doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com TIG vs LASER welding

What is the difference of these 2 welding processes, e.g., for putting a gun back 'on face'? Is it just that the laser is more accurate? Or is there something else better regarding the laser? I hope I'm not the only ignoramus on this issue!

The laser is the best........the laser localizes heat only where it is welding and is super clean....therefore no damage to any surrounding areas......

Cheers,

Buzz, I've been welding for 30+ years and there isn't much I couldn't do with a TIG torch to a gun that needs to be done, and/or should be done. I really could not explain the technical differences but I don't see the need for what seems to be very expensive equipment that is more suited to a very specific operation. I don't think I would seek out a laser welder to do a job because there is some great benefit. How much colder can it be and does that really matter? How small do you need the weld to be? I could weld a hook with a deposit of less that .060" and not loose and edges to undercut. you could file all of that off in less than 10 minutes. So would it really matter if it was only half that much. An experienced TIG welder can do what ever you need. But maybe I am just an old dog that isn't learning any new tricks. Just my two cents.

Bill G.

I would like to see pics/examples of both kinds of welds.

Here's a couple of pictures of a gun that Tony had lasered, the areas welded had vice marks that needed to be removed, he then filed the welded areas smooth and had them engraved to match...now near new:




Best,

Been a welder all my life and can tell you with tears in my eyes - the more localized the heat the better on a gun. Tig torch, gasses and the fusion gets really hot. They weld the caseback threads on a 250k Patek watch case with laser, that should tell you something. Any guy with the laser equipment and knowhow is money well spent

You may be able to find something to weld on a gun that laser will allow it to be done vs not being able to do it with TIG. But you have to look long to find it. The finished product will be the same if skill is used with either. The laser, like the TIG, is no better than the operator. Laser doesn't change the properties of the weld.

Thanks Doug. The edges of the weld look sharp and crisp.

Buzz,

I saved the following regarding Oscar Gaddy's microwelder from an earlier thread:

"friend In IN finally turned up a copy(15 years old) of the micro welder that Oscar used, his name is
Floyd James Hanson
407 Barnum Rd
Rockford, IL 61109
This is 15 year old info but it may help in tracking this guy down.
He used TIG and he would send you a piece of very thin shim stock welded together with a quote.
Hope this helps track the guy down.

White pages lists his phone number as 815-397-2837."

Hi, I've just had mine lasered. It's very fine on this Grant and I'm very pleased with the work.

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