How to choose flux core wire?

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Yes but the same principal applies. Even with SMAW, There are three to four small zones where the voltage changes. I try to set my voltage to hit the sweet spot at about 3/8-inch stick out. To a degree if I want a hotter / more flowing puddle I'll open the stick out to say 1/2-inch. But if I go too far, say 3/4-inch, I'll run the risk of losing the arc. If I want a cooler / stiffer puddle I'll shorten the stick out to say 3/16 of an inch.
Same with SMAW, want a colder puddle jam the rod right into the puddle. Want a hotter more flowing puddle back the rod out some.

With self shielded T-8 wires, and dual shield most of those wires require 3/4 to 1 1/4-inch stick out.

Are you talking about running your engine drive with an Ln-25?
I've not run one so I can't say what it does.

I obviously agree with SMAW the arc voltage is adjusted by shortening/lengthening the arc.

But with a constant voltage power source I disagree with your description of FCAW.

Only my .02 - nothing more.

 

[Shield Arc]

Give it a try Dave, and see what you think!
Remember now, I've only been welding a few weeks.

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

Give it a try Dave, and see what you think!
Remember now, I've only been welding a few weeks.

Right

 

[Shield Arc]

Dave remember that 120-volt Mig welder of Roadhunter's I had. Here is one of the first welds I made with it. See how the crater / stop is full? I shortened the stick out, and backed up some.

 

[farmer2009]

Shield. I took a couple more pics today. Didn't get to do any welding today.

 

[farmer2009]

Oops forgot the picture.

 

[farmer2009]

Second picture.

 

[Shield Arc]

It's really hard to tell with all the slag still on the weld. Do you have one of these?
Here's what they do to self shielded flux core slag.

 

[Shield Arc]

I obviously agree with SMAW the arc voltage is adjusted by shortening/lengthening the arc.

But with a constant voltage power source I disagree with your description of FCAW.

Only my .02 - nothing more.

Here you go Dave. I found this in a ESAB pdf file. I don't know how to post the whole file, so I just copied and pasted it.

 

[varmint]

Reading this is good for hack welders like me. I ran out of the NR211 flux core .035" wire that came with my Lincoln 125, and had roll of the same flavor of Harbor Freight wire I had grabbed at one of their sidewalk sales so I would have roll in backup, and I think the HF wire is inferior to the Lincoln wire- lots more splatter, harder to get nice results. Maybe just me, but...