Flux-core versus MIG?

Joel_BC · #1 09/03/13, 09:48 AM

A guy who owed me $500 recently repaid me (plus an inflation factor) by buying me a new Lincoln MIG-Pak wire-feeder welder, plus a heavy-duty 240-volt extension cord, and a new auto-dark helmet. I was very happy!

Anyhow, my previous experience was with oxy-fuel for brazing, cutting, heat forming, and welding too. And though I'd used friends' MIGs in the past (at their shops), in my shop I didn't have a bottle for argon, so I got into using some flux-core wire that the welder came with.

Yes, it's a bit messy (make smoke while running a bead, and leaves a coating of flux - which requires some clean-up). But I've been able to make strong welds.

So I'm wondering if more experienced guys here can tell me what you think about flux-core versus MIG. Thanks.

Bluecometk · #2 09/03/13, 11:11 AM

I don’t know about more experienced but I have used both and I like using gas over the flux wire for the reasons you stated.
I think it’s a stronger weld but I could be wrong. I also think gas/wire welds look better but that’s just taste. It also could be that I have had more practice with gas/ Argon/Helium.
Oh yeah, and that’s some serious interest you made on that money!

Just my two cents

Allen W · #3 09/03/13, 11:54 AM

There is a wider choice of wire sizes in the plain wire then the flux cored wire.

farmerestes · #4 09/03/13, 01:56 PM

That's true, you'd be hard pressed to find .23 or .25 for flux core, so you couldn't do thinner metal. Flux core also burns hotter than gas welded, making it harder to work with the thin metals and not just burn right through them.

Joel_BC · #5 09/03/13, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluecometk

I don’t know about more experienced but I have used both and I like using gas over the flux wire for the reasons you stated.
I think it’s a stronger weld but I could be wrong. I also think gas/wire welds look better but that’s just taste. It also could be that I have had more practice with gas/ Argon/Helium.

Thanks, Bluecomtk. You're definitely right about the look of a weld bead - it's taken me quite a bit of practice to get a bead that is both practical (penetrated enough, good "toes" and strong) and that looks good. Sometimes I still wind up with a gnarly bead, failing to get a bead having that nice "stack of dimes" look.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluecometk

Oh yeah, and that’s some serious interest you made on that money!

I kinda wish that part was true. You don't know how long he owed me that money for! I just got a little inflation factor out of the deal.

deadtreejeff · #6 09/04/13, 10:52 PM

I have found that the flux core works a lot better for outside applications. I do lot of welding on my tractors, trailers etc and when I can't get something into the shop, the flux is better when there is even the slightest breeze

biggkidd · #7 09/05/13, 09:32 PM

I do right much welding at work if its gotta be pretty mig is best. But if strong is your main concern flux all the way. I have had a Lincoln 175 HD for 6 years welded most metals with it. On thin metal (22-24 ga) just strike and release repeatedly and you can make nice strong welds without burning through. They don't look bad either. I have welded 1x3 iron three point hitch arm on my tractor twice and no the weld didn't break. Just broke the same arm 2-3 inches from where it broke the first time 4 years ago. I've made winch mounts, trailer hitches etc with only one small flaw. I cut through 1/2 steel once when I got to close to the edge. I was really surprised when it blew a chunk out big enough to place my finger in.

Best of luck & Watch out for splatter when welding overhead it smarts when your chest hair and shirt catch fire. Don't ask how I know.

Larry
A World Away

dirtman · #8 09/06/13, 08:36 AM

I find getting the small bottles of argon filled to be a pain in the ---. I only use mig on sheet metal. Once I found out I could run my buzz box off my generator I quit using the flux core too. When I want to be sure it's strong I stick weld it.

biggkidd · #9 09/06/13, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtman

I find getting the small bottles of argon filled to be a pain in the ---. I only use mig on sheet metal. Once I found out I could run my buzz box off my generator I quit using the flux core too. When I want to be sure it's strong I stick weld it.

Thats a pain I exchange mine at TSC or northern depending which town I go to.

Larry
A World Away