Hi, I've been wanting to learn how to weld for a while now. A couple days ago I was emailed a Harbor Frieght coupon for their Titanium 125 flux core welder, so I decided to pull the trigger, figuring I'd get this now to learn on, and could alway upgrade later, if need be, once my skills improved. So now that I have the welder, any recommendations on what else I need? Any brand recommendations? Any other tools I can cheap out on? PPE is pretty important to me, so I will invest in a quality hood. I'm looking at the Lincoln Viking and the Miller digital infinity or elite helmets. I know these are top of the line, but I figure my eyes are worth it. Between these models, which would you recommend? I'd really appreciate any advice you can give me!
Beginner welder looking for advice.
- Thread starter jgelack
- Start date
My thought is skip the FLUX machine all together.
When you say your eyes are worth a better helmet.
Theres something wrong with the helmet and the welder being close in cost
.
Well your welds are worth a MIG …….flux might be good for welding a fence post.
When you say your eyes are worth a better helmet.
Theres something wrong with the helmet and the welder being close in cost
.Well your welds are worth a MIG …….flux might be good for welding a fence post.
Wrench97
Well-known member
Flux core is tough to learn on for thinner materials, the shielding gas acts to cool the weld and limit warping.
Bah, flux works fine. Mig is better, but I understand the train of thought that leads people to start off with a less expensive machine. You've already got the machine - just roll with it and learn.
I don't know that you need a top-of-the-line helmet, but my welds sure benefitted from auto-darkening. I struggle to keep my hands still when I can't see them.
Flux core can be tricky though. What type of materials do you want to weld? There are different approaches depending on the thickness. Autobody sheet metal is totally doable with a flux core welder - but you have to do stacked spot welds in my experience.
I highly recommend watching some youtube videos - no matter how well we might describe it in text, it is probably easier to just see someone do it. Like my welding sheet metal example - I remember the first time I tried I just burned holes in everything even on the lower heat settings. It just didn't occur to me that I should pay attention to the heat I'm putting into the metal and proceed with a series of tacks. Seems obvious now.
Conversely, you might want to crank up the heat and do short tacks if you want to ensure penetration but are fighting not to burn through thin metals. Would you think of that on your own? Maybe, if you're smarter than me.
I like Lakeside Autobody or Make it Kustom (the former is awesome for autobody repairs like a collision shop might do (think quick but durable), the latter delves into more complicated metal shaping an fabrication - but there are specific videos the fellow has done on welding techniques with different welders. He also makes fixture, jigs, tools, braces, frames, etc, so it's not just sheet metal welding.
I don't know that you need a top-of-the-line helmet, but my welds sure benefitted from auto-darkening. I struggle to keep my hands still when I can't see them.
Flux core can be tricky though. What type of materials do you want to weld? There are different approaches depending on the thickness. Autobody sheet metal is totally doable with a flux core welder - but you have to do stacked spot welds in my experience.
I highly recommend watching some youtube videos - no matter how well we might describe it in text, it is probably easier to just see someone do it. Like my welding sheet metal example - I remember the first time I tried I just burned holes in everything even on the lower heat settings. It just didn't occur to me that I should pay attention to the heat I'm putting into the metal and proceed with a series of tacks. Seems obvious now.
Conversely, you might want to crank up the heat and do short tacks if you want to ensure penetration but are fighting not to burn through thin metals. Would you think of that on your own? Maybe, if you're smarter than me.
I like Lakeside Autobody or Make it Kustom (the former is awesome for autobody repairs like a collision shop might do (think quick but durable), the latter delves into more complicated metal shaping an fabrication - but there are specific videos the fellow has done on welding techniques with different welders. He also makes fixture, jigs, tools, braces, frames, etc, so it's not just sheet metal welding.
whateg01
Well-known member
I like Welding Tips and Tricks and weld.com. good video showing what the puddle has doing.
readhead
Well-known member
Flux core gets a bad rap here all the time. If it is so horrible why is so much of it sold? I had three flux core machines that went out on field jobs all the time. No gas to lug around and blow away. I think most people either have not used it and just parrot what everyone says or they don't know how to use it. Gas is great. Less cleanup but not the only way.
To the OP. Remember to drag the wire not push if you can. Just like stick welding, remember "to drag slag".
To the OP. Remember to drag the wire not push if you can. Just like stick welding, remember "to drag slag".
I would have loved to pick up a MIG, however for now I will be doing all my welding outside, so I figured my only options were stick or flux core. I figured flux core would be easier to learn.My thought is skip the FLUX machine all together.
When you say your eyes are worth a better helmet.
Theres something wrong with the helmet and the welder being close in cost
Well your welds are worth a MIG …….flux might be good for welding a fence post.
You might want to read thru this thread as most replies there will just be parroted here.
www.garagejournal.com
.
