solid wire to flux core equivalents

[frugalangler]

I've searched a bit (actually, quite a bit) for this and haven't found a definitive answer:

What is the equivalent solid wire to a flux core .030 and/or .035, for the purpose of setting up a welder that has pre-sets based on metal type, thickness, and wire size? In other words, a table like:
.030 flux core = ??? size solid wire
.035 flux core = ??? size solid wire

Mine has settings for wire size but only for solid wire and gas, but will run flux core (can reverse leads as necessary) but setup is a puzzle. I've not had the opportunity yet to 'play' with it but am looking for a starting point, so would I downsize the solid wire setting by one size, two sizes, or do I also need to adjust metal thickness to compensate as well?

I just wish I had more time to play, but unfortunately my real job is somewhat demanding at current, maybe time over holiday season will allow this and a couple other projects the deserved time. Thanks in advance.

 

[Shield Arc]

but will run flux core (can reverse leads as necessary) but setup is a puzzle.

When you say flux core, are you talking gas coverage flux core? As in dual shield?
Or are you talking about self shielded flux core, where no gas is required?

 

[BukitCase]

See if this helps

Weld Setting Calculators - MillerWelds

If your machine just gives random meaningless numbers/letters, maybe comparing the ACTUAL values in BOTH the MIG and Flux core calculators will help get you close... Steve

 

[frugalangler]

When you say flux core, are you talking gas coverage flux core? As in dual shield?
Or are you talking about self shielded flux core, where no gas is required?

plain flux core, no aux gas

 

[Shield Arc]

The Miller calculator that BukitCase posted will get you very close for settings.
FYI, most Mig guns will not run self shielded flux core wire. Get the biggest liner you can for your Mig gun, and run smaller wire. Keep the Mig gun as straight as you can when welding. Also you will need serrated drive rolls to push self shielded flux core wire.

 

[Shield Arc]

frugalangler if you haven't pick out a self shielded wire yet. This is .045" Lincoln NR-212. Run with a 1966 CC only engine drive welder.

 

[frugalangler]

See if this helps

Weld Setting Calculators - MillerWelds

If your machine just gives random meaningless numbers/letters, maybe comparing the ACTUAL values in BOTH the MIG and Flux core calculators will help get you close... Steve

I have the Miller cards, but I'd not seen the online calculator, so I looked at those and it appears a decent starting point will be as i thought, back off wire size one size and then tweak amps adjust from there. After studying my manual /AGAIN/ it appears I've got a lot more control than I suspected, as far as initial setup on the welder goes.

I finally got some time and space in the shop, so over the Turkey holidays I'm gonna burn some wire and see if I can get used to it, my old machine was a pretty basic HF box, but it did well for what I asked it to do, just only thing it had was 4 amp and variable feed, so looking forward to trying the new one, and then on to some tig learning

Thanks for the help and suggestions.

 

[frugalangler]

frugalangler if you haven't pick out a self shielded wire yet. This is .045" Lincoln NR-212. Run with a 1966 CC only engine drive welder.

yea, sweet, not bad for a beginner - oh, yea, you been welding for a couple weeks now!! you are my idol LOL but I'll likely never lay a bead that sweet cause I drank way way too much coffee and coca-cola - I can't even carry a cup of coffee now without spritzing the floor a little - and to think I'm gonna give tig a shot??

 

[Shield Arc]

I'm gonna give tig a shot??

Do you have a Tig welder yet?
A Tig welder comes in real handy for certain projects.

 

[frugalangler]

Do you have a Tig welder yet?
A Tig welder comes in real handy for certain projects.

Yes, my new one is a tri-process machine, mma/mig/tig - seems to be a pretty decent unit and so far my biggest issue is that it's a big boy wire machine, I had to make a large dia spool and rewind my wire as it's set up for big spools only, so gonna look into modifying it to accept small spools if I can.

And, yes tig is the process for a lot of things, that or the Henrob O/A - I'm impressed with the versatility of that torch!