Of welding wire and tables and other things

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Few more noob questions and an apology as well!1. Wire? Does it matter where I buy it? Have a tractor supply by me,else Harbor Freight in KC -- does it matter?2, Table, Honestly will 1/4 in do? Just be welding up some farm implements and other toys is all! Plus have to be able to haul the table inside and out!3. I will be welding outside, in a valley, not a lot of wind usually, is there a rule of thumb for gas vs flux core wire?The apology is for thinking welding wasnt going to be that hard to larn me --umm you folks is durn sure a smart and talented group!
Reply:I'd avoid the wire from HF myself. Tractor Supply carries hobart wire wich seems to run good, or Lincoln like Home Depo. Any good name wire should do.As far as the table... Define "farm implement".  I've left marks in the 1 1/2" thick top at work with equipment parts. Buckets, preseeder, chissel plow, etc. A 1/4" top would crumple like tissue paper. Oh we need the 80K loader to move the table, so it's not exactly "portable" by most standards but ours.If you plan to heat and beat on things to straighten them, usually the reason we dump stuff on our table, the thicker the better. If you just want a fire proof top, it will work, but don't be surprised if under heat it warps. Really depends on how you use it.As far as out side... I personally prefer gas mig to FC. That means I need to toss a tarp over / arround what I am working on usually, or put it in the shop or wait until a nicer day. FC is like stick, it will stand up to the breeze better than gas mig, but you have the flux and spatter to deal with.
Reply:Any gas shielded process including gas shielded flux cored welding need to be protected from air movement in excess of 5 mph.
Reply:Thns for the info,5mph shouldnt be a problem where I am!