Hello from New Hampshire

[mjggjm12]

Hello everyone, I have never welded before but always wanted to learn so I just ordered a Power i-MIG 200 and appropriate PPE. Not sure which process to start with first, but since the welder is a MIG and Stick welder I thought I would start out with stick and then go to MIG. I ultimately want to get a spool gun and learn aluminum because I want to build an aluminum boat or two.

Looking forward to learning and getting advice from this forum.

[performance]

Got any questions?

[mjggjm12]

Got any questions?

Not yet, but probably will after the welder arrives.

[mjggjm12]

Can the i-mig 200 only stick weld electrode positive or can I switch the ground and electrode leads and weld electrode negative? It only shows electrode positive in the manual so I am assuming that it only welds electrode positive, but just thought I'd ask.

[mjggjm12]

Also, what would be a good rod to start learning with?

[Rambozo]

You can switch, but for most things DCEP is the preferred polarity. About the only time you might swap is for thin sheet metal which you would usually use the MIG for, instead. I would start off with 3/32" 7018. That is a good all position rod that is very forgiving of poor technique. Another one is 6013. A lot depends on what kind of jobs you are doing.
Probably easier to start with MIG, then try stick after you are comfortable with MIG. A little more complicated to setup, but much easier to run.

[mjggjm12]

Thanks, I will give them both a try.