YAAA!!! I bought a mig welder today. $150, Century, used.

I dont know how to weld, but I have a welder now! I'll post a pic of it tomorrow.

Congrats!

Here she is...

Now you just need to get yourself the bottle of argon or argon mix and have at it.

ALthough the flux core will get a much deeper burn.

I tried welding with the gold wire and made a mess. The silver no-gas wire is much easier though.

Sounds like you didn't have the gas turned on or it is not coming out the nozzle because with gas it should be equally as easy.

maybe he is not using gas with the hardwire and exposing the molten pool to less then innert gases.

That or he may not be chipping the slag off the flux core beads, and doesnt realize how poopy his weld are underneath?

I dont even have gas, nor do I know what I'm doing. I'm just sticking whatever scrap metal is in my garage together at this point.

Thats the best way to learn. FYI you need to use flux core wire when you don't have gas (argon or argon mix) hooked up to the system. The gold wire would need the shielding gas to help you make nice welds. You can buy the gas and bottle at any welding supply house. You will also need to get the regulator for the gas. Considering you "practicing" right now, I would probably stay with the flux core wire. Once you get a feel for it, then you can get the gas and go that route.

I have all the hook-ups and regulator/gauges for gas. I took out the gold wire that was in it and bought some flux core at home depot. I'm making a hell of a mess, burning myself here and there, and even tripped the breaker to the garage.

And when you do go the gas route, make sure you get a quality steel mix, don't get straight argon.

Yup. Straight argon is for aluminum only so I am told.