Noob welder, looking for info. Good questions

[Pushit2.0]

That is a nice welder. I would get a nice welding helmet, I actual hate auto tint for TIG, but thats just me. I use a Jackson welding helmet with a gold 10 shade, so nice. I would get some ER70s 1/16" rod for mild steel and chrome moly, some 308 1/16" rod for most stainless steel welds, and 309 1/16" rod for welding stainless steel to mild steel. Make sure you are using 100% argon, if you have the cash a 300cf cylinder makes the most sense but its a good amount of money up front with the lease and exchange fee. I go threw Toll but Airgas is good also.

Make sure what you are welding is CLEAN, wire wheel/wire brush and break clean or similar in the weld area. Keep your self in a good/easy position at all times. Start with scrap metal and practice, practice, practice.

And the best luck I have had was talking with/watching a pro welder for a while.

~John