when to use gas and when not to

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I just bought a lincoln sp170T and it is a mig welder that can weld using gas or without gasmy question is when to use gas and when not to what is the advantages
Reply:minimarc, welding requires some sort of shielding around the puddle. With rod its the flux burning off. Mig and tig have an inert gas of one type or other. Flux-core wire has a flux in the wire that burns. All of these protect the weld puddle from oxygen or air which will contaminate the weld puddle and give porous, unsound welds.Don't know your experience level so if this is too basic, sorry.Hope it helps..........Tim
Reply:Originally Posted by minimarcI just bought a lincoln sp170T and it is a mig welder that can weld using gas or without gasmy question is when to use gas and when not to what is the advantages
Reply:The last post sums it up pretty well.  That is, use gas and hard wire when you can and flux-core when you can't.  Flux-core is useful for extra penetration and windy days.-Heath
Reply:great thanks guys that helps heapsand as for my welding skill ability its zero lol this is my first machine and yeah its all very new to me i am considering doing some sort of course to learn but for now i am just trying to practicethanks for the help and expect some more questions no doubt