Wire welder torch connect, + or - ??

[SSdoxie]

I have 120V 125 amp wire welder, mig capable. It says to hook up torch to negative with flux core wire and to positive for solid wire. What is the defference? Does one give hotter arc versus the other? I have always used with flux core because I am either welding outdoors or with shop door wide open.

 

[Craig Clayton]

I am going to wade in here and get blasted out. I have a 240V AC stick machine. But I do know of the rods NOT to run. When on DC stick rods are marked as to the correct polarity for the charertics to make a good penetration.
When your manufacture says to change the polarity about for solid or flux wire it is to have more heat in the wire or base.

Craig Clayton

 

[monckywrench]

Miller - Successfully Welding Sheet Metal With MIG And TIG

Electrode Polarity
For welding with solid wires, use electrode positive or "reverse" polarity. While EP directs more heat into the base metal than electrode negative (EN or "straight" polarity), you will obtain the best results with EP and following the guidelines provided here. If you've been using flux cored wire, be sure to change your machine's polarity from EN to EP.

Read your WIRE makers directions for flux core polarity if using specialty wire:

Why does flux core MIG require negative polarity? - Yahoo! Answers

 

[SSdoxie]

Miller - Successfully Welding Sheet Metal With MIG And TIG



Read your WIRE makers directions for flux core polarity if using specialty wire:

Why does flux core MIG require negative polarity? - Yahoo! Answers

Thanks for the links. Miller link explains it very well. I have always followed the instructions, but I like understand reasons why I do things other than I was told to.