75A inverter mini stick welder - $98.88

Debating between getting this stick welder or this flux-cored welder.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/minimig ... 0008976052

Any novice welder can chime in on pro's and con's with each type? I have a few projects lined up around the house for minor welding jobs. Stick welder is more compact and portable, but flux-cored one seems much easier to use with wire being fed using the trigger and the unit is heavy and sturdy. It's been good 35 years since I took metal in jr. high shop class so any opinion is appreciated.

vtec300 wrote: ↑ Debating between getting this stick welder or this flux-cored welder.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/minimig ... 0008976052

Any novice welder can chime in on pro's and con's with each type? I have a few projects lined up around the house for minor welding jobs. Stick welder is more compact and portable, but flux-cored one seems much easier to use with wire being fed using the trigger and the unit is heavy and sturdy. It's been good 35 years since I took metal in jr. high shop class so any opinion is appreciated.

I find that stick welding is a bit harder to master, but you get a better overall weld once you do. Plus swapping electrodes is easier than swapping a spool. In the end personal choice.

Skatanic wrote: ↑ I find that stick welding is a bit harder to master, but you get a better overall weld once you do. Plus swapping electrodes is easier than swapping a spool. In the end personal choice.

Sure, but a 2lb spool of wire is equivalent to about 90 5/64 electrodes and I'd suggest swapping a single spool is easier than swapping all those electrodes.

Skatanic wrote: ↑ I find that stick welding is a bit harder to master, but you get a better overall weld once you do. Plus swapping electrodes is easier than swapping a spool. In the end personal choice.

This.

I have this PA unit and a Mastercraft flux core. This unit makes way nicer looking welds (with a bit of practice).

It's a nice little unit to learn on imo. Check out some how to vids and away you go. Make sure you pick up something decent to protect your eyes and either have great airflow or a good respirator.

vtec300 wrote: ↑
Any novice welder can chime in on pro's and con's with each type? I have a few projects lined up around the house for minor welding jobs.

If you want to learn to weld get a stick.
If you want to get sh*t done get a fluxcore.

I have this unit, purchased at this price last time it was on sale.

I love it, surprisingly good quality, nice leads on it. Shockingly light and small.

I use it every time over my fluxcore, no contest.

Xoanan wrote: ↑ Shockingly light and small.

It really is unbelievable how small this thing is. I bought it over a year ago and am very happy with it. The quality you get for this price is mind boggling.

I'd buy it again at this price in a heartbeat.

A little harder to weld with the stick, but there is less to go wrong or need repair in the future. No wire feed, set the amperage and go.

Thanks for the advice offered. I will get the stick welder and practice before tackling on projects.

What would be good "all purpose" metal sticks to get and thickness? 6011?

TIA

dirtmover wrote: ↑ Sure, but a 2lb spool of wire is equivalent to about 90 5/64 electrodes and I'd suggest swapping a single spool is easier than swapping all those electrodes.

The duty cycle on most of the cheap mig welders only let you weld for about the equivalent of 1 stick before having to cool down anyway.

I’m probably going to sound like an idiot here but here goes. I’ve always been intrigued by welding and though it would be a useful skill to learn but not want I want to spend $300+ on in case it doesn’t take. Admittedly though I don’t know what uses I would have for said skill or why I think it would be nice to learn. Can anyone throw out some good examples of uses for a homeowner to have it for?

ChicoQuente wrote: ↑ I’m probably going to sound like an idiot here but here goes. I’ve always been intrigued by welding and though it would be a useful skill to learn but not want I want to spend $300+ on in case it doesn’t take. Admittedly though I don’t know what uses I would have for said skill or why I think it would be nice to learn. Can anyone throw out some good examples of uses for a homeowner to have it for?

I was able to patch up and fix an old wheel barrow with rusted through holes.

But frankly cost of steel is expensive. Most items bought these days are made of thin gauge steel, you will just blow right through with anything cheap.

Mass production has pretty much left us to buy cheap disposable items.

The worst part is not the welding( not to mention gas for MIG or TIG, its the cutting, grinding, cleaning, of the metal that takes up more time and energy. There is a reason why there are no blacksmiths in your nearby shopping malls.

ChicoQuente wrote: ↑ I’m probably going to sound like an idiot here but here goes. I’ve always been intrigued by welding and though it would be a useful skill to learn but not want I want to spend $300+ on in case it doesn’t take. Admittedly though I don’t know what uses I would have for said skill or why I think it would be nice to learn. Can anyone throw out some good examples of uses for a homeowner to have it for?

Based on the length of your post and its content - - -> 0 use, don't buy it, it's not for you.

What are y'all welding fam?

If you buy the welder and don't like welding, you can always sell it asap. Not like you will loose much. Metal fabrication isn't for everyone. Milling, welding, grinding, etc... all takes time. Not everyone is that patient.

Welding engineer here! (it means I know the science of welding but not the best welder)

Big difference between Flux core MiG and stick would be how thick of material you could weld.

It is easier to weld thinner material with MIG. It cant get enough penetration to do thicker material.

Stick welding thin material is HARD (not impossible but a newb WILL blow through) With a stick welder you can get alot more heat input thus weld thicker materials.

So! If you want to build a heavy duty trailer, weld pipe, etc.. go stick. If you want to slap some thin angle together (3/16 or smaller) go MIG.

ROD SELECTION!

6011 is a great rod. Hot burning, deep penetration, can handle dirt and grime. But it is tough to run on a 75A machine.

7018 is a great do all rod. Little less penetration but easier to weld.

Feel free to ask me anything! I love welding and sharing knowledge. I work with welders daily and do weld in my garage for fun.

vtec300 wrote: ↑ Debating between getting this stick welder or this flux-cored welder.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/minimig ... 0008976052

Any novice welder can chime in on pro's and con's with each type? I have a few projects lined up around the house for minor welding jobs. Stick welder is more compact and portable, but flux-cored one seems much easier to use with wire being fed using the trigger and the unit is heavy and sturdy. It's been good 35 years since I took metal in jr. high shop class so any opinion is appreciated.

KT2312 wrote: ↑ What are y'all welding fam?

I had a very specific minimalist floating shelf idea in my head, but I couldn't find brackets that matched my idea anywhere - so I made my own.
Made from simple flat stock and VERY strong.

And to anyone that notices - the burr grinder, the 12v ridgid drill/driver and the dewalt drill in the pic are all a direct result of this helpful/handy forum! haha

Wow. Awesome.

I am sure the satisfaction of getting this done is well worth it.

I have a few ideas. I'll wait a bit....

Thx again.

tbonegreen wrote: ↑ I had a very specific minimalist floating shelf idea in my head, but I couldn't find brackets that matched my idea anywhere - so I made my own.
Made from simple flat stock and VERY strong.

And to anyone that notices - the burr grinder, the 12v ridgid drill/driver and the dewalt drill in the pic are all a direct result of this helpful/handy forum! haha

kitchenshelves.jpg