Is the gas nozzle needed?

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I was looking at a video about flux core wire welding and noticed that the instructor had the gas nozzle removed from the gun. My first thought was that the gas nozzle is removed to get a clear view of the contact tip, wire stick out, arc and the weld pool for the cramer. Than again, the flux core wire is self shielding, what use is the gas nozzle without external shielding gas? The only function for the gas nozzle would be to keep the contact tip from shorting to the work. Is the gas nozzle really needed?
Reply:Right it's not needed for functionality anyway. Can be used as a bump guard to keep from blowing the side out of the diffuser if you happen to touch metal running without it. Keeps crud out of the diffuser holes. For some of the little guns they make what they call a flux core nozzle. Nothing more than a heat resistant sleave.
Reply:I've run a grand total of about 1" of flux core transit but it's my understanding that (some) guns equipped to run solid or flux core have FC 'nozzles' that protect at least the gas openings from spatter and perhaps the tip from contact with the work.  Now you have my curiosity up so I'll have to look next time I see one.edit: Sandy beat me to the 'post'.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:For my larger gun I found some tweco flux nozzle for the H-10 gun, drilled it out and slip it on as a protector for the diffuser. It barely covers the diffuser. Works pretty good. I still have nice visibility and don't have to worry about the diffusor. Once and a while you'll touch the tip to the side or running high it'll arc to the side. Tips are cheap.
Reply:Would always use a nozzle no matter what, if the contact tip shorts to the job it can take out your rectifier !Cheers
Reply:Self shielded flux core does not require gas, hence a nozzle is not needed.  Gas shielded flux core obviously requires a nozzleAs a side note, see the manufacturer's recommendation on the type of gas to use, and don't use gas with self shielded.  The improper combination of gas and wire can severely alter the weld chemistry and mechanical properties.  For example, a gas shielded wire that is formulated for 100% CO2 will contain high amounts of alloying elements to account for high loss rates in the arc, so if something like 92% Argon / 8% CO2 is used instead, the weld will be too rich in alloy content and thus lower in toughness.
Reply:Thanks for the feedback. Removing the gas nozzle would make it very easer to see the weld pool. As pointed out, there is danger of shorting the contact tip to the work and blowing the rectifier and fouling the defuser. I just had to hear it.
Reply:Originally Posted by BillyWould always use a nozzle no matter what, if the contact tip shorts to the job it can take out your rectifier !Cheers
Reply:heres a flux gun no gas no. Attached Images
Reply:Ed Mac, tell me more. The neck of that gun looks to be flexible too, that would solve other problems.
Reply:when i use a reg mig for flux i use a longertip but keep the gas noz to protect thetip and nozzle adapters ive never usedthe bernard fluk gun not shure how muchyou can flex the end Attached Images
Reply:A flux core nozzle protects the diffuser from spatter & damage and allows visibility of the weld bead....they are also cheaper than regular nozzles($3-5). It's hard enough to see the bead thru the smoke without having a standard gas nozzle in the way too.(Great for tight spaces too)I've got one on 3 different Handlers and I know Lincoln has them also...at least up to a Wirematic 255 machine. They wouldn't make them if there wasn't a market for them.This is an example of one (unknown type machine) http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ml?id=Xe77RCpn
Reply:Originally Posted by ed macheres a flux gun no gas no.
Reply:Originally Posted by transitAt time my hand cramps, I like the idea of the flexible neck, that way I don’t have to hold my hand in a uncomfortable position to get the correct angle on the tip to work. What’s the bread of that gun?
Reply:Originally Posted by mark8310Bull