Tips for fluxcored?

Arc weld · Sep 19, 2014

Except in vertical up Flux-core is always pulled. Pushing would cause slag inclusions and just make a mess. Metal-core is pushed but it has no slag. Dual shield is just another name for gas shielded Flux-core. No nozzle is needed for self shielded Flux-core but a thread protector is usually used. Some large diameter self shielded, high deposition Flux-core uses an insulated wire guide instead of a nozzle that allows for up to 3 3/4" wire stick out from the contact tip. This preheats the wire which greatly contributes to the high deposition rate. Depending on the wire Flux-core can be straight or reverse polarity whether self shielded or gas shielded.

vwnotrunning · Sep 20, 2014

I always assumed the flux core wire was for people like me that are too cheap to set up the gas. You all have showed me a that there is a use for the flux core mig. I will have to dig out the 110 mig and reset it up for flux core, just to play sometime. Sure can learn a lot on TBN'

Thanks
Brian

Sodo · Sep 20, 2014

I use the gas, and it's expensive getting kinda tired of paying for it. Also have to stop welding when the gas runs out. I will to buy a roll of flux core and try it out. (outside too!)

Very good, concise, on-topic info in this thread.

mikehaugen · Sep 20, 2014

Sodo said:
Haha that's funny. Same thought here, except I don't think "too cheap", people make money management decisions, and overbuying is not always good. I use gas, and it's expensive. I think I need to buy a roll of flux core and try it out. (outside too!)

Says the guy with the most expensive 120v welder out there :laughing:

In all seriousness, I too thought the same thing. Now I wonder why it's not more widely used like on pipelines. The cost per weld has got to be substantially cheaper. Maybe sometimes they do? I'm under the impression they still stick weld the pipelines.

Sodo · Sep 20, 2014

Ooops edited that out Mike, but yes the Miller salesman caught me in a weak moment.:laughing: Kinda like motorcycle salesmen when one gets me the other hobby suffers a little.

It's a 120/240v MIG/TIG/Stick - very portable suitcase welder because I weld in 3 locations. Got the stick so I could weld outside in the wind, but anxious to try fluxcore too.

firemanmike69 · Sep 20, 2014

Fluxcore wire is usually more expensive than solid wire so the price for welding with gas might be cheaper overall still have to worry about running out of gas.

Arc weld · Sep 21, 2014

Pipelines are welded with stick, Innershield (self shielding flux-core) and automatic is done with multiple head MIG. Welding cost's can be quite complex. Flux-core costs more but is a lot faster. Sometimes production dictates the best process. Sometimes it's what's the easiest.

rankrank1 · Sep 21, 2014

I use flux core exclusively. Not really cause it is better (it is quite smokey), but it is simply much more convenient for welding outdoors (no worry's about wind blowing away shielding gas), the 115 volt welder in much more portable minus the bottle (pick it up and easily go anywhere), and flux core gives a 115 volt unit a tad bit more oomph compared to using gas mode.

Price is close enough to a wash for an occasional user that it is no big deal (now for a business cost could be a factor). That said, I only buy the 2 lb spools (Hobart 21B) and usually wait for them to go on sale for a couple dollars off at Rural King or TSC which helps the cost factor even more. I like the Lincoln wire but it is only available in 1 lb spools in the small size which I do not like that spool size as it is expensive buying this way. I can not use it up fast enough to buy the 10 lb spools and do not want to hassle with installing and removing the spool from the machine all the time for proper storage in an effort to keep it stored properly

I do use the E71T-11 as it is suitable for multi-pass welding where E71T-GS is for single pass welding only. Single pass wire on a small wire feeder is a bad idea in my book...

firemanmike69 · Sep 21, 2014

Fluxcore is all use in the field lugging around my 12vs with 33lb spools in it will make a man of you. It's a bit more tolerant of millscale or a bit of rust, it's easy to run but you better have some ventilation because like others said it's smokey, it's basically just like a really really long 7018 rod