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So I just got a welder and I'm trying to learn to weld.  It is a Hobart Handler 187.  I don't have gas for it and right now just using the 30 flux wire that was included.Would it be a good idea to just go ahead and get a tank?  Will adding some argon mix help making learning a little bit easier?Sorry for these newbie questions...Hobart Handler 187Bainbridge bandsawMakita chop sawHarbor Freight 4.5" grinder
Reply:Congratulations on the new machine jetlag.As for whether it is easier learning with gas rather than fluxcore that would depend on who you asked but I would have to say if you learn to do fluxcore you'll be learning some of the basics for both stick (dealing with the flux and slag) and MIG (gun/wire speed control) at the same time.If/when you switch to gas it'll be an easy transition and you won't have any slag to deal with.  Just remember to switch the machine polarity as MIG requires reverse polarity electrode (gun) positive.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:It's cheaper to run the solid wire with gas over the long run, pretty big investment up front though. Can't really say which if either is easier to learn with.HH 187Miller Bluestar1EAHP AlphaTig 200X
Reply:I would play with the flux-core first.  Just start making joints.  Get a bucket full of scraps and start burning it.  Concentrate on the various types of joints (Lap, butt, fillet....).  Don't just waste this time.  I'd start with butt joints.  Work on those until you have the process down, then move on to lap.  Once you can make good laps, then you have half of a fillet.  Then get your bottle filled and work with that.Just my .02 cents.  It's how I learned.
Reply:Originally Posted by GreyhorseIt's cheaper to run the solid wire with gas over the long run, pretty big investment up front though. Can't really say which if either is easier to learn with.
Reply:Learn to use both.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.