common for rugged structural and field repairs

🔹 MIG Welding (GMAW):

• Uses a wire fed through a gun and shielding gas

• Requires cleaner surfaces and minimal wind

• Produces cleaner-looking welds with less slag

• Common for trailers, frames, brackets, and mild steel

MIG vs. Stick: Side-by-Side Comparison

When Frontier Chooses Stick Welding in the Field

Stick welding is our go-to for:

• Windy or wet conditions

• Rusted or painted surfaces

• Heavy-duty equipment repairs

• Remote locations with limited prep tools

• Structural repairs to gates, pipes, and posts

It’s especially reliable for rural repairs, agricultural jobs, and oilfield applications where conditions are unpredictable and speed isn’t the top priority.

When MIG Welding Makes More Sense

We use MIG in mobile settings when:

• Surfaces are clean or easily prepped

• There’s shelter from wind (e.g., garages, barns, enclosed areas)

• You need faster production welding

• A cleaner finish is preferred (e.g., visible welds on custom gates, equipment brackets, etc.)

In fact, MIG is often our default for in-shop jobs or scheduled repairs where conditions allow.

Why We Carry Both Methods in the Field

Because no two jobs — or two days in Wyoming — are the same.

Our mobile welding rigs come stocked with:

• MIG and stick machines

• Multiple rods and wire types

• Portable gas tanks for MIG

• Grinding, brushing, and prep tools

• Safety gear and PPE for all environments

This way, we’re ready to pivot based on what the job demands — not what’s convenient.

FAQs – MIG vs. Stick for Mobile Welding

Is stick welding stronger than MIG?

Not always — strength depends more on the welder's skill and proper technique than the process. But stick performs better on dirty steel and in harsh conditions.

Can I get both done at the same location?

Yes — we often start with stick for base structure and finish with MIG where aesthetics or speed matters.

Is MIG better for aluminum?

Yes. MIG (with a spool gun) or TIG is required — stick welding isn’t used for aluminum.

Which method is cheaper?

Stick is often cheaper for emergency or simple structural repairs, while MIG offers better value for fabrication or repeat welding tasks.

Book Mobile Welding in Casper – MIG or Stick, We’ll Get It Done Right

Whether your trailer is broken down on a rural road or you’ve got equipment that needs fast reinforcement, Frontier brings both MIG and stick welding tools right to you. We assess the job, choose the right method, and get you rolling again.

📍 Serving Casper, Mills, Glenrock & the Surrounding Area
📞 Call Now to Book On-Site Welding Services
🔧 Or Request a Mobile Welding Estimate