[Bob Carriere]

I never seen one question get so much and so fast all the info one could dream of.......

First of all congratulation on the selling job to the better half of your marriage.......

Let me cut to the chase..... we have yet to meet and have a Xmas libation...but... I have an almost brandnew Lincoln 170 Mig with gas....... and you are welcome to try your hand at it...... if fact weather permitting you can come to my palce and use the darn thing while I watch and drink beer.... might even learn a trick or two from you. the Lincoln is portable since is has wheels but you would need a crane to lift the sucker in a pickup...I know.

All the advice you received is right on. I still have my old Sears stick welder.... which I am hardly using anymore..... I usually take it out of the corner whent he neighbour has to weld back a 3/8 rusted plate back on the snow plow.

As to learning you need a few good books.. a few video and the time and scrap metal to practice, practice, practice......

I have used a Sears Mig for over 5 years... the 20 amps 110v type and it served me well in lighter stuff but did not have the gas shielding attachements...... biggest bitch... it cuts out all the time in hot weather.... very frustrating. If one want to be practical a good brand name smaller Mig can handle about 80% of what you will need on a CMP, works up to 1/8 or so. If you plan to do some real body sheet metal stuff you need the gasshielding..... I have yet to master the gas set up on mine and would welcome some friend to practice with. Most of my Mig has been with the flux core...cheaper, faster and by golly makes my welds almost look good. The machine doesn't make a welder but a mig sure helps raise your confidence.

BOC will have some sales special in the dull months of psot Xmas and into the Spring start up season.

Whatever you do..... do not buy until you try..... I can even dig out the small Sears unit if you wish to try it out......and if you feel like passing gas I have an Oxy-acetelyne as well... great for roasting weiners....... mine is used as a "Hot wrench" and for rough cutting........ I have welded a few items but I woudl need more practice.

Wiring your house for 220 with a welder plug is easy to do..... the same for installing a 20 amps plug for a small unit. Think gas if you are going to do sheet metal work.

You must have been one he** of a good boy to merit that welder.

Bob C.