Newb needs help!

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Hi, I'm a newb and I'm having some small problems starting out. First I bought a lincoln pro-mig 135 and it's set up for flux core. It was used by a friend at work twice and then i bought it from him (lack of interest on his part). It had all the acessory's including the regulator and extra spool of wire, helmet, gloves, hammer thingy... The welder was brought into the house and the rest was left in the car over night. Murphy's law and the car was gone in the morning (the Honda curse, if you live in cali you know what I'm talking about) Anyways, I know nothing about MIG welding and I want to use the machine now to gas weld I guess you call it. Another friend says it's a flux core only machine but I see a fitting that's female on the back and by the wire feeder thingy I see a hose going into the gun wiring. I unscrewed a nozzle tip thingy, it was black on the end of the gun and I see holes in the brass i'm assuming are for gas. Okay so to set it up for gas welding I need a regulator i guess, my first question is what brand kind etc.., Can I go simi cheap? second is what type of helmet do you recommend? I see cheap solar ones on ebay that switch to dark when you begin welding but nobody talks about it here, at least not cheap ones. I'll be happy with one that just works and flips up and down. Next question is the gas, do i rent the bottle or buy one? what's the difference in gases? my friend uses argon only for body repairs and I hear co2 works and is cheaper, then someone said you can buy half argon half co2 or something so I'm super confused at this point. I'll be builting a cart for the welder, maybe a small bbq then use it to repair sheet metal on a 56 chevy truck.Please try to help me out, i don't want to get talked into expensive stuff at the welding shop. I heard his regulators were a hundred bucks. I seen Harbor frieght ones for 29.99 Confused, kyle
Reply:You can go to your local welding supply house that carries Lincoln and they'll set you up.
Reply:Download a manual from Lincoln on the internet (if they have them, bet they do).  Regulator has to be for Argon mix, there are different types.  Co2 will freeze up an Argon regulator.  You might find one on ebay.  I rent my tank-$4.00 a month.  Just swap it and pay for refill of 25% Argon/CO2 mix ($25.00 for a big 120 cf), so I don't have to come back and pick mine up, plus if valve ever goes bad (they do), its their's, not mine).  You'll need solid wire to MIG with...its cheaper the flux core.  Tip in your gun(real cheap) has to match your wire.  I'm  going to guess you'll run solid .023 in that setup, maybe .030.  You don't need an auto dim helmet.  One of the $8.00 shade 10 or 11 will do, but auto dark is VERY nice when you are starting out.  Until you build a cart, the tank and the unit cannot move around together very easily at all, so take that into considearation when you set up your project space.  Make sure you have a dedicated line with adequate amps to the machine.  I'm sure others will add more, but I fully understand trying to get in a cheaply as possible.At the Lake
Reply:Here's a link to your manual in .pdf format from Lincoln.  If you don't have Acrobat reader to view it, let me know.  I can print and fax it to you.Read my private email to you about some equipment I have you might be able to use.http://content.lincolnelectric.com/p...r/im/IM740.pdf
Reply:Thanks for the reply's, still kinda confused on the whole gas thing. What do most ppl use? CO2 or argon, or a mix? What's the difference? Is one cleaner than the other?I was thinking the same thing about renting the bottle, if it leaks it's their problem.
Reply:Actually, the only way it will leak is at YOUR regulator, YOUR hoses or connections, or a bad valve, valve seat, or valve threads (THEIRS).  By far, it's usually going to be your connections.  If you have full tank pressure when you get it, it probably means all of their stuff isn't leaking.CO2 is cheaper, lasts longer, and produces a very clean weld.Argon mixes (usually with 10-25% CO2) run a little cooler, but have a little bit cleaner weld.Both are very acceptable for most work.  If you are doing very thin stuff, look at the argon mix because they run a little cooler and are good for thin material.100% Argon is for TIG welding or for any aluminum welding, not for MIG welding steel.
Reply:Hondatech; You can learn a lot by just reading the different threads on this site.If your computer can't read .pdf  files you can download free Acrobat Reader off the Net.The easiest gas to use for your welder is 75% Argon and 25% CO2. It's called "C25". It won't freeze your gas gages. Look at some of the welding carts on this site. Make sure you don't remove the gas cylinder screw-on-cap until you have the cylinder secured to the welding cart or to a wall or support post.In the long run, buying your own gas cylinder may be the best deal for you. Compare costs. Keep your receipts. Don't leave them in a Honda. Always turn your gas cylinder valve off after finishing the welding if your are not going to use it again for an hour or more. If you have a leak, it will drain the tank in time. Turn the gas valve on slowly each time you use it. Stand to the side of the gages, not facing the gages.Where you get your gas can show you how to connect the gages and how to set them. Keep asking questions-we don't bite.
Reply:thanks for all the great info, i would like to get started real soon