Anyone tried the new HF Welder?
I know it is HF. What interests me is that it is a DC welder with 125 Volt input. 99 percent of any welding I do is the tack something up, lawnmower repair, weld a bracket type of welding. No heavy duty stuff at all. It strikes me that for this sort of thing this welder might come in handy...
www.garagejournal.com
.
Farmall450
Well-known member
That's actually a capable little welder. I have one and use it more than my Ironman 230.
Portability is very nice. Don't be like me: clean the surface metal of paint/rust/oil before lighting the arc.
Portability is very nice. Don't be like me: clean the surface metal of paint/rust/oil before lighting the arc.
Xcursion88
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 785
Snap on helmet...
Snap-on Store
Low profile with light.
When you start welding I promise you that if you're welding on cars, trucks and equipment you'll bang your helmet off all kinds of ****. Particularly if you don't have a lift.....good lord.
If you'll never weld under equipment or vehicles and you'll be in wide open areas get a cheap auto darkening helmet but make sure it has a "grind" selection. Then you can also use it as a mask for grinding..etc.
Good luck.
That said...consumables...tips...all that stuff....
Country of origin is important!!!
Xcursion88
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 785
And....
Tips? Ha ha...
The best tip is this...
Go weld junk stuff and practice. Welding is a complete sense of feel. You literally have to do it...mess it up...learn from it....
Rinse and repeat.
Some point it will start going good for you.
Make sure you clean your working areas though pre weld.
Makes a huge difference!!
Tips? Ha ha...
The best tip is this...
Go weld junk stuff and practice. Welding is a complete sense of feel. You literally have to do it...mess it up...learn from it....
Rinse and repeat.
Some point it will start going good for you.
Make sure you clean your working areas though pre weld.
Makes a huge difference!!
I have a 3M speedglas, they make great helmets.
No point in saying it since you already have it, but if anyone else wants to buy a welder I'd also skip flux core. Mig/Mag can use flux core wire too. And just CO2 works for MAG and is dirt cheap (though it sputters and isn't as nice as a more dedicated welding gas), and even proper gasses aren't that pricey.
No point in saying it since you already have it, but if anyone else wants to buy a welder I'd also skip flux core. Mig/Mag can use flux core wire too. And just CO2 works for MAG and is dirt cheap (though it sputters and isn't as nice as a more dedicated welding gas), and even proper gasses aren't that pricey.
That SO
Nope,
That Snap On helmet costs 3X what the HF welder costs...
.
Snap on helmet...
Snap-on Store
shop.snapon.com
Low profile with light.
When you start welding I promise you that if you're welding on cars, trucks and equipment you'll bang your helmet off all kinds of ****. Particularly if you don't have a lift.....good lord.
If you'll never weld under equipment or vehicles and you'll be in wide open areas get a cheap auto darkening helmet but make sure it has a "grind" selection. Then you can also use it as a mask for grinding..etc.
Good luck.
That said...consumables...tips...all that stuff....
Country of origin is important!!!
Nope,
That Snap On helmet costs 3X what the HF welder costs...
.
Xcursion88
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2013
- Messages
- 785
I wouldn't know what anything costs at HF....That SO
Nope,
That Snap On helmet costs 3X what the HF welder costs...
.
It seems odd that you're replying for the OP about an item in which he clearly stated...
"PPE is pretty important to me, so I will invest in a quality hood. I'm looking at the Lincoln Viking and the Miller digital infinity or elite helmets. I know these are top of the line, but I figure my eyes are worth it. Between these models, which would you recommend? I'd really appreciate any advice you can give me!"
Apparently I missed the OP stating they'd turn over all financial matters on protective equipment to you.
My bad
Here is a new one on EBAY taking offers...
SNAP ON WELDING IGNITE 360 AUTO-DARKENING HELMET | eBay
LIST OF CONTENTS AND SPECS INCLUDED IN PHOTOS. We will do everything within our power to quickly resolve your inquiries. Local Pickup.
www.ebay.com
Here was one at $399
New Snap-on™ WELDIGNPHNTM Phantom® Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet with Light | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for New Snap-on™ WELDIGNPHNTM Phantom® Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet with Light at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
So the OP is ok looking at helmets in the $300 plus range...as stated by looking at Lincoln and Miller top offerings...
That extra little bit for a smaller profile helmet with a light is absolutely positively worth that.
I promise you once they're welding and banging their helmet off stuff and having to fiddle about with a light....
They'll wish they had that helmet.
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Bockscar
Well-known member
Another option is to check in your area for welding classes at night.....
IRQVET
Well-known member
I started on a Chinese Flux core buzz box. Hindsight 20/20, I should have jumped straight to MIG. I thought my welding skills were very subpar, then I realized how much better my welds were once I used a quality machine. I didn’t realize the actual welder could make such a difference. It was like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac IMHO.
