I received this welder for xmas: Northern Industrial Welders Flux Core 125 115V Flux Cored Welder - 125 Amp Output - Power Welders - Amazon.com

Of course I need to purchase additional gifts to get myself up and running. However, I'm never done any welding before. I don't know for sure what I will be welding yet. I doubt nothing larger than some angle iron. I know this welder won't do much more.

The welder can use .030 and .035 wire. Would it be a worthwhile to have both on hand or would one do a lot of what the other can do?

Safety protection that I plan to purchase:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...=ATVPDKIKX0DER
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A3NZWVJYOAGKHO

 

While I'm a self taught 'welder' I'd recommend taking a short course on welding. It's better to learn the right way than have to go back later and try to unlearn/change bad habits! Once you get the right techniques it's just a matter of practice.

 

Nice gift Looks like you'll be spending more on accessories than the cost of the welder.

Tough to find courses on welding without making a career of it. I learned in metal shop in high school.

 

It depends on how thick you want to weld. The .035 will weld thicker metal and carry more amps. With a thicker wire you can also run your wire speed feed slower. There is a chart somewhere that explains it all better than I can.
I'm a millwright for a large plywood factory and do a ton of welding. However it's mostly arc welding.

I'd save your money and not buy the welding apron or the jacket unless you're going to be welding overhead or in odd positions that have you laying down or otherwise contorted in a way that you have the slag/sparks falling on you. When I'm goofing around the shop welding on projects where I'm standing up I never need more than gloves/helmet. Most of the time I use a much lighter glove than welding gloves too.

You're of course welcome to use whatever safety gear you'd like, but as someone who welds a lot I find most of the safety stuff is overkill except in extreme situations. If you operate on a budget, I'd get a helmet and gloves first, decide if you need the other stuff later.

 

I would also add a fire extinguisher to that list. And go to a fire station and ask to be shown the proper way to use it.
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