MIG vs. Fluxcore

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I've been practicing welding after receiving my HH187 a week ago and wanted to ask you experienced guys how much of a difference using shielding gas vs fluxcore there is.  I got a quote from LWS for $150 to buy a 40 CF bottle filled.  Thats a chunk of change right now and I'd rather not lease. I'm not really happy with the fluxcore welds I've been getting but I know I need a lot more practice. Just wondering if MIG is a cleaner, easier weld to lay down?Thanks,Jeff
Reply:yes it sure is! quite a difference, you will notice it right away.
Reply:Jeff,Gas shielded MIG (GMAW) is much cleaner than welding with self-shielded fluxcore(FCAW-S).  FCAW-S will generally give better penetration than GMAW in short circuit transfer mode.  GMAW is vulnerable to breezes which can blow away the shielding gas.  FCAW-S can be used like stick(SMAW), under just about any conditions.  Both need the correct voltage and wire feed speeds in order to be effective.  FCAW will tranfer more heat, and all other things being equal, can be used to create welds on thicker material.If you care to share the problems you're having with FCAW, maybe we can improve your results. Please post what you're welding on, the settings you're currently using or have tried recently.  Also post the type and diameter of the wire you're welding with.  A picture of some of your unsatisfactory results might also help us diagnose what's wrong...Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Get at least an 80cf bottle -- you'll save enough on refills to pay for the difference.If you include your location in your information, somebody who's local to you might be able to suggest how to get the best deal on a bottle of C25.Also, keep in mind that MIG wire is a lot cheaper than flux core.
Reply:I use flux core quite often when I am doing outside work where wind or the hassle of getting a gas bottle to where I am is to much.If you get your machine settings right it can look good and have very little spatter.Here are a few beads I ran a while ago to show what you can get.1 right after welding2 after chipping slag3 after a touch with the wire wheel Attached ImagesTrailblazer 302Hobart Stickmate AC/DCLincoln SP 135 TSmith torchSpoolmatic 30A
Reply:Thanks for the info guys. I live in Tulsa and I've called around to about 4 different places in search of C25.  I will lay some welds down and take a few pictures to see if you guys can tell me what I'm doing wrong. The ones I've done so far I've ground down so the evidence is gone!  I did have a heck of a time welding some expanded 9 ga. to 1 inch square tube. I would blow right through the expanded until I turned down the amperage as far as it would go. But then I was getting colds welds that didn't want to stick very well. Is there a secret to tacking expanded metal? Thanks again!
Reply:It would be a lot easier to show than tell. What you have to do is start your puddle on the square tube and then just let it wash over on to the edge of the expanded metal.Trailblazer 302Hobart Stickmate AC/DCLincoln SP 135 TSmith torchSpoolmatic 30A
Reply:That's the same welder I am learning on.I started with the spool of fluxcore that came with it.  Recently I stumbled upon an old 80CF oxygen cylinder in my mothers garage.  NexAir took it and gave me a 80CF tank of C25....Best $40 ever spent..haha Hobart Handler 187Bainbridge bandsawMakita chop sawHarbor Freight 4.5" grinder