Flux core mig ?

[fastfredracing]

Any feedback? I know its been discussed here before .
I have a pretty nice mig at work. Problem is, I have about 10 hours worth of sheet metal fab work to do on one of my own projects, and working on it at work , feels like, well, just like work .
I was thinking about grabbing up a used flux core 110v for small projects around the house . Working at home is relaxing and peaceful .
All I am really doing is sheet metal body work like stuff, or maybe welding up the occasional mower deck .

[widebody911]

It's messy. Spend a little more and get the gas setup.

[MBAtarga]

I bought a used gas setup off craigslist for $150. It almost makes my welds look "okay" - without gas - they are a failure. YMMV.

[unclebilly]

I traded my Miller 175 with gas for a Miller 251 with a push pull gun for aluminum, etc. The shop that had it was using it outdoors with fluxcore. This is actually pretty common, because MIG doesn’t work well if there is a breeze (it blows your shield gas away).

I have experience with flux core from 30 years ago and it wasn’t good. It was in a little 110v century welder. It was messy, spattery, and my welds were bubble gum.

The new stuff in a real welder is not the same. You can run a nice bead, it is still a little spattery, but nothing like the mess that that old tech flux core made in my dads little century welder.

I have since added gas back to the 251 and can run either. The flux core is great for welding out my shop door on big stuff that I can’t squeeze through my 14x14 door.

[unclebilly]

Here is a photo of a flux core weld with the Miller 251.

It’s a bracket a friend build and asked me to weld...

[asphaltgambler]

Originally Posted by widebody911

It's messy. Spend a little more and get the gas setup.

My vote^^^^^^

[Zeke]

First of all, just like cheap plasma cutters, a welder capable of 120v operation does not deliver decent performance using the lower voltage. There are a few exceptions for those that would argue. This applies to single and dual voltage machines.

Secondly, FC welding works a lot like stick welding as you want to drag the puddle letting the flux cover the weld as you go. Pushing does make for a messy looking weld.

Third, FC tends to be a little hotter as you reverse the polarity (actually called 'straight' polarity — DCEN) and is not ideal for lighter gauge sheet metal. I'd want to start at least 1/8th" (11 ga.) minimum.

The first rule applies to GWAW (using inert gas) as well. The performance of the welder itself has nothing to do with which process you use. One can make beautiful and strong welds with FCAW. I know because I built my 914 roll cage that way and had the welds tested. And, you are not allowed to grind the welds on roll bars, etc., only a stiff wire wheel. So, you don't want to embarrass yourself with crappy welds not to mention safety. It can be done.

[fastfredracing]

Thanks for the replies . I was hoping tig mc stick would chime in . Im mostly doing spot welds, for sheet metal work, but I think I will heed the advice and just grab up a smaller gas mig . You get what you pay for .

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by widebody911

It's messy. Spend a little more and get the gas setup.

+1. I have a Lincoln gas mig I am looking to get rid of. Only used a handful if times DIY on my 911. Basically brand new.

[cabmandone]

Mine will run either flux core or mig with gas shield. I just have to reverse the leads and attach a bottle. It's a 110v Campbell Hausfeld I bought years ago at a farm store. The flux core is messy and you have to clean the welds.

[rfuerst911sc]

I used my 110 volt Hobart 140 with shielding gas to weld GT flares onto a 914 . Even though it was outside I did it under calm conditions and they came out great . I have used it with different diameter wire and also with flux core. As others have stated the flux core is messier but good welds can be had . I like the ability to be able to use either .

[pete3799]

You'll be a lot happier with a gas set up.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by pete3799

You'll be a lot happier with a gas set up.

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Gas-
You will be happy

For sheet metal and spot welding, yes.

[fastfredracing]

Now that I think about it, it will have to be flux core. This will all be outside welding .
So small spotwelds, rosette welds, and tack welds are not fc's strong points ?

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Now that I think about it, it will have to be flux core. This will all be outside welding .
So small spotwelds, rosette welds, and tack welds are not fc's strong points ?

I don't have any problem tacking or spot welding with flux core wire. I haven't bought much wire because most of what I weld is 1/8" or 3/16" I think I'm running .030 wire but would have to check. I think your selection for flux core smaller diameter wire gets limited and you'll want to see what the smallest diameter is that the machine will accept.

[VincentVega]

x2, dont have as many wire options available, esp for sheet metal. You can do it, just get a few extra sanding disks.

[fastfredracing]

Originally Posted by VincentVega

x2, dont have as many wire options available, esp for sheet metal. You can do it, just get a few extra sanding disks.

I cannot weld for crap, but I can grind like a pro!

[ckelly78z]

I have done many small projects with my Harbor Freight 125A wire welder. https://www.harborfreight.com/Flux-125-Welder-63582.html

After getting my pacemaker about 1.5 years ago, I am no longer allowed to weld, or stand near a running car alternator, and several other EMF producing machines.

I have figured out that I can still Oxy/Actylene weld (no EMFs), so once my shop is built, I will fill up my bottles, and start practicing at gas welding.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

I dont understand your comment.
I have welded boats, trailers, fabricated all sorts of stuff with wire feed miller.
Even Fenders on a Porsche.
Fabricated a couple of 48-foot semi-trailers.
All the metal shops use gas .
The boatyard dwn the street that makes ships hardly use stick anymore.
My miller is good for 3/8 EZ, and more with a couple of passes.

I simply agreed he'd be happy, not necessarily happier, with gas on sheet metal (meaning less than an 1/8th) because using DCEP with gas is a little cooler puddle. That helps a lot with potential burn through.

I have 2 MIG welders, one is 240v only and has a gas set up, and the other is a 120v only (Lincoln) and uses FC although it will take gas if I want. I use the little machine more than the bigger one and with FC it does a terrific job.

To emphasize, you need to hold a tight arc like a 1/4" and drag the puddle. You will be amazed at the better welds you can do that way. With gas you can go either direction and it doesn't matter because the gas shield is completely surrounding the puddle. So you just need good puddle structure manipulating the wire however works the best for the weld deposit and penetration w/o undercut.

[widebody911]

Originally Posted by afterburn 549

Some things I have learned -
Sometimes on fenders, I will gold a Brass block up behind where I am welding if the metal is really thin or someone cut the space too far apart (bad fit)

I do the same but with a piece of copper