Anyone here who uses a flux wire welder? i'm sick of paying someone else to do my welding, so i want to get more into it. I'd rather have a MIG or TIG but i don't have the space to run a gas tank.

Anyone have any feedback on the flux wire welder? the only things i've heard is that it's very similar to a MIG welder, but with more slag (sp?) so you have do do a a little more cleanup and it's not as asthetically pleasing. I'm ok with the asthetics. Is it just as easy/hard? bad/good welds?

Thanks!

 

Its just like mig. Only uses slag as a flux. the welds can look just as good as mig welds if you have good technique.
with that said get a mig. Slags sucks to have to clean off all the time.

 

if you know how to weld. then it should be okay. you would get better penetration and a cleaner weld with gas/solid wire though. i flux weld 99% of everything around my house. .... my truck, buddies cars/trucks..ect

 

If your going to buy a welder, imo get a gas 220 machine, don't wast money on a 110 or flux machine.. IMO..

 

+1!!!! I had a 110 flux, then switched to gas, then to 220 gas mig. I could have saved a ton by buying the 220 gas mig first. I am now looking for a tig

 

Flux Core actually gets better penetration because their is no shielding gas to cool the weld. And the flux cap acts as an insulator so it helps with penetration.
Just so you know.

 

Indeed, but will make not diff when welding metal that is half inch or thinner. Not to mention you better have a can of spatter spray for flux, its messy as hell... On big structural things, yes flux-stick is the way to do it.. For 99% of the things you are going to do, a 220 mig will be the ticket.. We have set up 4 bar plates on rears for cars that are making big power, using a mig, never had a crack- ever

 

I use my little flux core welder all the time. Once you get the hang of it, it works great. Has been good for everything I have needed it for. With that said, you can get cleaner welds with a gas/mig welder.

 

hmm. you may be right. of course i plug my welder into 40+ year old 110 sockets. prolly why i havent been gettin good penetration VS new electrical sockets...


either way. i always use flux for pretty much everyhting.... stainless, mild steel. cast..... RUST.... it gets the job done for me.

 

the metal doesnt have to be as clean when you use a flux core welder. We had lincoln 110 at were I used to work.. Does great with exhaust and small metal and is more forgiving on the heat settings. I personally have a hobart 220.. It can look nice like the piece Im holding. Or it can be all cobbled up and look like ****.