Flux Core vs MIG - best YouTube comparison I've seen

[yomax4]

I will use FC wire if I have to but not a go to. There are 2 versions that yield slightly different results. Cheap stuff is ER70TGS. Designed for single pass and it smokes and spatters more. The other is what I suggest and it's ER70T-11. Multi pass rated and much nicer end result. Both run nearly the same as far as settings. I think the T-11 is about 10 cents a pound more cost but it's all I would buy. Also have to remember that every company has different quality so once you find a good one your all set.

 

[LittleBittyBigJohn]

I've only ever had experience using flux core with a small suitcase style 110v welder. I'll build something out of wood before I trust the little units. I don't seem to ever be able to get any penetration.

 

[WranglerX]

I've only ever had experience using flux core with a small suitcase style 110v welder. I'll build something out of wood before I trust the little units. I don't seem to ever be able to get any penetration.

What is AMP rating of your 110volt unit... I have Hobart Handler 140 and I can burn 1/4 inch steel and have good penetration... Technique and wire quality has a lot to do with it....

 

[JeepHead]

What is AMP rating of your 110volt unit... I have Hobart Handler 140 and I can burn 1/4 inch steel and have good penetration... Technique and wire quality has a lot to do with it....

I have this same welder and it does great on 1/4". I can pre-heat with my torch if I need thicker...

 

[California]

I will use FC wire if I have to but not a go to. There are 2 versions that yield slightly different results. Cheap stuff is ER70TGS. Designed for single pass and it smokes and spatters more. The other is what I suggest and it's ER70T-11. Multi pass rated and much nicer end result. Both run nearly the same as far as settings. I think the T-11 is about 10 cents a pound more cost but it's all I would buy. Also have to remember that every company has different quality so once you find a good one your all set.

-GS spec is defined as 'whatever the manufacturer wants to put in it'.

E71T-11 is a specific chemical composition.

INE of Italy was the only brand of -GS FC I trusted. INE is like the Lincoln of Europe, quality stuff designed by scientists. But for some reason they recently left the US market.

I'll go back to PGN's E71-T11. One of the least expensive FC wires on Amazon and it works as well as anything I've tried. Even less expensive when Amazon has frequent 'as-new, shabby box' offerings. But not their 'OK, repackaged, may be incomplete'. I bought that once and did ok, just some plastic chipped off the spool. But second time was obvious customer return, 1/3 of the wire gone, spool a big rats nest. Never again!

I assume PGN's E71-T11 is generic wire labelled for them, and that it is sufficient for anything I weld as farm repairs. In theory this should meet the same specs as Lincoln's more expensive NR-211 which is also E71-T11 wire, and very popular.

 

[yomax4]

Weldcote Metals and Washington alloys are good resources to read about these wires. Shows composition and suggested usage. I use t-11 to save on gas when ever it makes sense.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Self shielded Flux Core is actually a more expensive option. It not only has a shelf life of about 2 years and needs tight, dry storage, it is more expensive per pound than gas type (and yes there is a dual shield type flux core with gas which is best for many different applications). The extra expense offsets the expense of the gas and cylinder if you are using it. The labor in cleanup and time needed, the extra smoke and consumable consumptions on the helmet and gun make it a more expensive option and a less satisfactory one from an aesthetic standpoint.

 

[etpm]

Self shielded Flux Core is actually a more expensive option. It not only has a shelf life of about 2 years and needs tight, dry storage, it is more expensive per pound than gas type (and yes there is a dual shield type flux core with gas which is best for many different applications). The extra expense offsets the expense of the gas and cylinder if you are using it. The labor in cleanup and time needed, the extra smoke and consumable consumptions on the helmet and gun make it a more expensive option and a less satisfactory one from an aesthetic standpoint.

This is why, among other reasons, that I use MIG when I can and use flux core only when it is best for the job, such as when I am welding outside in windy conditions.
Eric

 

[MoArk Willy]

he gets cleaner FC welds, and less splatter to cleanup, using his $2k Miller than he can do with his 110 volt, $175 Titanium.

Did you hear him say that he is using different wire in the Titanium?
I use a Titanium and have used different wires and there is a noticeable difference in cleanup.

 

[California]

I use a Titanium and have used different wires and there is a noticeable difference in cleanup.

Agree. But I've never found a YouTube video with a good comparison of FC wires. We should suggest that to Project Farm!

I bought my HF MIG-180 used, from a 'mad scientist' type who included a half dozen flux core wires he had intended to try. Including generic, Lincoln, and old HF Chicago Electric. All unopened 2 lb spools. After finishing these I tried Blue Demon, Lincoln, Forney, and then the Italian INE and PGN that I described in post #15 above. My favorite flux wire is INE's Inetub. Much less smoke and less tiny bb's to scrape off. Amazon occasionally had it on sale.

But now INE wire is no longer sold on Amazon Prime. Buying it from INE with $7 shipping isn't attractive. So I'll try HF's Vulcan wire when it goes on sale. I've seen suggestions that HF's Vulcan wires including flux are sourced from INE. Evidence: the outer tip of the wire is bent and melted into the plastic spool to secure it on both INE and Vulcan. I don't know another brand that does this.

In summary yes, the brand of flux core wire makes a big difference.