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Gas or Gasless for the beginner welder

I got a gasless about 3 yrs ago, had necer welded anything, and I have put 3 or 4 big spools of wire through it now, and I am getting better everytime i weld. It's really nice having people compliment you on how nice your welds look. anyway, I use flux core and have no problems.
 
I hate flux

But it will get the job done

I've got the 175 and I'm happy with it
 
I like my little lincoln with flux core, it tends to burn hotter which is a plus for a small welder. You can also get away with less prep with a flux core, then again you have more to clean up when your done
 
Gasless is a good way to learn. Couple of reasons off the top of my head. Number one is it is easier to get good penetration and a sound weld even if your technique isn't perfect...so you're getting sound welds almost right away.

Number two is it's less spendy to get started.

Number three is that with a little practise you will learn to make them decent looking...so when you do finally go with gas it'll be easier.

Mig with gas there is plenty of potential for lack of fusion, cold lap and other problems.

Rene
 
I say get one that is setup to run gas, but when you are learning just run flux core through it until you get comfortable.

I have a Gas machine but it will run both, I keep fluxcore on hand for when I plan poorly and run out of gas in the middle of a project:doah:

Dik
 
sandawgk5 said:
I say get one that is setup to run gas, but when you are learning just run flux core through it until you get comfortable.

I have a Gas machine but it will run both, I keep fluxcore on hand for when I plan poorly and run out of gas in the middle of a project:doah:

Dik
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I have to agree get a dual unit . It also comes in handy with flux when a buddy needs a quick fix but cant move his rig and you dont have to drag the bottle around. A portable generator is another good investment for just occasions.
 
NEK5 said:
I`m strongly considering picking up a welder, reading some books and watching some instructional videos, and start welding. I hope to able to weld up my bed for the rear of my rig, which will be mostly 2x2x1/8th inch.

I`ve been looking at this one here:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...&productId=100039229&N=10000003+1177+10401013

Whatcha think?
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I have the same welder, but the next one up. The 175 HD. I love it. I learned on a 110 flux core machine, but wanted something bigger. Check out e-bay for these welders. The store i bought mine from carried both the 100 and 175. Had great feedback and awesome prices. Mine was $650 at Home Depot and i got it for something like $490 shipped on e-bay. I was a little leary, but it came in a box sealed from Lincoln in perfect condition.

Mine is gas or gasless. Right now I am using flux core because i havent found a bottle for it yet. Its good and not to expensive to learn with and like the others said a little messy to clean up, but not bad with a wire wheel. Not to hard to start making good welds with flux core either after some practice.
 
NEK5 said:
I`m strongly considering picking up a welder, reading some books and watching some instructional videos, and start welding. I hope to able to weld up my bed for the rear of my rig, which will be mostly 2x2x1/8th inch.

I`ve been looking at this one here:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...&productId=100039229&N=10000003+1177+10401013

Whatcha think?
Click to expand...

Get the 135, its a much better machine.

Something you might want to check out, i know in our region we are clearancing out all of our older style lincoln mig welders. I want to say they are like $359 right now for the old style 135. They are changing the color and paint scheme on the welders for this year so it might be a nationwide price drop, wouldnt hurt to stop into your local HD and check before you buy.
 
Thanks for all the help guys! Now I just need to wait for the next payday...
 
Well, I`m getting this sucker this week. Any last minute suggestions?
 
NEK5 said:
:doah:TTT because I forgot to add it must be 110v :doah:
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Welding is addictive, you can't just have the small one. Once you get better, your gonna want a 220v and will make comprimises to have it running. If your strict on having the 110v, get the lincoln, its got bigger fans for cooling and comes with diagrams for guaging size of metal vs wire speed and voltage that my clark didn't have. They should have a mig conversion for later down the road when you graduate to a bottle.
 
i have a 135 hobart i will sell. pm me if you want it. has gas parts also to do both.

dont need it anymore as i have use of a big monster all the time now.
 
onetonbb74 said:
Welding is addictive, you can't just have the small one. Once you get better, your gonna want a 220v and will make comprimises to have it running. If your strict on having the 110v, get the lincoln, its got bigger fans for cooling and comes with diagrams for guaging size of metal vs wire speed and voltage that my clark didn't have. They should have a mig conversion for later down the road when you graduate to a bottle.
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Yeah, I figured I`d get the lincoln as it seems to be the prefered 110v mig/flux welder. I went to home depot this morning. $389 for the 100HD, and $479 for the 3200HD. Going to check Lowes as well.

sweetk30 said:
i have a 135 hobart i will sell. pm me if you want it. has gas parts also to do both.

dont need it anymore as i have use of a big monster all the time now.
Click to expand...
got any info on it?
 
i have only used it 7-8 hours total if that in the 3-4 years i have owned it. little dirty but will clean up . i just dont need it anymore. if you want to talk price let me know threw pm. and if need be i can take it to the local welding shop and have it checked out before shipping with recipt for good measures.
 
Check out the Hobart Handler 140. I love this machine. Its good for up to 1/4 with the .035 flux wire. It has everything ya need to run gas or flux. Picked mine up from Tractor Supply for little under 500. Would have no reservations about burning up to 5/16 with a little extra prep work. Hobart is made by Miller FWIW. Its a 110v also, but it like to pop the breaker on longer passes if its under 30 amps. Went with this one because its capable and portable. Can run it on portable gen as well, just make sure its a big one.
 
i think i made a miss info i might be wrong in the hobart 135. i think its a 140.

reason is i look at to many # all day and my brain if fryed. :doah:
 
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