Does the flux in the wire go bad?

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The reason I ask is, I have to do a small job at a clients place, and it would be GREAT if I don't have to buy a new roll. I've only used a few coils off the 10# roll I bought just before I added the 252 to my equipment list.This will be the first trip out with the mobile machine (bobcat 225) and even though I won't be giving it a workout, it will be nice to finally have it do something for me.
Reply:I've had dual shield absorb moisture and give porous welds.Leo
Reply:The flux can absorb moisture from the air and give all the issues/problems involved with that.  Such as increased hydrogen levels and porosity in the weld).For a 'critical' weld, use new and/or 'properly' stored electrodes (stick or wire).From the Lincoln "Innershield Welding Guide"Innershield Products Used for ApplicationsRequiringMore Restrictive Hydrogen Control (-HElectrodes)The AWS specifications for flux-cored electrodes, AWS A5.20 andA5.29, state that “Flux-cored arc welding is generally considered tobe a low hydrogen welding process”. Further, these specificationsmake available optional supplemental designators for maximumdiffusible hydrogen levels of 4, 8 and 16 ml per 100 grams ofdeposited weld metal.Some Innershield products have been designed and manufactured toproduce weld deposits meeting these more stringent diffusiblehydrogen requirements. These electrodes are usually distinguishedby an “H” added to the product name. These electrodes will remainrelatively dry under recommended storage conditions in their original,unopened package or container.For applications in which the weld metal hydrogen must be controlled(usually H8 or lower), or where shipping and storage conditions arenot controlled or known, only hermetically sealed packaging isrecommended. Many Innershield electrodes are available inhermetically sealed packages.Once the package has been opened, the electrode should be usedas soon as practicable.
Reply:OK Thanks.The welds aren't critical, just some barn door hinges and some gates that need some TLC.I think I'll plug the migpak 180 into the bobcat and give it a test run.
Reply:I've often wondered how moisture would get into a sealed wire, except through the end.Are they sealed?  When the flat gets rolled into a tube, does it get sealed or is it always split along it's length?  Never examined it that closely.Dave J.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:some is sealed, most is notExperience is something you get right after you need it
Reply:Peen the ends shut. I never thought about just leaving the blob on the end til just now but that probably works too.
Reply:If it is important there is probably a spec on drying the wire similar to oven drying stick. Forinstance heat the wire at 250 deg f for 30 minutes or so. Enough to get the moisture out.
Reply:There is a thread form 2010 that discusses conditioning flux core wire by baking it in a oven at 300 deg for 6 hours. If it is noncritical non structural I would be comfortable welding with that wire. If you get a lot of porosity then go from there.
Reply:pssst, don't bake wire on a plastic spool.  Melted or deformed plastic doesn't help anything.  Another quote from Lincoln's "Innershield Electrodes Welding Guide" :In general, Innershield electrodes will produce weld deposits whichachieve diffusible hydrogen levels below 16 ml per 100 gramsdeposited metal. These products, like other products which producedeposits low in diffusible hydrogen, must be protected from exposureto the atmosphere in order to;(a) maintain hydrogen levels as low as possible(b) prevent porosity during welding(c) prevent rusting of the product.Accordingly, the following storage conditions are recommended forInnershield electrodes in their original, unopened packages:The recommended storage conditions are such that they maintainenvironmental conditions above the dew point to prevent moisturecondensation on product.For best results, electrode should be consumed as soon aspracticable. Properly stored electrode may be kept three years ormore from the date of manufacture. Consult your Lincoln distributoror sales representative if there is a question as to when the electrodewas made.Once the electrode packaging is opened, Innershield electrodes canbe contaminated by atmospheric moisture. Care has been taken inthe design of these products to ensure that they are resistant tomoisture pick-up; however, condensation of moisture from theatmosphere onto the surface of the electrode can be sufficient todegrade the product.The following minimum precautions should be taken to safeguard theproduct after opening the original package. Electrode should be usedwithin approximately 1 week after opening the original package.Opened electrodes should not be exposed to damp moistureconditions or extremes in temperature and/or humidity where surfacecondensation can occur. Electrodes mounted on wire feeders shouldbe protected against condensation. It is recommended that electroderemoved from its original packaging be placed in poly bags (4 milminimum thickness) when not in use.Innershield electrodes will evidence high moisture levels in the form ofgas tracks, higher spatter and porosity. Any rusty electrode should bediscarded.
Reply:Originally Posted by WeldRiteThis will be the first trip out with the mobile machine (bobcat 225) and even though I won't be giving it a workout, it will be nice to finally have it do something for me.