Thanks for the great info! I already have plans on buying a decent 230v MIG w/shielding gas unit but only after I fully understand ARC welding. I do have a small 120V 90 AMP Flux core wire MIG machine, but I haven't tried welding my 1 1/4" OD (1" ID) pipe with it as I assume it probably won't penetrate deep enough?

I'm really enjoying the challenge of proper ARC welding -- I just wish I was more consistent. Some days my welds are perfect, other days I end up re-welding the same joint several times due to lack of penetration or slag inclusions.

I just recently read too that some rods are very sensitive to moisture? I suppose I should be putting all of my rods into air tight containers then, because I just have them lying around my garage right now.

So why isn't ARC welding NHRA legal? Are there just too many variables with ARC welding that don't exist with MIG? Are TIG welded joints NHRA legal? What about O/A welds?

Adrian