Going to be a lot of trial and error. LOL.

 

I'll add one more thing, see where the wire is coming into the tensioner/drive wheels? That's a decent angle, is that roll almost empty? I'll suggest 2 things right now, for your future, get bigger drive rolls of wire, and get some clamp on line cleaner, it's basically a fabric roll that takes surface oxidation off the incoming spool, super cheap, under a buck. Good if sitting long periods between uses.

 

Neither roll was almost empty. 1/2 full maybe. The Blue Demon stuff even more.
And I believe I got some of those line cleaner things brand new in a package with the welder.
Kind of look like foam in the package.
That is another thing. If I knew what I was doing then I would have been more on top of this purchase.
For instance. They had the tension set all the way down. They left the valve open on the tank. It came with a new liner. Also those line cleaner things.
If I knew what I was doing I would have noticed those red flags. Also would have tried to feed wire through it at the guys house,
I really should have realized that last thing despite not knowing a thing though.
But I want to say that it works as it should. Of course the real test will be when I get some steel and try to weld something for real.
Also I brought the mask inside to Google it. I am still not sure it is working. See what the internet turns up about it.

 

I think you just need to start burning metal. If it seems like it's working, go with it, come back ask questions, I'll guide you as best I can

 

So I just want to say that I warned you about this.
I want to return the roll of flux core that my friend lent me.
Chances are he won't ever use it, I don't imagine him welding without gas, but he did say it was his back roll.
So what is the best way to do this?
Internet is kind of all over the place on this.
Some say cut it and pull it out through the tip to not screw up the liner.
Some say just roll it back onto the roll. Releasing the tension on the machine but maintaining it by hand so the wire doesn't just unspool all over the place.
Some say don't even worry about how tight the part you are respooling is cause at some point you will be putting it back in the gun. But don't let what is still on the roll get unspooled by accident.
Etc.
Also thinking about it now seeing that the welder will be getting little use would it be best to not leave the wire in the gun for longer periods of time?

 

I would check your owner's manual that was posted above.

 

Just cut the wire close to the spool, be careful to keep it tight on the reel, and there's a hole on the outside edge of the spool, just wrap the wire around that, then, release the drive wheels and pull the wire through the whip, discard.

You can remove and store wire if you want to, I personally don't. If you do, find a resealable bag and throw a couple of desiccant packs in there.

 

Kind of lost me on one thing. I get the "cut the wire close to the spool, keep it tight so it does not unravel on you, and tie it off in one of those holes.
But when you say pull through the whip. You mean pull it out from the opposite of how it feeds? Pulling in the direction of the arrow I drew?

 

No, just pull it where it exits the gun...after releasing the drive wheels of course, haha

 

Got it. You using the word whip was throwing me off. Also makes sense pulling in that direction to not screw up the liner.
I want to thank you for your patience and guidance. It will be a bit before I try welding again.
The mask does not have a replaceable battery for the auto-darkening. They still sell that mask. Looks like it runs about $70.
Get this. The auto-darkening lens looks like it would cost at least $89 to replace. Assuming I am looking at the right part. $89 to fix a $70 mask?
So I found these cheapo Ebay one. Looks like it might be the right one for the mask.
Now I know you get what you pay for but for less then $7 figured what the hell. Also I might split the case
on the lens and see what it looks like in there. Maybe I can replace the battery anyway. Cause Googling around it looks like it might be set up that way.
My point being I can't weld to I get the mask situation sorted out. Safety First. LOL.

 

I am in the same boat. I have never welded anything in my life, I just bought a lincoln 140 off craigslist and feel like I've gotten in over my head

I have it set up for flux as of now but will switch it to gas when I have my table and cart all set up. I guess it's like anything else, start practicing!

 

Being good ain't going to happen for me. Being good enough though I can kinda see that happening. LOL.

 

Start practicing and post pics of your progress. From the pics we can tell what's going on.

 

To be fair, I'm using jargon common to me, you're still learning. The "whip" is the liner/gun assembly, when removed from the welder, looks like a bull whip.

And, enough of the negative Nancy BS, you're going to be a great welder!!! We'll see to that, lol

 

Looking forward to it.
Just found this on Craigslist. Starting to think I did better then OK with my purchase.

https://hartford.craigslist.org/tls/...906711312.html