Change polarity for flux core?

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Hi everyone, I have been lurking here for months and learning a ton.I started to weld up a new project recently and found that my welds are not very good, they have a lot of splatter, and I had a hard time holding a puddle. Background:I used my Snap On YA212A 230 volt Mig, it has been a good machine, I bought it used several years ago. I decided that I was no longer going to use gas shielding because I do not use the welder much, and it seemed that every time I went to use it the tank was empty from leaking. Also, due to limited space most of my projects are outside in the wind.I remember reading somewhere recently that I should reverse the polarity on the welder when using flux core wire vs. gas shielding, is that correct? I will attempt to attach a picture of the welder, but if that does not work, it looks to me that the leads at the base of the welder would just have to be reversed if that was the case, is that correct? or is there something I have to do internally?Thanks ahead of time, Jim
Reply:Well if you are going to use E71T-11 or E71T-GS then you will want to swap the machine tp DCEN (electrode negative) if you had it for DCEP (electrode positive).. So DCEN means you would hook the gun lead inside the machine to the NEG terminal and the work lead (ground lead) to the POS terminal."The things that will destroy America are prosperity at any price, peace at any price, safety first instead of duty first, the love of soft living and the get rich quick theory of life." -Theodore Roosevelt
Reply:Hey Jim,Yes, you only have to change the plugs at the lower part of your unit to reverse the polarity. I have an older CE MIG made in Italy 110V that I use just with f-c & it has the same setup for changing polarity. Makes it quick & easy. If you are going to use flux-core on a regular basis, I would suggest the Lincoln NR211MP. I use it in both .030 & .035..... superb results. DennyComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:Originally Posted by yorkiepapHey Jim,Yes, you only have to change the plugs at the lower part of your unit to reverse the polarity. I have an older CE MIG made in Italy 110V that I use just with f-c & it has the same setup for changing polarity. Makes it quick & easy. If you are going to use flux-core on a regular basis, I would suggest the Lincoln NR211MP. I use it in both .030 & .035..... superb results. Denny
Reply:I wish all migs were built with outside connectors for easy polarity changing.  My HTP has the outside connectors like your Snap-On.  Just grab the cables, twist, pull, swap positions, insert, twist and it's done.  Another great self shield fluxcore wire to use for general work is McKay Speedshield GS, which is the same as Hobart Fabshield 23, both E71T-GS wires.  For E71T-11, I've been using Hobart Fabshield 21B and I like it more than the NR211MP.  I runs a little smoother and doesn't have as tight of thickness limitations within the same wire diameter as the NR211.  The NR211 is more readily available at most hardware stores in .030" size.  I use .035 and .045, so I buy the Hobart/McKay wires at the welding shop and they cost about the same as the NR211 there in the same sizes.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:You also don't need the cap at the nozzle when you're welding flux core -- although some guys keep it on as a way to reduce wind at the weld.Flux core behaves as though it's hotter than the same size solid wire -- you might be pulling where you used to push.  Your voltage and wire speed setting will also be different for flux core.Jack OlsenMy garage website