re: I want to learn to weld..

I’ve been manipulating metal for a long, long time. And for what you’re wanting to do, all you need is a basic flux core mig. Duel shield is better, but for that .035 flux core is fine. I’d go with a Lincoln 90i.

Voltage= Heat. Wire Speed. And travel speed with the gun itself. Angel of the mig gun from 90 degrees with a little tilt going right to left pushing the puddle will give you more of a flat weld or vice versa left to right.

You want the tip about a1/8 in of the base metal, maybe a little more but don’t long arc it let’s say around a 1/4 in.

You can also do what is known as dragging, which is opposite of pushing the puddle. Same concept, but laying metal down behind the tip instead of in front of it ie pushing

Get you a 55 gallon drum to practice on. It’s cheap and it’s thin metal which basically the same thickness as a grill you’re wanting to make. Cut it in half with a matabo or any grinder with some 4in cutting wheels. Fit it back up a tack it back together with several tacks. After that you’ll just have to play with adjusting your volts and wire speed. If you’re to hot you’ll over penetrate and blow holes in it. But that’s part of learning. Good luck with it

Just a basic welding hood also with a #10 shade to start of with. Jackson will be your cheapest 4x2 lens. Or spend more money for an automatic lens. They make 4x2 automatic lens also