MH> On , Cloyce Osborn wrote to Bruce LeGrande :
CO> Actually, wire welding is the easiest form of welding. For sheet metal 
CO> (or even thin plate), it's a breeze.  Beats the heck out of stick type
 MH> How hard is it to learn this wire welding? What are the differences in 
the
 MH> MIG, TIG, etc, and which ones can be used with and without adding a gas?
 MH> What are the differences in the Argon or the carbon dioxide and
I've used CO2 exactly one time and couldn't tell a whole lot of difference 
between it and Argon.  The only function of the gas (as I understand it) is 
to prevent rapid oxidation of the new weld so the welder can keep the 
electrode (wire in this case) moving and not stick the electrode to the work 
stock.  You use much lower welding currents with wire (which is why you can 
weld thinner stock).  Learning to wire weld is a snap.
 MH> What is your opinion on the 115 volt wire welders
 MH> which sell for about $500? Are they any good, or would I
 MH> need a 220 volt model
 MH> selling for about $750? I want to learn, and to do sheet metal and body
 MH> repairs, but I wonder if I am trying to learn too much too fast.
I'm not real impressed with the 115V units.  If you can (financially), go 
ahead and spring for the 220V type.  Play with it for a while (welding old 
scrap body metal, frying pans, the dog - if you can get it to hold still - or 
whatever and get familiar with the process).  Just remember to turn the gas 
bottle OFF when you finish! :-)
 MH> Your comments or ideas are welcome.
Hope they've helped.
Regards.  Cloyce.
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