Hi,
I am an absolute noob. I have always been interested in welding, and have finally taken the plunge to see if I like it - so far so good!
I bought an inexpensive machine: BestArc 145A MIG Welder. It does gas and gasless MIG, Stick and lift TIG. So far I've just played around with flux core MIG, welding "coupons". Most of my welds are really pitiful, but I am slowly improving.
I was thinking of buying an inexpensive plasma cutter - taking advantage of the "black Friday" discounts. Do I absolutely NEED a plasma cutter? No, but at some point I'll have to cut up some steel into pieces needed for a welding project. There are so many machines to choose from, it's kind of overwhelming. I'm looking at a BestArc BTC500DP. Both "7GEN" and "10GEN" models are available at a hefty discount. (https://www.amazon.com/bestarc-BTC500DP ... R3YLC?th=1)
I have watched a few YouTube reviews and they speak well of both of these models. I would generally assume the the newer 10GEN would be "better" (have better features), but honestly, I don't know enough to even appreciate the differences between these two models - or any other models, for that matter.
If anyone can provide any guidance, it would be very much appreciated. Thanks!
- Blaise
i wouldn't bother with a plasma cutter. a grinder will do everything you need. far more important things to get before plasma cutters.
also for learning welding, i highly recommend starting with stick. its not as hard as you think and once you get reasonable with that, it makes learning mig and tig a whole lot easier.
also for learning welding, i highly recommend starting with stick. its not as hard as you think and once you get reasonable with that, it makes learning mig and tig a whole lot easier.
tweak it until it breaks
As for your flux core welds looking bad, you need to determine if the machine automatically switches the polarity to DCEN for flux core. MIG and Stick are DCEP usually, though some Stick rods do run on DCEN.
The reason I’m asking is you stated the machine was inexpensive, so the built-in switching is not always guaranteed.
I’m with Tweake, get 5# box of 7018 rods and start padding beads! Use as thick a piece of steel coupon as you can lay your hands. Get a bucket of water and set it beside you. Weld 2-3 beads. Chip off the slag, then drop the coupon in the water to chill it. Pull it out, dry it off, and weld some more. If you don’t cool the metal, your beads will start getting pretty wonky and the coupon will curl badly.
The reason I’m asking is you stated the machine was inexpensive, so the built-in switching is not always guaranteed.
I’m with Tweake, get 5# box of 7018 rods and start padding beads! Use as thick a piece of steel coupon as you can lay your hands. Get a bucket of water and set it beside you. Weld 2-3 beads. Chip off the slag, then drop the coupon in the water to chill it. Pull it out, dry it off, and weld some more. If you don’t cool the metal, your beads will start getting pretty wonky and the coupon will curl badly.