Re: good begginer setup ?
 

I had a small ~$200 Lincoln 120v/88 amp flux core wire feed for about 3 year's, 90% of the time it did really nice work for down pipes and cat backs. But I had to give it back. So I just picked up a Hobart 140 mig, cant wait to try it out. That one was $450.

I was tempted to get a Clarke they were cheaper, had a free cart and just more amps per dollar. But I did some reading up on fab forums and every one said the Hobart does a way better job and is more reliable then the clarke.

What was your old flux welder? Maybe it's just the way you hold it or the speed you travel.

Re: good begginer setup ?
 

both times i flux welded i "rented" a carke 130 mig from menards (home depot type store) both times i got pissed at my poor welding and returned them

is tig welding stick / arc welding? does that need gas? ya i dont know ----.. somthing that can weld exhaust/ charge pipes somewhat easy is all i need

Re: good begginer setup ?
 

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...83_41_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...83_42_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...83_43_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member...83_52_full.jpg
This down pipe and charge pipe was made with my flux core Lincoln from Home Depot. It was only $200-250.

Re: good begginer setup ?
 

thats pretty good man, i dont think i have the patience for flux, or maybe ive just had bad experiences, but the one time i picked up soem raggedy old snap on mig with gas and layed the best bead i ever did 1st try

Re: good begginer setup ?
 

I all comes down to prep work. Yeah flux can lay down some mean bird ---- but so can everything else if not cleaned up good. Hell just a wire wheel across whatever your gonna be welding is gonna help out tremendously. I think it's just the fluxcore and usually weaker welder just doesn't have the power to get through dirt and ---- to lay down a good bead as a more powerful welder could.

Re: good begginer setup ?
 

X2.
Paint and grease does'nt help much.

Re: good begginer setup ?
 

are the smiley ones good for tig, or some i stay away from smiley tigs?