Stick welders are often used with thicker metals and for outdoor work. To protect the weld puddle from contaminants in the atmosphere, electrode rods are typically coated with a flux that creates a shielding gas when it burns. The author's vintage unit is slow but usable.
MIG wire feed welders are well-suited for thinner materials and indoor work.
The wire and shielding gas feed through a relatively short (about 10 feet) hose, so the machine can't be placed too far away from the work.
The author uses an oxyacetylene torch when working with dissimilar metals or making small repairs.
The author braze welds a new brass thumb screw to the existing steel bolt of his damaged miter gauge.
A filler rod supplies the metal that joins the two components together.