Tools & Fabrication - Getting my MIG equipped

I got a SilverBeauty 125 mig for an awesome price. I think itll be good for starting out.

The pressure gauge is busted on it. I am wondering what kind of gauge I need to replace it. The current one goes up to 5000psi and its an 1/4" NPT. I have a gauge that would work but only goes up to 300psi. I am wondering what pressures do you see with acetylene.

I got my gloves/auto dim mask, etc.

Any good advice on wire to start out with. Id like to weld some sfcs/ exhaust work, and probably some axle housing work. I plan to practice a lot too of course. Any advice on gasless wire?

I need to get ahold of a tank, I may be able to get one free from a friend or else i will buy one on ebay and get it filled.

Any other suggestions.

I don't know why you are asking about acetylene with a mig welder because the sheilding gas for mig is a mixture of gases. Any how, the 5000psi gauge is for reading tank pressure. There should be a second gauge with an adjustable regulator on it to set working pressure.
If you are looking to set up your machine w/ gas there is no reason to use flux core wire. I would recommend that you take trip to your local welding supply shop (not home depot)for some advice. They can hook you up with the gauges you need along with the proper tank and gas.
As for wire, I use .035 for thicker metals(sfc's) and .023 wire for thinner metals(body work). Don't forget to get tips for your gun to go along with the different wire sizes. Hope this helps.

I am wondering if maybe this is part of the regulator. It has an adjustment screw and also has a flow gauge on the same apparatus. So would it be ok to just replace this gauge with a lower pressure one?

I am wondering if maybe this is part of the regulator. It has an adjustment screw and also has a flow gauge on the same apparatus. So would it be ok to just replace this gauge with a lower pressure one?

First one is just tank pressure, you'll know if you're out, I don't know if that makes any sense. My only concern is the 300psi gauge not being rated to handle well over a thousand psi on a full tank, bursting, and causing a pretty ugly mess. I'd go to the welding store and get a new reg/gauge.

You mentioned acetyline, what are you using that for? You shield mild steel mig welds with co2/argon mix. (generally) Like the previous poster said go to a welding shop.

This is what I have now: I think this thing is a regulator, can anyone confirm/deny this?

http://gallery.me.com/phenomic/100011/IMG_0482/web.jpg?ver=13005868150001

the past owner used this setup extensively (obvioulsy with a functional gauge).

Start over w/ the correct reg/gauge set up.
That's some 1/2assed rigged part, that will be problems..
Hose clamped gas line, etc, is NOT the way to start out.
As mentioned, go to your local welding supply house.
Also, be really careful buying a tank.. U can get an out dated tank that will cost you a bunch to get re-certified.[If, at all]