unexperienced welder

admin

I am new to the welding scene.  I have a Lincoln Power Mig 255C and most of the welding I would do is mostly light stuff like from say 1/16" to 1/4" plate.  Most things I would be welding has slight mill scale and maybe a little rust.  There are so many choices out there for wire I need help determining what to use.  Also what size wire should I use?  What type of gas?  Sorry to ask these simple questions but I am new to all this and I have to learn somewhere.  I have enrolled in a night school for beginers for welding but classes won't start until this fall, so hope all you out there can put up with all my stupid questions.  I sincerly appreciate everyone's patience and understanding.  Thanks to all of you!!!
Reply:Welcome iroc. Do some searching and the answers will be found. There are a lot of threads with ? just like yours.
Reply:Thanks TEK I appreciate it.  Being new to this forum also, I didn't know there were other posts. I will certainly check them out.  Again, Thanks!!!
Reply:I would suggest .030  70s6 & your choice of 11 pound roll or the bigger 30 lb. take your choice . your machine is mostly similar to my linc sp250 , except mine is computerized . as to gas, for steel you can weld uncritical welds with staight co2, like the muffler shops do , or , if you don't mind the EXPENSE , go with some mixture of argon &co2. Most of my welding with the mig is with straight co2.it is hotter than argon & MUCH cheaper .
Reply:If you do choose argon, stick to C25 which is 75% argon.   It welds much nicer than CO2, however, there is a cost factor involved as stated.IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Thanks everyone for the imput, I sincerly appreciate all the great help!!!