The only thing I’d add to D’s list is that fumes from welding galvanized material are really deadly. I’m planning to buy a Millermatic 211 - supposed to be VERY user friendly, which is what I need. There’s a guy in the neighborhood who does beautiful multidisciplinary work (built a small teardrop trailer that’s a work of art), whose certified in both steel and aluminum - says he’ll teach me to weld with it and I’m not turning down the offer. I’m looking forward to adding more metalwork to my projects.

Unless you're doing it for a living, welding is one of those skills that you rarely need, but when you do need them they are real handy to know. Want to add another roller to your trailer? Weld one in place. Want to make a bird feeder? Weld one up. Emergency repair of ? Weld it.

Just remember to get a real good helmet. Personally, I love the instant darkening ones that Harbor Freight sells. So much easier than the old style where you had to flip the helmet down over your face. The batteries in the unit last several years depending on the usage. (And although they say that the batteries are not replaceable, if you know how to solder you can buy replacement batteries on ebay for less than 5 bucks) They're just regular button batteries, but with solder tabs on them. Mine uses (2) CR2032 batteries. All you need to do is melt the solder holding the old batteries and then solder the new ones in place. It's so simple that anyone with even basic soldering skills can do it).

I like the Millermatic 211. A bit pricy, but like all Miller products it has a well deserved reputation. Plus you can do MIG, MAG and Flux core welding with it. Very versatile.

My son and I were discussing auto darkening helmets and I expressed concern about how quickly the cheaper ones darken. My ears are pretty well shot - I don’t want to screw up my eyes. He said he thought that may have been an issue in the earlier days, but shouldn’t be a problem now. I’ll have a look at the Harbor Freight offerings. Thanks D.

I use a harbor freight helmet. Works good so far, I can still see the computer. Im not a professional at all. Just self taught. THey seem to last for a couple years. I think its a lot easier if u need to hold stuff together and tack it.

I cannot swear to exactly when I bought my auto darkening helmet from HF, but I'm guessing it was at least 5 years ago. I've never had a problem with weld flash. Never even got spots before my eyes like you would get by looking at a bright flashlight. They really work well. Unless you really want the cool graphics of the expensive helmet, don't bother with one. The cheap ones HF sells are just the same in a plain Jane style. I can't see any difference in the performance of either one.

I was in harbor freight yesterday picking up a trailer jack and saw the helmets on sale

Thought about u guys

Started to pick one up just to wear around the house, kinda like a Mandalorian

lol :you:

I’m not a slave to fashion, so graphics aren’t anything I care about, but if I’m going to wear it around the house I might have to step up a little:you: