Getting started, bought a used welder. What do i need?

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Here is a pic of the welder. It does not have a ground clamp, do i need one with this welder? I would assume so. I notice I can change the phase to use flux or mig, do i plug the ground clamp in the unused socket?  It did not have a tank with it so if i am going to try mig i would need a tank. What would i use with this?Thanks in advance. Attached Images
Reply:I hope you didn't pay much for that machine. Those machines are fairly inexpensive new, and that one looks like it's been neglected. In general those little HF units aren't the greatest out there, and they often have QC issues that make feeding erratic at best. Erratic feeding will make getting decent welds even within it's capabilities fairly difficult. The spare "outlet" allows you to switch polarity on the machine when you change between Fluxcore wire and soilid wire with gas. Yes you need a ground clamp to use that machine. Besides a cylinder of gas, you probably also need a regulator unless you have one.In general that machine probably won't do decent welds on anything thicker than maybe 14 gauge. 1/8" is pushing it. Anything thicker and you won't get a good weld. It simply lacks the power to burn into the base material well..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Since you are new to welding, I'd recommend getting some flux core wire and not deal with the bottle for gas and regulator. After some learning and experience then you can consider MIG with the accompanying additional expenses.That will also let you see if the welder works and how well it can weld.Maybe Harbor Freight can get you a ground wire for that welder.Starting off with a 220V stick welder would be the standard recommendation. Depending on what you intend to weld it would be the most versatile and least expensive to learn on. It can also do much more serious welding once you are able.
Reply:If you look at the diagram on the front of the machine, it shows you where to plug in the leads for gas/no gas. I would guess that it needs a work (ground) lead with a DINSE (DIN) plug, probably a 25mm."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Originally Posted by OldendumIf you look at the diagram on the front of the machine, it shows you where to plug in the leads for gas/no gas. I would guess that it needs a work (ground) lead with a DINSE (DIN) plug, probably a 25mm.
Reply:If you are starting off new at welding it would be a good idea to get a welding machine first. When you do, the thing in the picture can be used to prop open the door to your shop to let out welding fumes and let in fresh air. If you start out with a machine that is questionable at best when new, and are trying to learn on a worn out one(like you have) you may get frustrated with your results thinking it's you that suck at welding, not realizing the main fault may be in the equipment you are trying to learn on. Better quality equipment helps reduce the chance of bad weld quality due to faulty equipment. At least it removes some of the variables for a novice.
Reply:As always, the best money spent on welding is the training of the weldor (i.e. 'YOU').As DSW alluded to and others flat out threw it in your face, the welder you have chosen is not the best...  Perhaps the other end of the scale.  Actually, I'm pretty sure its the other end of the scale.  Not that it can't weld and maybe even weld properly, but that its very likely that it won't and you, being inexperienced, will not know the difference.You need to get experience on decent machines, preferably with the supervision of an instructor.  Ask local welding supply stores where to get training.  With good training you will also learn the required safety.  I know the local community college puts in their catalog that they won't let you in the lab until you pass a written safety test.Step 1 - take class.Step 2 - do researchStep 3 - do searchStep 4 - buy equipment.Step 5 - read owner's manualAs for your questions.Its not a 'ground' clamp but its a 'work' clamp.  'Ground' means something special in electricity.  And yes, you need one to complete the circuit.  A good one will cost you more than the machine is worth...It's not 'phase' but 'polarity'.  Phase has meaning when you are talking about AC (alternating current) where the voltage and current change... (i.e. go through phases).  If you read the owner's manual they will talk about how to change the polarity.  Flux core wire typically is used on '-' polarity (gun plugged into -, work clamp plugged into +).To MIG, you need a gas bottle, something to safely hold the bottle (chain it up! - see myth busters video about gas cylinder rocket), a regulator with flow meter or gauge, a gas hose (from regulator) and if you don't have a gas valve on the gun, a valve to turn the gas off, a gun that can handle gas + nozzles.  You will also want to make sure the drive rolls can move solid wire (see owner's manual).If you have to buy any of this stuff you are probably better off buying a welder of Craigslist with all this included.  Its really not worth the effort on that box.Most companies will gladly get you a copy of the owner's manual because the owner's manual contains safety information.  Welders can of course be dangerous so buy giving you a manual they are covering their arse.  Even Harbor Freight (or 'HF') should have manuals available.  The manual will include information on converting to gas.  It will also contain part numbers for the parts you will need to convert to gas operations.Good luck.    Be smart.Last edited by con_fuse9; 08-08-2012 at 10:14 AM.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauIf you are starting off new at welding it would be a good idea to get a welding machine first. When you do, the thing in the picture can be used to prop open the door to your shop to let out welding fumes and let in fresh air. If you start out with a machine that is questionable at best when new, and are trying to learn on a worn out one(like you have) you may get frustrated with your results thinking it's you that suck at welding, not realizing the main fault may be in the equipment you are trying to learn on. Better quality equipment helps reduce the chance of bad weld quality due to faulty equipment. At least it removes some of the variables for a novice.