Polarity question

[GregE]

I am newer than new to welding. I just bought a Hobart Handler 140. I have bought the gas for it. While setting it up, the instructions note the polarity has to be changed when using gas with solid core wire. The sample roll of wire is flux core wire. Do I still change the polarity? I would think the polarity would be changed due to the use of gas, vice wire. But again I'm a rookie with NO experience. Thanks for the help.

 

[k0ua]

I am newer than new to welding. I just bought a Hobart Handler 140. I have bought the gas for it. While setting it up, the instructions note the polarity has to be changed when using gas with solid core wire. The sample roll of wire is flux core wire. Do I still change the polarity? I would think the polarity would be changed due to the use of gas, vice wire. But again I'm a rookie with NO experience. Thanks for the help.

I have no experience either:laughing: But here is what I found in the manual:

for Solid core wire and Shielding gas operation the Gun goes to the + terminal and the work clamp goes to the negative - terminal

For flux core without shielding gas, the Gun goes to the negative - terminal and the work clamp goes to the + terminal.

Regardless of how the welder is setup now, follow the above instructions.

Good Luck!

James K0UA

 

[GregE]

That's what my manual says as well. But there is nothing to say about flux core wire with gas. That was the crux of my question. I guess I'll just have to get non flux core wire so as to use the gas polarity set so I don't have to change it later.

 

[gengine]

The gas is for shielding the weld from outside contaminants that are just normally in the air. The flux in the flux cored wire burns putting off the gas for shielding. You do not use gas for flux cored wire. I think you can, but it is wasting gas.

 

[deereman75]

That's what my manual says as well. But there is nothing to say about flux core wire with gas. That was the crux of my question. I guess I'll just have to get non flux core wire so as to use the gas polarity set so I don't have to change it later.

You wont have to worry about gas shielded flux core with that little hobart. I think that machine is way too small for dual shield. I dont think it is that hard to swap the polarity, just switch 2 wires. You cant use gas with the flux core it came with anyways.

 

[deereman75]

The gas is for shielding the weld from outside contaminants that are just normally in the air. The flux in the flux cores wire burns putting off the gas for shielding. You do not use gas for flux cored wire.

There is dual shield flux core. It uses gas as well. That is used more for heavy industry work.

 

[gengine]

There is dual shield flux core. It uses gas as well. That is used more for heavy industry work.

Good to know. Learn something new everyday!

 

[GregE]

Thanks to everyone for the input.