Fluxcored vs solid wire

[73redblaze]

Which is used for what and what’s the difference? I want to be able to weld the thickest metal my welder can handle. can anyone point me in the best direction for my needs?

Source:Type:ElectricWelder/Cutter:
Min. Gauge:24 ga.
Amp Output:35.0 - 88.0
Max. Gauge:1/8 in.
Welder Type:Wire feed, MIG welder
Dimensions:Welder Duty Cycle

 

[NorCal_Chris]

Flux core is used for reverse polarity GASLESS welding

solid core is used for reg welding with co2 or co2/argon mix gas.

mig= metal inert gas

I think i use .023 solid wire for about anything. Just vary wire speed and power for different metal thickness

Tryed flux core a few times when gas runs out. Lays NASTY beads, lotta spatter... i dont like it. . 030 or . 035 thickness was what i used.

Make sure you have the right sized tips for either wire and you are set

 

[73redblaze]

I’m using the .35 flux core right now with the proper tips and it seems to be going ok I was just wondering if there was anything better or more specific i should look for. So just a .35 flux core wire is all I should look for? Now can I weld axle housing with it if I take my time and lay down a good size bead or will it not penetrate enough?

 

[NorCal_Chris]

I’m using the .35 flux core right now with the proper tips and it seems to be going ok I was just wondering if there was anything better or more specific i should look for. So just a .35 flux core wire is all I should look for? Now can I weld axle housing with it if I take my time and lay down a good size bead or will it not penetrate enough?

If you want nice welds then get some gas and switch to solid wire.

As far as penetration turn up heat/wire speed and preheat. Grab a torch and heat up the axle then lay your bead.

 

[folkenheath]

With a max of 88 amps I don't think you should try welding any suspension or axle components. That's significantly less than even most 110V MIG welders these days.

 

[four_by_ken]

Flux core is nice if you have to weld outside where there is a breeze that may blow away the gas. Also is better when you dont have nice perfect clean metal to weld on.

 

[Pookster]

Flux core is nice if you have to weld outside where there is a breeze that may blow away the gas. Also is better when you dont have nice perfect clean metal to weld on.

You can double up with flux and gas if your really needing some coverage, but..

 

[73redblaze]

sweet thanks guys

 

[blazinzuk]

anti spatter spray will make your flux wire welds look nicer, well at least the area around them

 

[scouthead]

I’m using the .35 flux core right now with the proper tips and it seems to be going ok I was just wondering if there was anything better or more specific i should look for. So just a .35 flux core wire is all I should look for? Now can I weld axle housing with it if I take my time and lay down a good size bead or will it not penetrate enough?

hmmmmmm... don't know about that. at 175 amps, i was running .035 or .045 mig wire the last time I did axle welding(rewelding turned knuckles)... and i was glad for the preheating.

 

[scouthead]

anti spatter spray will make your flux wire welds look nicer, well at least the area around them

I have never tried that stuff. Does it really worK? Can you burn through it where you weld? or do you have to keep the weld area free of it?
I love running the .045 flux core in my welder, and don't mind chipping and cleaning up a weld itself... but I hate having spatter all over everything nearby!

 

[Silver84k5]

Doesnt flux core burn hotter?

I have a lincoln pro mig 135, and have used .035 flux core. Now i am using .025 solid, with gas. And it seems like i could burn thicker metal with the flux core.

all in all, id like to get rid of this piss ant welder, and get a real one...

 

[tRustyK5]

The spec's say it all. Max thicknesss is 1/8" you can weld with that little machine. Flux is uglier, but it penetrates deeper. Use it for thicker stuff, but not anything more than 1/8". If you're doing sheetmetal repair use MIG with a 75/25 mix of Argon and CO2. Prettier, and easier to control on thin stuff without burnthrough.

Rene

 

[Pizza_Man]

at my school, we run .45 flux cored and .35 solid wire, and i gotta say, the mig it like a dream compared to the flux cored. granted, the mig machines are the full-sized $2-4k ones and the flux cored are he $500-1k but still, the solid wire is easier to deal with and penetrates the same if not deeper (i'm current'y making a bumper for my rig - its 1/4inch and the welder still has plenty of sauce left.), and that it looks cleaner, and theres less cleanup is perfect for me. but then again, i did't have to pay for the machines and they are both running 230volts, so....
also, i would rather do stick welding if thick, dirty metal is the primary target. its simple, cheap, and penetrates more that either mig or flux cored. although, that leaves you stranded away from thin metal. so, it all depends on what your doing.

 

[tRustyK5]

I've run about every kind of wire that is out there, on machines up 650 amps. The best 'digging' wires are flux cored with gas shield (straight CO2) (dual shield FCAW). Largest wire I've run is .093" Flux cored, and .063 ES-6 solid (MIG). Need some really thick gloves for that stuff!

Next up for 'digging' are the metal cored wires (Tri-mix, 92-8, etc). Lastly is regular MIG. Stick has some options for good penetration too.

None of this is relevant to the original poster though, as he doesn't have a 500 amp three phased machine to work with. He does have an 88 amp 110 volt hobby machine, and that makes all the difference.

Rene