| There are so many welders on the market it can | | | | you will probably want to use the flux cored |
| be confusing to the average person as to which | | | | wired welding. Since flux is already in your |
| one to buy. For the most part, what you buy will | | | | machine, you won't need a shielding gas and this |
| be determined by the kind of project you will be | | | | makes it more portable. The only problem is that |
| doing most of the time. | | | | with this type of welder, you can only weld one |
| If you are new to welding your first welder will | | | | type of steel. |
| probably be a stick or a wire feed welder | | | | Another idea is to go online and check out the |
| because they are the easiest to use. A wire | | | | many welding forums and ask about the various |
| welder sometimes is easier because you will use a | | | | welders. You can read archives and ask specific |
| continuous feed into your gun as you continue to | | | | questions about your needs, and receive guidance |
| weld. In a stick welder, you'll need to change the | | | | from other welders. |
| electrode or "stick" periodically as it runs out. Also, | | | | If you buy your welder through an industrial |
| the wire welder will be easier to use, give you | | | | products manufacture you may find a welder that |
| better welds from the beginning and you can | | | | does both. |
| learn it relatively quicker than stick welding. | | | | When you buy your welder it is also important to |
| The next thing you will have to decide is the type | | | | make sure you purchase the safety equipment |
| of welding you will do most of the time. Generally | | | | need. For some you will need a full safety helmet |
| there are two types: Either Gas Metal Arc | | | | and for others you will need at least safety |
| Welding (MIG) or flux cored wire welding. These | | | | goggles. However, you can be exposed to fumes, |
| two are very different in their delivery so it is | | | | arcs that go haywire, electric shock and other |
| important to know the difference between the | | | | hazards so you will want to make sure that you |
| two. When you are going to be doing welding for | | | | have what you need. |
| small repairs, you probably will want to get an | | | | Other ideas for getting the welder you need |
| MIG welder because it is very versatile in the | | | | include renting or buying used. In some situations |
| types of materials it can weld. | | | | either of these options can be a good idea. If you |
| If you are going to use it in your garage at home | | | | are only going to use a welder occasionally, you |
| or the same location, the MIG welder will be | | | | might consider renting one. If you are going to |
| perfect. It is not very portable because you have | | | | purchase a used one, it is a good idea to go with |
| to also use a container of shielding gas with it. If | | | | upper end purchases because they are made |
| you are going to do a lot of outside welding, then | | | | better than the cheaper models. |