If your looking to save coin, I’ll tell you what I did. I went to www.Hobartweldshop.com and picked up a factory refrurbished model. I’ve done this with both my welder and my plasma cutter so I’m into both for like $1,200- 1,400 bucks. Couldn’t tell they weren’t brand spanking new, I’ve been extremely pleased with my equipment and I’ve had them now for years with zero issues.
As for training, I am self taught using YouTube. There was a guy named Chuckie2009 that was really good, but I’m not sure if he is still around on YT.
Hobart 210 MPV Mig (110v/220v) Having a multi-volt machine has been pretty sweet.
Hobart 12ci Plasma Cutter
If your looking to save coin, I’ll tell you what I did. I went to www.Hobartweldshop.com and picked up a factory refrurbished model. I’ve done this with both my welder and my plasma cutter so I’m into both for like $1,200- 1,400 bucks. Couldn’t tell they weren’t brand spanking new, I’ve been extremely pleased with my equipment and I’ve had them now for years with zero issues.
As for training, I am self taught using YouTube. There was a guy named Chuckie2009 that was really good, but I’m not sure if he is still around on YT.
Hobart 210 MPV Mig (110v/220v) Having a multi-volt machine has been pretty sweet.
Hobart 12ci Plasma Cutter
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strutaeng
Well-known member
Nothing wrong with flux core. Most guys hating it is probably because they are into automotive work. Yes, probably not the best welding process for automotive.
But flux core is heavily used on structural applications both fabrication and erection and field welds. On a amps-to-amps comparison, flux core gets more penetration vs mig on your smaller machines. Mig is the better looking weld, generally and better for thinner material because it's a colder process.
I like flux core and stick for something that really needs strength, and mig for decorative metal projects. I haven't done automotive welding, so I can't comment on that use from first-hand experience.
A multi process machine would be pretty nice for an all-around.
But flux core is heavily used on structural applications both fabrication and erection and field welds. On a amps-to-amps comparison, flux core gets more penetration vs mig on your smaller machines. Mig is the better looking weld, generally and better for thinner material because it's a colder process.
I like flux core and stick for something that really needs strength, and mig for decorative metal projects. I haven't done automotive welding, so I can't comment on that use from first-hand experience.
A multi process machine would be pretty nice for an all-around.
Snapped-off
Well-known member
How do you like the 12ci?...
Wrench97
Well-known member
For exhaust pipes and body panels it's tough to beat a mig machine( or tig once you learn it) for heavier steel I still prefer stick on a DC machine.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
The biggest advantage of TIG is welding aluminum. You can do it with MIG, but it is easier with TIG.
nadogail
Well-known member
May you enjoy your new welder and good health for many years.
i happened to choose a Hobart Stickmate AC/DC stick welder. I have been using an inexpensive Harbor Freight Auto Darkening helmet for years. I started with a fixed shade helmet, but soon switched as soon as I tried the automatic helmet. IMHO, Auto Darkening helmets make me a better weldor because I don't flip my head well.
i happened to choose a Hobart Stickmate AC/DC stick welder. I have been using an inexpensive Harbor Freight Auto Darkening helmet for years. I started with a fixed shade helmet, but soon switched as soon as I tried the automatic helmet. IMHO, Auto Darkening helmets make me a better weldor because I don't flip my head well.
IRQVET
Well-known member
Being 100% honest, I have not mastered plasma cutting. So although I stand by Hobart 1000%, I cannot speak to the cutting quality because I think operator error is a factor when I play with it. I do not have the YT binge time on plasma cutting as I do with MIG welding. . . most of the time I’m cutting 16g for removing and installing patch panels on my old Willys Jeep that Bubba the Bondo bandit owned before I did.
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Find a high school that offers a recreational night course. If possible, start by learning oxy-acetylene welding.
I say that because oxytorch will teach you about heat control and the weld puddle. Learning that first is the best way to go - it’s too easy to treat mig as a metal glue gun.
I say that because oxytorch will teach you about heat control and the weld puddle. Learning that first is the best way to go - it’s too easy to treat mig as a metal glue gun.
isb cornbinder
Well-known member
I have been welding for nearly 70 years. I can say this with confidence, a good welding machine will make your work easier and the finished product will look much better.
If you gave me one of those inexpensive welders, I would try to kindly refuse the gift. I have had my best service from MILLER. We had two of the older gas engine generator welders. Those Old Lincolns and Hobarts were fantastic, in their day.
It is difficult to fault spending money on quality. EG: I have had my Miller Matic 200 for over 40 years of trouble-free service. I recently bought a Miller Syncrowave and a Miller Plasma cutter.
