Mig vs stick

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I'm 17 year old from California barley started to get into welding my question is should I start by stick welding or should I start mig welder first I have mig welded before and I have a 110v mig but I've heard to start using stick what do you guys think
Reply:Oxygen & acetylene welding will show you puddle control better. Mig should be the last process you tackle. It is the easiest to learn.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Stick....7018 and 6010.Once you have those down the rest is easy.
Reply:What welder can I buy that I can plug right into my house and practice ? One that's not to expensive
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopStick....7018 and 6010.Once you have those down the rest is easy.
Reply:I paid roughly $300.00 for each one of these. 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:Originally Posted by shovelon Before they would let you into an arc booth you spent 6 months on the gas benches gas welding and brazing. That weeded out alot of windbags.
Reply:Thanks for replying I'm trying to get into pipeline welding after I get out of highschool and maybe of them tell me they used stick a lot
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopStick....7018 and 6010.Once you have those down the rest is easy.
Reply:Originally Posted by Macias97Thanks for replying I'm trying to get into pipeline welding after I get out of highschool and maybe of them tell me they used stick a lot
Reply:I was thinking getting a little one for now just getting used to the stick welding them upgrading when I have the money
Reply:Be real careful what you buy! A lot of cheap welders will not stack 6010.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:How much would you think a decent welder would cost that would help me
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPBe real careful what you buy! A lot of cheap welders will not stack 6010.
Reply:For the money, I'm really impressed with Everlast PowerArc 200, and PowerArc 300. I would not recommend the PowerArc 200 for someone just starting out. With 6010 you have to run a real close arc. That is not normal, and a lot of people have trouble with that. The PowerArc 300 runs 6010 just like any of my SA-200s, or the V350-Pro. I suggest you buy something cheap for now to learn on, later you will be out the big bucks for an engine drive!Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPFor the money, I'm really impressed with Everlast PowerArc 200, and PowerArc 300. I would not recommend the PowerArc 200 for someone just starting out. With 6010 you have to run a real close arc. That is not normal, and a lot of people have trouble with that. The PowerArc 300 runs 6010 just like any of my SA-200s, or the V350-Pro. I suggest you buy something cheap for now to learn on, later you will be out the big bucks for an engine drive!
Reply:For cheap practice, buy something used, in good working order, and local to you.Then if you decide to sell later, you'll get nearly all your money back.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by Macias97Those can't be just plugged in to any normal outlet right ?
Reply:Originally Posted by Macias97Thanks for replying I'm trying to get into pipeline welding after I get out of highschool and maybe of them tell me they used stick a lot
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshop220/230 volt, nema 6-50p on them.A 115/120v welder like you need don't exist.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauPipeline work is 95%+ stick welding. So you would be wise to learn that very well. Once you get that down as well as O/A torch welding like CEP said, the rest is easy.If you go cheap/low power on your machine it will hold you back, and end up costing more in the long run when you have to upgrade later and sell the first one. A low powered cheap machine will lose it's value quickly and you will not be able to sell it anywhere close to what you paid for it. Don't plan on doing much with a 120 volt welder, stick or MIG cause it ain't happening.
Reply:Originally Posted by Macias97Those can't be just plugged in to any normal outlet right ?
Reply:Where are you located? It would help maybe if you added it to your profile so everyone can see it.
Reply:Is there an electric dryer near where you would be practicing? You can usually get enough output from a 30 amp dryer outlet to run 1/8" 6010 & 7018, if not you can at least run 3/32" rods.GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Originally Posted by Macias97Dang I was afraid of thatOriginally Posted by BistineauWhere are you located? It would help maybe if you added it to your profile so everyone can see it.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveDon't let that discourage you - lots of cheap used machines out there (240 volt) and wiring a plug is not too bad if you have a place for it.There are also several small 120v stick welders on the market that will let you get some good practice and experience in.Thermal Arc and ESAB both have nice, inexpensive 120v units.
Reply:Something like this works on both 120v and 240vhttp://www.bakersgas.com/ESA05581016...FcQ-MgodN3IAtQDave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPI paid roughly $300.00 for each one of these.
Reply:Originally Posted by newburyBut the PA 300 is NORMALLY about $600 Or what about an electric range?
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelAn electric range is even better because they are typically 50 amps.  You could get full power out of a 225 amp stick welder.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveBut no dinner!!
Reply:I forgot about the Esab 161.I used to have one and it burns 3/32 and 1/8 6010 and 7018 great.$410 and free shipping..MJD can tell you more about it.
Reply:Originally Posted by GravelThat's why you build a smoker!
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopI forgot about the Esab 161.I used to have one and it burns 3/32 and 1/8 6010 and 7018 great.$410 and free shipping..MJD can tell you more about it.
Reply:Looks like a simple question but far from it... My Opinion Lad, You have a mig so practice with that and learn a skill then you can move on to other processes until you're good with all of them, not all people can be a good welder on every process. My AdviceThe best machine for you would be a multiprocess machine so that you can practice mig, tig and stick welding, You live in an age where such machines exist so take advantage. You can buy dedicated machines if you have the cash but if you don't, its cheaper to buy a 3in1 welder.
Reply:IMHO as a pipeliner I would say that if you are looking for a budget friendly machine. Find a broke down SA200 that you can pick up cheap. Learn to fix it and make it run and weld like a champ because these things break and there is never a mechanic around that is not backed up for at least 6 months. Then burn all the 1/8 5p+ and 3/16 8010 you can get your hands on. Then find a pipeliner that will take you on as a helper and learn learn Learn from him then get to work. Pipeline work has big rewards but it is not cheap to get in to.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveOk, good point - lol
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikCan we make a hemp smoker Dave?
Reply:Seems like everything is breaking down quickly, oh well its entertaining. At least Shaun or Mr.TIG hasn't been brought up yet. Whoops.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikCan we make a hemp smoker Dave?
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveToo late - I think nature started making them long ago
Reply:Originally Posted by TexasWelderIMHO as a pipeliner I would say that if you are looking for a budget friendly machine. Find a broke down SA200 that you can pick up cheap. Learn to fix it and make it run and weld like a champ because these things break and there is never a mechanic around that is not backed up for at least 6 months. Then burn all the 1/8 5p+ and 3/16 8010 you can get your hands on. Then find a pipeliner that will take you on as a helper and learn learn Learn from him then get to work. Pipeline work has big rewards but it is not cheap to get in to.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DPlease tell us that's not from personal archives.
Reply:Just had to check, the times have changed you know.Miller xmt304,  Miller S22 p12, Miier Maxstar SD, Miller 252 w 30A, Miller super32p12, Lincoln Ranger 9, Thermal Arc 181I with spoolgun, Hypertherm 10000 ,Smith torches. Esab 161lts miniarc.
Reply:I found a like new Lincoln AC 225 arc welder that seller says he used only a couple times for sale on CL... From the photos of machine, I believe him. I am thinking about going to get this machine, but question if I will actually use it. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkQualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:Originally Posted by Macias97Located in Bakersfield ca
Reply:You got an electric (220v) dryer or stove ? Run heavy duty extension cord to garage. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkQualified & experienced at welding scrap metal
Reply:By all accounts, that ESAB Miniarc 161LTS is a nice little unit.  Dual voltage, portable, seems to get good reviews and has a 3 year warranty.  $410. delivered is a good price. I gave my son my Thermal Arc 161STL (a similar unit).  He's used it for a couple off-site trailer repairs and really likes it."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 shovelon Before they would let you into an arc booth you spent 6 months on the gas benches gas welding and brazing. That weeded out alot of windbags.