Quick MiG question

[Erik Graham]

Greetings;

I hope this is an appropriate place to ask this question. Like many other posters I've been mulling over which size and type of welder to buy for a while and have narrowed it down to something like the Millermatic 180. There is one thing I'm not entirely clear on though. If I use flux core wire can I get away with not using any sheilding gas? If this happens to be true, the second question would be, would this weld be as strong as regular wire and gas, given that all the variables are the same? Main use of welder would be indoor, mild steel, 3/16" to 1/4". Any input greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Erik

 

[beersngars]

If you use flux core wire, no sheilding gas is needed. I prefer regular wire and gas. The main advantage I can see to flux core is if using outside where the wind blows the argon mix away. I'm not a professional welder, these are just my experiances. BTW, the Millermatic 180 is a great choice. I have one Miller in 120v and one 230v. The 120v machine is OK for light stuff where 230v may not be available, but thats about it.

 

[kennyd]

If you use flux-cored wire, you do not use shielding gas. The use of gas and solid core wire will give better looking welds, and you won't have to remove slag from the weld area.

The weld strength should be the same for both...

What do you mean by "Main use of welder would be indoor"? You need plenty a good ventilation while welding!

 

[hill]

amp for amp you'll get a little more weld penetration with fluxcore wire but it'll spit little balls of steel out in every direction that meld real strong and are a pain to clean up.

IMO, if you're thinking of using fluxwire only just to avoid having to get tank(s) and gas you might as well just buy and use a stick welder. Stick welding can give stronger welds, it can be done without much regard to the weather (they do it underwater with specialized equipment), and the startup DC machine is cheaper, usually. Get a supply of 6013 rod ("the farmer's rod") and it'll start easily and make very nice results with a little practice. Also you can weld thicker stuff most of the time on the typical home power available (220v - 50a breaker). The Lincoln DC "Tombstone", the all time classic can weld most anything tractor and costs less than $250. new. Remember now, I SAID that all this is my opinion only.

Mig welding, shielded welding with assorted gasses, is easiest to learn and will give nice looking welds by simply following directions and welding charts. No mess, seldom any cleanup grinding, and you'll be proud of yourself.

The Miller 180 is a good one, it makes nice smooth arcs - expert weldors are raving about it. . Again IMO, you'd be wasting it's good quality using fluxcore wire through that welder. It's making my Miller 210 wonder about it's little brother's intentions, keeps it awake nights.

 

[Erik Graham]

Greetings;

To set minds at ease, by "indoors" I mean garage with door open and exhaust fan.

Hill: You're entirely correct about the gas. My only thought here was to save the $'s and the hassle for the gas. Having said that I don't really want to spend a whole bunch of time cleaning up splatter either.

I recently had one of my customers do a bit of welding for me (they're a store fixture company) and the shop foreman's general advice seemed to be that MiG has the shortest learning curve and produces one of the cleanest, strongest welds for medium price range. I've been flipping the coin for weeks on stick vs MiG. I would describe myself as being relatively handy, I have a small engine lathe and milling machine but haven't done any welding as yet and am running out of welding favours to ask.

Cheers,Erik

 

[glmf]

Hill, try anti-spatter spray before you weld on your metal, the little balls will come right off. Even PAM vegetable spray works better than nothing.
Erik, if you can afford a 220 MIG setup they work well, this isn't to say that the 110 rigs don't work, its just that the 220 setups are way more versatile. Good luck with your choice.

 

[wushaw]

Hill, try anti-spatter spray before you weld on your metal, the little balls will come right off. Even PAM vegetable spray works better than nothing.
Erik, if you can afford a 220 MIG setup they work well, this isn't to say that the 110 rigs don't work, its just that the 220 setups are way more versatile. Good luck with your choice.

The MM 180 is a 220V rig.

Gas is cheap and last a long time if you get a good size bottle and is easy to work with.
I have a MM175 and have only used solid wire and gas. I am going on two years on my last fill and have done many home projects. I will have to refill soon since I am down to 300psi, it will cost me @35.00 to get a refill.

 

[philbuilt]

Hi Eric,
Heres my thoughts, you say that you have a lathe and mill so I would defiantly go with the 180 with gas. Build ups are easy and with out slag pockets. I have a small Lincoln 125 and an old 220 AIRCO stick machine for the heavy stuff. The 180 is a good mid machine but I would also invest in a "buzz box" from a yard sale very handy when you need to do rusty, dirty and painted steel.
remember it's all good
Phil

 

[RonMar]

I have a Lincoln 125 which is gas capable, but I have only used it with flux core. It has given excellent service up thru 1/4" for nearly 10 years now, but the larger duty cycle of a 240V machine would be desireable.

I use a die grinder and wire wheels(gloves and face shield a must) to clean up the light slag and small spatter left from the flux core wire. Places I can't get with the wheel, I use a toothbrush sized wire brush. For the larger splatter out on open areas, I use a large file layed flat and slid across the surface sideways(like draw filing). This pops the spatter balls right off the base metal with little effort.

 

[toolaholic]

MY WELDING EXPERIANCE, CERTIFIED IN STICK AND WIRE. UNION PILE BUCK.

WELDED 3 FT. X 1 1/2" FLANGE FOR YEARS. ALL U. T. INSPECTED. MOST OF IT FLUX CORE NO GAS. OWN A MM210 1 OF 3 MACHINES I OWN. LOVE IT. ALL THE HI RISERS IN S.F. ARE FLUX CORE NO GAS. THIS ANSWER YOUR QUESTION?