Full Ring 101 Questions - N00Bs ask here

[cheburashka]

I have a question about table image.

In MTTs, where I started playing, a strategy that makes sense to me and which I used a lot was to play super tight at the early levels in order to build the image necessary to successfully steal/resteal when stacks get short.

However, it seems as though the opposite strategy (i.e. creating the image of a maniac in order to get paid off by monsters) makes more sense in cash games, as blinds are always small as a % of stacks.

Does anyone here use this second strategy, or is it stupid? And if you do use it, what are some tips for building the image of a maniac without spewing chips?