Mig welder

Most welders have a chart on the inside of the door that covers the wire spool and feed mechanism. It will show the starting point for the gauge of metal that you are going to weld. I have a Lincoln Mig 140 and have had good success for 4 years so far. I have only used flux core wire so far. Now the quality of the wire will make a big difference on your welds as well. I have used Harbor Freight wire and found it to be hard to keep a good arc and bead. It also splatters a lot. The Lincoln flux core wire is available at any Lowe's and many others. It give much smoother welds and almost no splatter when you have your feed speed and power levels set correctly. Also have a fire extinguisher and a spray bottle of water handy. You can get small fires if your work area isn't clean. Have at least a 20 ft. diameter work area free from any flammables. As mentioned before : Clean surfaces, good quality welding hood, leather welding gloves and cotton shirt and pants (no polyesters or nylons, they will ignite and melt quickly) And lastly PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE . Any one can wire weld with a little practice.