Another looking for a flux core MIG welder suggestion thread

[California]

What was it that decided you to go to gas?

 

[WinterDeere]

What was it that decided you to go to gas?

I guess several of us on this thread said we started with flux core and switched to gas. For me, it was almost entirely for better visibility. I just couldn't see what I was doing, welding with flux core, due to the massive dark cloud of flux burning off as I'd weld. It would also fog up the glass on my face shield, and I'd be forever cleaning that, or just learning to weld by braille.

By comparison, MIG is clean and clear, you can see exactly what's happening while you work. Less spatter too, which is a nice bonus, but the flux spatter was never a huge deal to clean up.

 

[WranglerX]

What was it that decided you to go to gas?

Hate chipping slag... That is one (of many) reason for abandoning stick.....

 

[IXLR8]

Several of you have made comments about the smoke/fog when using flux core wire. This is causing me to rethink the use of flux core wire. I have enough trouble reading the puddle with these old eyes without dealing with smoke/fog of the flux. I stumbled upon a welding shop here on the peninsula and he told me the place where he gets his gasses from. I thought about using him to take care of the small weld jobs I have. But he is booked 6+ months out. I'm going to stop by the place he suggested this week and see what they offer for gasses and wires. There is an auto parts place here that seems to have everything. I'm going to ask them what they offer, thanks for that idea. My local TSC doesn't do anything with gasses. It might just be easier/cheaper to build up an enclosure and get better with my OA setup.

 

[WinterDeere]

Hate chipping slag... That is one (of many) reason for abandoning stick.....

I always found it oddly satisfying to chip away that mess and reveal a beautiful weld hiding beneath.

 

[California]

A fan on the workbench aimed at the welding table will give you the air circulation you need if you are using unusually smoky FC wire.

And a wire brush wheel, or a needle scaler, can clean up slag between passes.

FC is best considered 'farmer's wire' where a little splatter left behind is NBD. We're not working to the admiration of others! Leave that to the pro's.

Everything I've read says flux core welds are as strong as gas welds. That's my only criteria.

 

[WinterDeere]

A fan on the workbench aimed at the welding table will give you the air circulation you need if you are using unusually smoky FC wire.

Any concern that a fan effective enough to improve visibility might also defeat the purpose and function of the gassified flux?

 

[California]

Any concern that a fan effective enough to improve visibility might also defeat the purpose and function of the gassified flux?

Just a gentle breeze sufficient that you aren't breathing fumes, and sufficient to move the cloud aside. Not a gale.

The flux/slag boils up out of the weld pool to the surface and forms a coating, so the minor air current isn't really relevant.

 

[Jrasband]

I always found it oddly satisfying to chip away that mess and reveal a beautiful weld hiding beneath.

Me too, I like to use a needle scaler which removes slag fast!

 

[ArlyA]

I enjoy building and repairing things, not doing cleanup.