In my limited experience, I'm of the opinion that self shield flux core works best in the field. It the preferred method when welding outside because the wind will blow away any shielding gas.
With the advent of newer inverter based welding machines becoming less expensive, I always advise new garage welders to purchase a machine that can use hard wire & gas. It's easier to learn, you can run a smaller wire for body work, and produces less soot, smoke & spatter.
My advice: Always weld on clean shiny metal, practice the type of weld you need on some scrap material to dial in the settings, use what is comfortable for you. Everyone welds different meaning what works for me may not work for you.
I just realized this thread was starting in 2020 so the OP probably already finished the project
With the advent of newer inverter based welding machines becoming less expensive, I always advise new garage welders to purchase a machine that can use hard wire & gas. It's easier to learn, you can run a smaller wire for body work, and produces less soot, smoke & spatter.
My advice: Always weld on clean shiny metal, practice the type of weld you need on some scrap material to dial in the settings, use what is comfortable for you. Everyone welds different meaning what works for me may not work for you.
I just realized this thread was starting in 2020 so the OP probably already finished the project
I have lots of hangers hanging around too and use them in the same way. Off topic (apologies to the OP) but other common household things I use are ziplock bags (of course!) and old fashion shower curtain hooks. I have "hundreds" of them for paint and powder coating hangers but mostly for linking small parts, hardware, brackets, etc. when I disassemble things or even for storage. A few times the guy t the hardware store has told me ... "we have nicer ones you know".
