MIG welder options??

[Limited-Time]

What the deal on flux core vs solid wire with gas shielding. Pros? Cons? Cost? I am planing on buying a mid sized machine (100 to 140 AMP?) and am interested in real world user input/opinions. Thanks.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: MIG welder options??

You can also ask your questions on weldersweb.com.

Flux core pros:

1) Weld thicker material.
2) No gas bottle

Flux core cons:

1) cost more
2) more cleanup after you weld due to the slag left behind.

I have just switched to mainly running soild wire with gas after using flux core for many years. I switched mainly because of the cleanup issues. If I have to do a larger portable job like working on a fence, I will switch back to flux core for that job. Both methods are good depending on the job.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: MIG welder options??

My son has a Lincoln SP135 Plus (I think the lowest is a 140 now) and we are happy with it. Can run either wire or w/gas or w/o. Works great.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: MIG welder options??

I have one of those Lincoln SP135+ units also. I use it to weld mainly stainless. I prefer the solid/gas vs the flux core. Like mentioned earlier, flux core tends to spatter more and makes more for clean up. I can't have spatter on the stainless I weld. On the highly polished stuff, I wet towels and lay them in the areas I'm protecting. With the right gas pressure, there is no spatter hardly at all.

I'm happy with the Lincoln I have. It was completely submerged in the flood. Took it all apart and put everthing in a convection oven. Cleaned, lubed, and put back together. I think it welds better than before the flood.

I have used flux core and still have several spools that are about 5 years old. Just don't care for it,,,,,maybe cause I'm old school, but that is my preference. While your at it,,,,,GET A PLASMA CUTTER,,,,,,,,almost the best invention since the woman,,,,,,,almost Good Luck LT!,,,,,,,,,,,,SS

 

[bruceb58]

Re: MIG welder options??

The main thing that you can do with flux core that you can't do with solid is to weld thicker material with flux core with a certain MIG welder. Conversely, with solid wire, you can weld thinner material such as thin sheet. Everything depends on the application.

One thing I would advise on is to buy the welder with the variable output...not the tapped output. If you are burning through, it is easier to just tweak the output a little with the continuous output control.

 

[Bondo]

Re: MIG welder options??

While your at it,,,,,GET A PLASMA CUTTER,,,,,,,,almost the best invention since the woman,,,,,,,almost

Ayuh,.... I finally found a Good Woman,.... I guess a Plasma Cutter is Next......

I've got a little Sh!box Mig welder I bought on ebay for nearly Nothing about 5 or 7 years ago,...
A little 100amp Sears, with a broken knob,... A couple bucks at Sears fixed that,....
I've been burning Fluxcore in it since the start,....
The 1 Biggest Reason is working Outdoors,.....
If there's the Slightest breeze,.... Gas Shielding just Don't Work....
I've been a Stick Welder for years,.. So Clean-up isn't a Problem to Me,...
A Needle Scaler makes quick work of all that stuff.....

This little box owes me nothing,... I've built 100s of projects with it,+ it's Still a nice little unit,... But Bigger would be Better I think....
To do it again,.... I wouldn't buy smaller than the 135/ 140 amp machines.....

 

[IWELD]

Re: MIG welder options??

I agree with Bondo, the bigger the better. As far as flux core vs solid wire they are equally effective in the correct hands. For someone who knows little or nothing about welding, flux core will most generally produce stronger welds because there are less variables for the operator to deal with such as gas flow and material condition. If there is alot of rust or maby you just don't feel like takin a grinder to knock off a layer of paint before you weld on it flux core is more forgiving. The flux in the core of the wire has built in shielding and extra stuff to to take impurities out of the weld. It also requires less skill to produce adiquit welds.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: MIG welder options??

We use the solid/gas for most things, as it is a lot neater weld, with little (usually no) clean up. And, I take pride in having real neat and crisp looking welds, as well as good strength. But, even the tiniest bit of wind will mess you up. And, no matter what the weather is supposed to do, it will get windy as soon as we roll the welder outside. Never fails.

But, if you get just flux core capabilities, you don't have room for expansion. Later, you may want to do the polished stainless or aluminum, and you have to have a shielding gas for them.

Definitely get you a good quality 4 inch angle grinder. It will be your best accessory.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: MIG welder options??

Thanks for the responses. Both machines I'm looking at

http://www.tractorsupply.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay_10551_10001_36277_______14151|14220|14238|36277?listingPage=true

http://lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=256723-1703-K2481-1&lpage=none

will operate with either wire type. So I just need to decide witch unit. I'm thinking the Lincoln for the additional juice.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: MIG welder options??

Lincoln is an employee owned company here in Ohio. At least that will be one company that won't be moving out of the country. As long as they keep making good equipment, they'll be around. Yep, I'm partial to them

 

[bruceb58]

Re: MIG welder options??

The Lincoln Promig 180 is a 220 machine and the Hobart you are looking at is 120.

If you are going for the Lincoln, make sure it is the "C" model and not the "T". C is for continuos and T is for tapped voltage adjustments. If you are looking for a 110V Lincoln, get the 140C.

https://weldingsupply.securesites.com/cgi-bin/einstein.pl?Next::1:UNDEF:OR:K2473

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/servlet/the-MIG-WELDERS-cln-Lincoln/Categories

I have purchased many items(not welders) from Indiana Oxygen company. You can call them and ask questions. They are very helpful.

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: MIG welder options??

All good replies so far- here's my double lincolns-

GET BOTH. Here's why- when you start out, you'll be doing a lot of practicing. The flux core wire is easier and cheaper in the long run and you'll be laying down a lot of junk welds in the beginning. Clean, strong, spatter free welds aren't important when you're working on the basics of puddle management and refining your motor skills by laying down welds on a flat plate.

I switch back and forth as the needs dictate. I also found the AL option for my Lincoln to be a valuable investment.

It's amazing how many uses you'll find for your welder. When you don't have one, there's always a job or two that you wish you did. Once you have it, many different little jobs pop up and you'll find yourself using it more often than you might think.

If you don't know how to weld, there are many self help options. In addition, many community colleges have courses that are reasonably priced and offer invaluable experience.

 

[JCMINIS]

Re: MIG welder options??

I have one of the home depot 3200HD weld packs,for a small cheap welder that thing has done well.Ive welded everything from sheet to installing a thumb on a mini trackhoe.My welding skills need help,nothing ive welded with it has broke but it is not pretty.LOL

My pops has a mega buck miller,I can do nice welds with it.High quality welder does wonders for my lack of skills.

JC

 

[Coors]

Re: MIG welder options??

Like Bondo said- out in the breeze- use flux
In the shop, better weld with shielded.
and shielded is easier for a newbie, flux takes practice. and patience, and dirty words.

 

[Bondo]

Re: MIG welder options??

and shielded is easier for a newbie, flux takes practice. and patience, and dirty words.

Ayuh,...... And it probably Shouldn't...........

1 Tip to speed the process,+ cut the # of Dirty Words,.......

Study the difference in Color in the weld pool you're trying to drag with you,....

The actual puddle of Steel that you're using to form the bead is a Brighter Orange,...
Than the Slag puddle that's Supposed to be following the Steel puddle,... Is a Duller, Darker Orange....

Ya gotta do whatever it takes to Not allow the Slag to get in the way of the Steel....
That causes the Holes you Don't want.....

 

[Nandy]

Re: MIG welder options??

I would get one that could do both. I am still saving for that TIG unit... Sweet!!!!