Arc, Mig, or Tig Welding ??

[Scout]

I believe that TIG is the most versatile. Stick is pretty much limited to ferrous metals. Mig can do aluminum or stainless, but this requires different wire, usually a spool gun ($300+), and different gas. TIG uses the same torch with different filler rods and gas. Plus, TIG can produce much more beautiful welds. What stick has going for it is that it can be cranked way up to high amperages for extremely thick metals and can be done outdoors in the wind. Wire feed can as well, but I just am not a big fan. It's very sloppy, IMO.

It is possible to stick weld aluminum. The electrodes burn up quicker than steel though.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnTvxVjk8fg

The big advantage to stick is it's portability. Lots of big construction projects are welded by stick. Also you can lay down a lot of metal at once.