Personally, I hate the flux core set ups. The smoke, spatter and much more expensive wire (almost double non-flux) make me wonder why anyone still uses them. The only thing I can find that's a real positive is the entry price, but even that goes away to the wire costs if you weld very much. I just replaced my vintage 110/90 amp with new Millermatic 140 dual voltage (110/240v). Man, do I ever wish I'd done it sooner! It makes me look like a much better welder than I am. I run .023 for sheet metal or can switch over to 240 and .035 and that rascal will put down an amazing bead. Used it to weld some 8" schedule 40 pipe and the bead & penetration looked like something a "real welder" had done. Don't limit yourself going in. As you learn, you'll find more & more needs for a decent system. After all, there's a lot more to these old Stovebolts than just sheet metal. Just my 2-cents.
Last edited by Tango; 02/27/2012 3:00 AM.
