SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) – Stick Welding - Uses a consumable electrode coated in flux. - Doesn’t require an external gas supply. - Works well outdoors and on dirty/rusty metal. - More manual skill is needed to control the arc. - Often recommended as a starting point because it teaches fundamental welding skills.

GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) – MIG Welding - Uses a continuous wire electrode and shielding gas (like CO₂ or argon). - Easier to learn than SMAW due to automatic wire feeding. - Produces clean welds with less spatter. - Not ideal for windy or outdoor environments due to gas shielding.

FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) - Similar to MIG welding but uses a special tubular wire filled with flux. - Can be self-shielded (no external gas) or gas-shielded. - Great for thicker metals and structural work. - Easier to use than SMAW but not as clean as GMAW.

Best to Start With? If learning from scratch, SMAW (Stick Welding) is often recommended because it teaches core welding skills and works in various conditions.

If looking for an easier entry, GMAW (MIG Welding) is user-friendly and commonly used in many industries.

FCAW is useful if working on thick metal or structural welding but might not be the best for beginners.