Flux for new because of the location of the power outlet, right next to the garage door and the chance of wind blowing away the shielding gas would be pretty good, but it can run either, but will get a bottle anyways. Cost for a small spool of flux wire, $19.99. Gas wire spool, $9.99 plus the cost of a small bottle which is about $35 and what ever the deposit is.
Only noticeable difference I've seen between gas and flux is the gas has a cleaner finish vs the flux ti have to wire brush clean. I prefer to weld in a well ventilated area and my garage only has one window.
Strength wise, none that I've had have given way on me.
Now one tool a really want is a deep cut hand held band saw. My work has one and I've seen it in action...puts hacksawing by hand a thing I don't want to do again, haven't priced one yet though.
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