Hello. I'm new to welding and have a few questions.

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I just got a Lincoln 140amp arc welder for xmas. I read through all the documentation it came with. I do have a few questions. Between FCAW and GMAW, which is better or more common/ widely used?I was reading the welding chart on the door of my arc welder and it said that if I wanted to weld 5/16" thick steel that I would have to use FCAW. GMAW would only weld up to 10gauge. Why would one penetrate more than the other?I read that GMAW creates a smaller and better weld than FCAW. Is this true?How do I go about get a tank for GMAW? Should I just rent? Would buying a tank be better? If I buy a tank would they swap my tank out for one of theirs when its time to fill or do I have to wait to have my tank filled? I think it's argon that takes a while to have refilled?Which is the best shielding gas,... 100% co2, 75/25 argon co2, or 100% argon? I was told to go with 100% argon.I think thats it for now. I need to get a good mask. Can't stand that hand mask thing the welder came with. I need both hands while I work. Are autodarkening masks worth it? Or should I just get a regular one?Thanks in advance.
Reply:Originally Posted by cvrivI just got a Lincoln 140amp arc welder for xmas. I read through all the documentation it came with. I do have a few questions. Between FCAW and GMAW, which is better or more common/ widely used?Fluxcore wire you can do without shielding gas, that is the only major difference.I was reading the welding chart on the door of my arc welder and it said that if I wanted to weld 5/16" thick steel that I would have to use FCAW. GMAW would only weld up to 10gauge. Why would one penetrate more than the other?I read that GMAW creates a smaller and better weld than FCAW. Is this true?It is 99% up to the weldor using the welder.How do I go about get a tank for GMAW? Should I just rent? Would buying a tank be better? If I buy a tank would they swap my tank out for one of theirs when its time to fill or do I have to wait to have my tank filled? I think it's argon that takes a while to have refilled?Which is the best shielding gas,... 100% co2, 75/25 argon co2, or 100% argon? I was told to go with 100% argon.75/25 is the most common, 100% CO2 will work, don't bother with 100% argon, that is for TIG welding...I think thats it for now. I need to get a good mask. Can't stand that hand mask thing the welder came with. I need both hands while I work. Are autodarkening masks worth it? Or should I just get a regular one?Thanks in advance.
Reply:Thanks One other thing,... my arc welder says it can weld aluminum too? I thought aluminum could only be welded with a TIG?