Gas/Gasless! Huh!

[Linebacker]

Hi All
This is my first post on here, i have never weldered before and would like to start welding light steel 1.6mm-5mm. Im planning on making some gates.

Like i said its all new to me, i have read some forums and i believe i need a MIG welder. Ive looked on ebay and found some 190 Amp welders or smaller which i think will do the job. They are gas/gasless, does that mean either gas or electric? Something tells me thats wrong.

Will the MIG do what im looking at doing? Do i need gas or gasless? What else do i need? If i need gas, do i buy refillable bottles?

Lots of questions, some if not all dumb but im new and this is my first post.

Any advice welcome
Thanks

 

[shenion]

Gas uses a shielding gas, usually argon/CO2 or CO2.

Gasless uses a flux in the wire to provide the shielding.

Gasless is messy, hard to see and hear, smoky and runs hot. So it is difficult on thin metal. 1.6mm should not be a problem though. Auto bodywork (1mm or less) is difficult.

Gasless does work well outside as in gas MIG, the wind can blow away the shielding gas.

Refillables last only a few minutes. They are very expensive to use. See if you can find local gas supplier. CHeapest to use is a pub CO2 bottle. Argon mixes are easiest to use.

Welcome to the forums

 

[Linebacker]

Thanks Shenion

Looks like i have lots of reading to do. Ill research some more.