I'm thinking about picking up a used flux-core welder.

"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
01/22/2016 at 18:11 • Filed to: welding

I figure a good quality used flux-core welder, combined with good quality new gear and wire would give me a good introduction into learning to weld. Does anyone have experience with household voltage flux-core welding? Widebody FB for your time.

DISCUSSION (18)

It's a "Porch-uh" > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 18:14

I have a little Miller MIG unit that runs with and without gas. I’ve had it for about 10 years and been fine using flux-core for most of my projects. I’m sure it spatters a lot more than with gas, but it’s way easier to move around without a big cart and bottle.

MM54 > It's a "Porch-uh"
01/22/2016 at 18:15

How does the flux-core do with sheetmetal?

Clown Shoe Pilot > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 18:17

If you can find a machine that can use gas as an option, that’d be a better choice. You can always run flux core on a mig machine, but you can’t do mig with a flux core only machine. At some point, you might want to run shield gas, so go ahead and get a machine that can do it.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Clown Shoe Pilot
01/22/2016 at 18:19

I’ll most likely get a MIG/Flux machine, unless the price and quality is right.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > It's a "Porch-uh"
01/22/2016 at 18:20

Yeah, flux has a fair amount of slag, but it isn’t too terribly bad.

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 18:22

Never used flux core and admittedly i might be biased by practice but mig has been really easy to pick up and produces nice consistent welds for me with both mild steel and stainless (not tried it on ally, but have tried tig once so far and that’s bloody hard...)

Needmoargarage > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 18:22

Personally I hate flux core welding for thinner sheet metal. It is so easy to overheat and blow through the metal, and it splatters everywhere. As it has been mentioned, I think you’d be better off finding a MIG and running flux core until you can get a gas setup.

It's a "Porch-uh" > MM54
01/22/2016 at 18:22

All depends on the capabilities of the welder. How thick/thin you can weld is dependent on adjusting the voltage and wire speed. The project I’m putting together now is with .065 and .125 square tube. No problem with both as long as I adjust the voltage (too high on the .065 and I was punching holes in it).

Clown Shoe Pilot > BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires
01/22/2016 at 18:23

Learn to gas weld and then tig will be a LOT easier.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Needmoargarage
01/22/2016 at 18:31

Good to know. Thanks for the tip!

It's a "Porch-uh" > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 19:01

Also, just be aware that the smoke from the flux is not super great for you, so if you’re planning on doing a bunch of welding indoors on a cold winter’s day, be sure to have proper ventilation and a good mask. In SoCal I’m lucky enough to be able to have the garage door open or work outside.

Frank Grimes > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 19:21

flux core is only good when its windy MIG is better than it at everything else especially learning to weld. dont buy a flux only machine.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > It's a "Porch-uh"
01/22/2016 at 19:21

Yeah, I’d need to ventilate well, but it’s a small price to pay for being able to weld.

MM54 > It's a "Porch-uh"
01/22/2016 at 20:05

I’ll be getting a mig before too long that can also do flux core (cheaper than always buying gas for when it’s not needed) so I appreciate the insight!

1111111111111111111111 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/22/2016 at 20:05

I’ve been using a Hobart 140 for about 6 years. It will do both flux and mig. I world really recommend getting some gas though, less cleanup and your sleves don’t get gunked up. I do 16ga to .125 no prob with the light wire you can thinner.

AMGtech - now with more recalls! > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
01/23/2016 at 01:18

I’ve done a lot of welding. Flux is stupid. Unless you’re welding in a windy environment. Gas FTW.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > AMGtech - now with more recalls!
01/23/2016 at 01:21

Saving up for a MIG it is!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Clown Shoe Pilot
01/23/2016 at 03:52

I’ve got a ton of offcuts and rod to practice TIG with so I’ll stick at it. I think it’s just the combination of a new technique to me and trying to weld thin-gauge aluminium which is tricky anyway :S