Difference between Arc and Wire Welding

txasylum · 2003-09-23T21:19:36+00:00

Hi all,I am new to welding and have signed up to take a welding class at a localcommunity college. I plan on buying one of these small home use 110 voltwelders. Just for use around the house. My question is what is thedifference between an arc (stick) welder and a wire fed welder, other thanthe obvious. Which one welds better? Which one is a cleaner weld? Is onestronger than the other? The prices I've been looking at are $200 and underfor a 90amp or so welder. If I get wire fed, should I invest in the mig orgas conversion kit too?Any advice to lead me in the right direction is greatly appreciated.Bob