Beginner advice sought

Oct 30, 2004 3 Replies
O

I am a carpenter. My stick welding experience is limited to occasional small projects usually working on bits of light rectangular tube. Having once tried my hand at what I think was called MIG welding using professional gear and being delighted with the ease and neatness of the result I have dreamed of getting one of the small DIY machines.



The dream is about to happen, an excursion round the tool shops revealed welders using wire from reels but some were 'Gasless' and appeared to be a lot cheaper than the Gas ones.



Can one of you knowledgeable guys give me some idea of the advantages or otherwise of these small machines.



Ray


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Small wire-feed welders - advantages

- small size, light weight

- low power requirements

- easier to start the arc than stick

- best for thin metal tube and plate

- gas-shielded: no flux residue, flux-core: light powder flux residue

- easier to learn initially, as you have experienced

I still use a 110V L>I am a carpenter. My stick welding experience is limited to occasional

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S

I am somewhat a novice, still. But what I do know is that the gasless is a bit messier, but works better in windy conditions. I am getting better all the time with my Lincoln SP-135. I have had no problems using gasless and when I wish to switch, I can without having to go buy a new machine.

Have fun.

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