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I have no experience in welding. But it looks like stick welding is a better option to me because its simplicity on setup(cheaper welder and no shielding gas required). Can I build a frame with stick welding? Does it require a lot of skill to master compared to MIG? Does stick welding produce same quality joints as the MIG does???

Could it be done? Yes, but many welding situations would be very awkward. Should you take that on as a rank amateur welder? No.

I know setting up for MIG is more expensive, but it's a much better solution for you. Try your local paper, or Craigslist in your area for some used MIG equipment. If you have a local welding supply store they might have some used MIG welders, or "last years" demo unit they might sell at a better price.

Good luck,

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Damn! That front slip angle is way too large and the Ackerman is just a muddle.

Build Log: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=5886

It's messier (spatter) & maybe a bit more challenging, but have seen Flux Cored videos that give MIG quality welds & avoids the need to buy gas.
MIG is probably easier, and I think FC wire is a higher cost. Not sure what the net difference would be, between enough FC wire vs MIG wire+gas.

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1975 MG Midget
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=24382
13B Powered Rotus Geauxkart
http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=20899

Stick and thin gauge steel are a very poor combination.
Weld control and avoiding burn-through are much harder with stick welding.
It is "Possible" but you would have to become an expert first.
As an emergency back-up while waiting for a part to fix my Miller I bought a used HF welder for $50.00
It has enough power to weld a Locost type chassis but nothing heavier.

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If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!

I just started taking beginner welding classes a few weeks ago, we started with stick, 60xx series rod the first two classes, the 70xx the third, its primarily an exercise in patience and fine muscle control learning to get the damn stick to start (plus a lot of cussing). The 70xx rod is easier than 60xx but it's still a PITA. This week we start on MIG, fingers crossed. Instructor likes to teach from worst/hardest to better/easier.

I've certainly gained a lot more respect for good welders.

I can see building a lot of yard art in my future as I learn.

Flux core wire in a MIG machine is a pretty good option with minimal upfront costs (beyond the machine). The wire is a bit more expensive then solid core (for MIG using shielding gas) but is welded without shielding gas. A smaller cheap 110V machine should be able to handle all the welding for a Locost type car but may require multipass welding for some thicker brackets.

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MG midget bodied Locostish car in progress

You are going to love stepping up to a mig from stick! Nothing better all around than a 110v 110a or more flux core mig. Eastwood 135a unit is great and easily swaps back and forth between gas and flux.

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Miata UBJ: ES-2074R('70s maz pickup)
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LxWxHt
360LA 442E: 134.5x46x15
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Tiger Avon:114x40x13.3-12.6
Champion/Book:114x42x11
Gibbs/Haynes:122x42x14
VoDou:113x44x14
McSorley 442:122x46x14
Collins 241:127x46x12

On .065" steel tube? Yes, if you have years of welding experience.

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Perry

'If man built it, man can fix it'
"No one ever told me I couldn't do it."
"If you can't build it safe, don't build it."

Perry's Locost Super Che7enette Build
Perry's TBird Based 5.0L Super 7 L.S.O
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Perry's 4th Build The Topolino 500 (Little Mouse) Altered
Perry's 5th Build the Super Slant 6 Super 7
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