I would suggest caution if you by off Craigslist. There may be some really great deals. I have to think there may be some reason why a person would sell a good running machine.
Often problems do not show up when the machine is cold.
Another long-time user's advice is to try to buy a machine that has an on-demand cooling fan. The full-time running fan ingests lots more dust and makes constant noise.
If you gave me one of those inexpensive welders, I would try to kindly refuse the gift. I have had my best service from MILLER. We had two of the older gas engine generator welders. Those Old Lincolns and Hobarts were fantastic, in their day.
It is difficult to fault spending money on quality. EG: I have had my Miller Matic 200 for over 40 years of trouble-free service. I recently bought a Miller Syncrowave and a Miller Plasma cutter.
I would suggest caution if you by off Craigslist. There may be some really great deals. I have to think there may be some reason why a person would sell a good running machine.
Often problems do not show up when the machine is cold.
Another long-time user's advice is to try to buy a machine that has an on-demand cooling fan. The full-time running fan ingests lots more dust and makes constant noise.
Crazyjake8493
Well-known member
A high-end welding helmet is probably not necessary for a beginner. I've done just fine with the $40 Harbor Freight hood (black w/ blue flames).
The flux machine would be fine to mess around with, but I think you'd quickly outgrow it. I'd get something that can support gas to do MIG as well. Personally, I still have a hard time with MIG and found TIG much easier to start with and still do to this day.
The flux machine would be fine to mess around with, but I think you'd quickly outgrow it. I'd get something that can support gas to do MIG as well. Personally, I still have a hard time with MIG and found TIG much easier to start with and still do to this day.
Wiz02
Well-known member
That is so interesting that you find TIG easier than MiG. I've welded only a couple of times at an Eastwood demo of their MIG welders, but I always thought TIG was harder to learn. I was planning on buying a MIG welder, but I may have to reconsider.
Op has probably moved on but heres a few opinions for future people.
There is some missing info here for beginners to understand. Flux core is a slang term for FCAW and the wire type is what is important . NR211 wire is illegal for any code / structural welding in seismic areas ie west coast usa. NR232 and NR233 is what is used for buildings etc however this is way overkill for OP amd hed need a way bigger machine. I mention this purely for awareness. Be smart about what you’re doing with fluxcore. If youre just firing up for practice thats awesome, but dont go out fixing peoples stuff with 211.
Both of those Miller and Linciln helmets are great. Get the one with the best price and rebate.
Dont overlook stick, its a great praocess to know. I’d use it over fluxcore all day long. FCAW-G (dual shield) would be a good one to learn if you want to work faster than stick. Finally once you learn TIG youll probably never want to Mig weld again.
Community college is a great place to learn for cheap, and learn some safety as well.
Always have a fire extinguisher, safety glasses under you hood, and ear plugs to keep bbs out of your ears. Cover your skin etc.. Dont walk away from HOT work. You dont want to burn anything down accidentally
There is some missing info here for beginners to understand. Flux core is a slang term for FCAW and the wire type is what is important . NR211 wire is illegal for any code / structural welding in seismic areas ie west coast usa. NR232 and NR233 is what is used for buildings etc however this is way overkill for OP amd hed need a way bigger machine. I mention this purely for awareness. Be smart about what you’re doing with fluxcore. If youre just firing up for practice thats awesome, but dont go out fixing peoples stuff with 211.
Both of those Miller and Linciln helmets are great. Get the one with the best price and rebate.
Dont overlook stick, its a great praocess to know. I’d use it over fluxcore all day long. FCAW-G (dual shield) would be a good one to learn if you want to work faster than stick. Finally once you learn TIG youll probably never want to Mig weld again.
Community college is a great place to learn for cheap, and learn some safety as well.
Always have a fire extinguisher, safety glasses under you hood, and ear plugs to keep bbs out of your ears. Cover your skin etc.. Dont walk away from HOT work. You dont want to burn anything down accidentally
silvertina
Active member
I will add another tip here that haven't been mentioned yet. When possible, during stick or flux core, it is beneficial to have a portable fan with you. It will help prevent smoke inhalation from welding fumes.
I learned stick welding first. For versatility of use in the field/outdoor works
I learned stick welding first. For versatility of use in the field/outdoor works
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I was in your position three years ago. I started with a Titanium Easy Flux and eventually bought a Vulcan Migmax 215. No doubt the welder works, but I'm looking for more options, settings, etc. Not to mention aluminum tig.
I bought a Miller Multimax 220 less than a week ago. I should have bought it from the start 3 years ago.
Buy once, cry once!
I bought a Miller Multimax 220 less than a week ago. I should have bought it from the start 3 years ago.
Buy once, cry once!
I got this years ago…best investment ever. I got one set of eyes and lungs…no way I am skimping on them.
speedglas wrote the book on papr if you ask me. thats all we use at work