Very New, Advice please

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I'm going to jump into the wonderful world of welding and wanted to know the answers to a few simple questions first.  First is that the machine i'm planning on is a variable amp output AC arc welder by lincoln, i think 60-225 Amp selectable output.  I'm planning on welding just simple things and hopefully if it works out eventually a go-kart, so like steel pipes and sheet steel.  Will this be sufficiant for this because i heard DC is better but if i don't have to spend alot of money on a project i would like to stay cheaper.  Also is it possible with some books and maybe a DVD or 2 to train yourself to be at least a half decent welder?  Also are there any serious advanced health risks i should know about/how to prevent? like cancer risks etc.   Any and all serious help/examples are greatly appreciated, thanks much!           -Will
Reply:Welcome to the zoo.The simple AC Lincoln machine will do just fine.There are health risks involved but most of it is common sense and explained in the Manual under SafteyIf you can find someone to just give you some pointers it will help quite a bit.Post up yer location, a member may be close by.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:thanks much it really helps.   i'll update my profile too, if there's anyone wondering in this thread though it's northeastern PA, thanks though broccoli, it really heped!
Reply:Welcome …Stick around (sic) and soak up on the wisdom that is displayed on this site.    Check out the Lincoln Electric or Millers web site for good basic technical information.
Reply:from an AC welder to dental work man us WELDORS  can fix anything how about grain alcoholafter a couple 0 shots  we'll feel no pain
Reply:Prop doctor, perhaps we could have those couple O shots and then go to the dentist?Home jobs with the dental stuff is spam and deleted.Sig was not the chemicals, but spam.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:If you just want to do sheet steel and tubing maybe consider the thermal arc 85 amp tig? I thought that was a neat little package. I'm almost considering it for portability on top of my other tig welder.
Reply:You might want to consider a small, cheap wire feed welder (or MIG). Flux core wire is cheap and easy to come by (Lowe's or Home Depot sells the stuff), and it is real easy to learn to weld with (much easier than a stick, IMHO). You can generally weld up to 1/4" steel plate with it, as well as sheet metal with no problem. Should be fine for light duty home usage, and they usually run on 110v.
Reply:Your AC stick machine will work fine for your project. Al ittle coaching and a little practice is all you need.
Reply:if you go to a mig spend the bit extra for a 220v machine
Reply:I've done everything from 20 guage sheet to heavy equipment repairs with an ac225. very low cost, considerable power, and the last forever. It's a good choice for what you have in mind.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:thanks for all the help guys!
Reply:Relatively thin sheetmetal and round tube with an ac stick machine and a new welder just learning... sounds like a disaster in the making to me.   Might have some luck with 1/16 or 3/32 6013.You'd have a better chance with a 110v mig and .023 or .030 solid wire and gas, or .030 flux wire.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op