I'm using a cheapie flux core mig from Harbor Freight, that I bought many years ago...and never learned how to use. Initially, I was using the wire that came in the welder. I was making some progress in learning to weld with that welder and wire combo, but it was a bit slow. One of the most common "upgrades" that internet users said to make was switching out the wire for a better, name brand wire. I resisted doing it at first, but finally broke down and bought a reel of Lincoln wire. Actually, 2 reels.... The wire that came with the welder was 0.030, but the welder could also use 0.035 wire, so I bought that first. The welder flat out refused to feed that wire! I went through the setup and switched the feed wheel and tightened the pressure wheel (another internet hack) and nothing worked. So, I went and bought another reel, this time in 0.030. I switched the feed wheel back to the smaller diameter and got a very pleasant surprise! This wire was more conductive than the original wire and started the arc well above the metal! The original wire definitely had to touch to start the arc. The new wire seems to burn hotter, too.
From a technique perspective, I'm trying to "perfect" making a weld dot, versus laying down a continuous bead. The rationale for this is to avoid warpage of thin sheets. Procedurally, I will make a series of dots, moving from one end to the other and then filling in the space between them, trying to spread the heat evenly, while also taking breaks to avoid over heating. I've been buying sheets of 16 gauge weldable steel at my local home store and practicing on them. I found out very quickly that warpage is a real thing! It's been an interesting learning experience. Another thing that I learned is that an auto darkening helmet is way easier to use than a permanently dark one. I started with the permanently dark one and ultimately switched. I think it's safer, too, since I can get the electrode very close to where I want to weld without fear of accidentally striking an arc with my helmet not in place.
If I were just starting out, and was operating on the limited budget that I have now, I'd probably look at the newer Harbor Freight flux core mig that has adjustable power settings and has electrode negative dc capability. I may actually switch to that welder, time will tell. If I knew that I'd be working on more trucks at some point in the future, I might spring for a name brand welder. But for me personally, the HF equipment is functional and does the job that I need to get done. Of course, I'd also switch that wire....
I hope this helps, everything here is just my opinion. Others will likely disagree and may offer other opinions and/or suggestions. That is fine, too. Good luck in your learning! I've found it very rewarding when I make the weld dots correctly and the metal pieces are actually joined together.
Last edited by Phak1; 04/14/202511:52 AM. Reason: Spelling
