What do I need to get started?

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Just bought a HH140 for my first rig, and for the mobility factor.  I haven't done any MIG for about 10 years, and then in a real fab shop.  My question is, what exactly should I have on hand, materials wise, to do some practicing and general light duty welding.  I have a small O/A rig and so I have gloves, brazing goggle and a slag hammer.  I have done alot of metal work and have all kinds of saws, grinders, sanders, and die grinder w/ a collection of burrs.Figuring I need a minimum of some wire (what size(s) for average light projects), I will buy a bottle for MIG (what CU/FT.), it comes with some tips and stuff (do I need more), and of course a helmet (trick auto-darkening one or a bare bones classic Huntsman)?I'll be back, for sure.Rackmaster
Reply:Are there any welders out there?  22 people read this, but no one had a lick of advice.  Just a couple of simple questions so I don't seem like the welding idiot I am when I go to my local shop and ask for some stuff.
Reply:Well it all depends what you want to do, with a 140 amp machine I would use .023 if you are going to use gas.  As far as bottle size you should look at what the locaol supplier has and decide what best fits your needs, usually you can find 80 cubic foot bottles for about $140 online.  To start with I would just get a regular helmet until you get everything under your belt and spring for the auto darkening later.  You will need some anti-spatter spray or nozzle dip for your gun.   I usually try to keep a liner and several contact tips on hand as a back up.  This will get you started.  ~JacksonI'm a Lover, Fighter, Wild horse Rider, and a pretty good welding man......
Reply:Thanks for the info.  That's just what I needed.  Are any of the books or vidoes out there worthwhile?  Generally speaking, I figure that trial and error are the best teachers, as long as you keep track of what is working and what isn't.Tnaks,Rick
Reply:My son introduced me to a set of Tillman welding gloves a few years back. I never went back to anyother kind since then. I would look into an assortment of clamps, I didn't notice that you mentioned any. I have two welding helmets I use I like my auto darkening the best sometimes (mainly when using flux-core) I will use my regular welding helmet but I do have a gold filtered lens in it that I have found to very helpful when trying to see what it is you are welding on. I think my gold lens is either a shade 9 or 10.     I have the 40 cu. ft. bottle but only because the local supplier sells them. The bottle runs a little over $100.00 and I think the first bottle of gas was figured into the cost. The cost of filling the 80 cu. Ft bottle and the 40 cu. Ft are not very far apart which would make the 80 a better long term deal for you. I have always used 75/25 gas to mig with some use CO2. I have heard that the CO2 gives slightly more penetration but has more splatter, but never trying it I don't know. I have always been happy with the results of the 75/25. You might try www. weldingvideos.com for some welding video's I purchased both a GMAW and a stick welding video from them a few years ago.  Lincold Electric has some good welding books that you can purchase from them. I have saw the same books on E-bay listed for several dollars more than you can buy them direct from Lincoln for.Have Fun
Reply:Tips are one of those things if you only have one you'll screw it up for sure. If you have a ten pack on hand you have eight of them for the rest of your life. Hey they are cheap enough. About a buck if you buy the packs. Get some 023's and 030's. Sooner or later the 140 class guys want to do some 035 flux core too. Not a lot of need for a slag hammer with a wire feeder but you will need to have grinding disks and flap disks on hand for pre and post cleaning.Actually I kind like to ooze into these things so I can tailor the tools and weapons to my particular needs.