Will FCAW "simulate" MIG welding?

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Hi All ,   I want to practice both MIG and FCAW welding for a future job, but I would like to just buy a cheap FCAW-only 120V machine, and not spend the money on a MIG gas kit and bottle, as well as not having to go out to get 80/20 when I run out. So, will my "welding experience" for MIG be acceptable if I only practice FCAW?  Will I be able to properly weld (and test!) with MIG if I have only done FCAW? Thanks,-Bill
Reply:Maybe to a small degree, but they are really two separate animals. Most people find Mig easier to see the puddle. Fluxcore-ss is somewhat nasty. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Do them both.  FCAW-SS is different than FCAW-G, just like they are different than GMAW.  You will use a different technique for all the above.  A small bottle of gas shouldn't put you back to much.  Consider it an investment in yourself.  Don't short change yourself.  Learn all of them and make yourself more marketable.
Reply:I want to practice both MIG and FCAW welding for a future job,
Reply:Originally Posted by ESABREPConsider it an investment in yourself.  Don't short change yourself.  Learn all of them and make yourself more marketable.
Reply:Originally Posted by BillCalleyThanks for the answers, guys.  Then I will go with a MIG/FCAW setup, and learn both properly. I agree 100% that this will make me much more marketable in the welding field, but my wife doesn't seem to see it that way:  All she can see is that I'm spending M-O-N-E-Y on gear. But it's obviously gear that I must have to relearn welding.  She is somewhat (well, a LOT) concerned about the expectations of me "only making $12 an hour" at my age of 55  (she was used to me making almost $60/hour as an electrical engineer, sitting on my butt, until I got completely burnt out and then retired .)I think  I see the ideal MIG/FCAW setup for learning the ropes at a low price point ($295, with free shipping): a Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder:-Bill
Reply:Check your local craiglist for a Miller 135 or 140. If I had the coin I would get a 211. When I use flux cored I like that the welds are easier to manage they looks cleaner the puddle, but theres alot of slag you need to clean up. Also is tough to see the puddle like most guys say.With gas you can see your puddle but the welds seem to build up quick, I use flux because where I weld the wind was damaging my welds making the shielding gas useless.Millermatic 130XPTilesetter by Trade