Flux core wire... .30 or .35?

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Novice question... why would i use .30 vs .35 wire for flux core wire welding?I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:You wanted to weld smaller (thinner) stuff
Reply:How thin is thin? Messing with 1/8 th here at the smallestI am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:Hello amatoolbox, short answer: .030 is generally more expensive than .035 due to the diameter. .030 may perform better with the limited heat of your machine possibly, .035 might require more amperage/voltage than your machine is capable of producing to provide optimum performance. Unfortunately, experimentation might yield the best choice. If you have any way to do the comparisons between these two wire that would likely be the best answer to your question. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Originally Posted by aevaldHello amatoolbox, short answer: .030 is generally more expensive than .035 due to the diameter. .030 may perform better with the limited heat of your machine possibly, .035 might require more amperage/voltage than your machine is capable of producing to provide optimum performance. Unfortunately, experimentation might yield the best choice. If you have any way to do the comparisons between these two wire that would likely be the best answer to your question. Best regards, Allan
Reply:So... Time to experiment... Thanks guysI am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:Does anyone use .030? When I first started using flux core that is what I started with and I never seemed to get it anywhere near right. I went to .035 and never went back to the smaller filler. I guess I need to go back and see if anything has changed.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikDoes anyone use .030? When I first started using flux core that is what I started with and I never seemed to get it anywhere near right. I went to .035 and never went back to the smaller filler. I guess I need to go back and see if anything has changed.
Reply:I only use .35
Reply:Just tried .35... Works much better in my welder than the .30... My weld actually came out good...I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:Right on. Have fun with it now.
Reply:I like .045” NR-212. This was run with a 48-year old CC only engine drive. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Mine didn't come out that nice, but it was the cleanest weld I think I have made. Taking a picture to upload.I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:Originally Posted by amatoolboxMine didn't come out that nice
Reply:How did you dial that in? I'm having a hard time getting the flux to cover the entire bead. I keep getting partial coverage over the middle.Sent from my HTCONE using TapatalkUsing Tapatalk
Reply:[IMG][/IMG]I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:I know my welds still suck, but this is a major improvement from what I was doing.I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:You need a higher setting and slow down.  You can see where the bead is super skinny and standing proud of the steel.It needs to be hot enough to wet in at the edges and penetrate into the material.With your little machine, you should be at it's highest setting for 1/8" steel.Don't worry about blowing holes on practice pieces. You won't know when you're too hot unless you blow a hole now and then during practice.  Running cold will give you bad welds, so learn where the ragged edge of too hot is, then dial down a little.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:Originally Posted by AdVirMachinaHow did you dial that in? I'm having a hard time getting the flux to cover the entire bead. I keep getting partial coverage over the middle.Sent from my HTCONE using Tapatalk
Reply:BUUUUUUUUUUUUUUURP !I hate dat chit I'd rather have Sergeant Stubby caught in my zipper than use flux core.Bubble gumTooth pixDuct tapeBlack glueGBMF hammerScrew gun --bad battery (see above)
Reply:MinnesotaDave,   Thanks, i'll give it a shot.previously with the .30 wire i was basically going over a joint like that 5 times and had a mess to scrape off. When i welded a angle piece for a tire support on a wagon the .30 wasnt grabbing well at all without multiple passes. With the .35, i got it to stick with a tack, then ran a bead the whole side without a problem (or burning through). i'll take a picture of that one, the weld is much nicer.BTW, that piece in the picture is 1/4, not 1/8. i know my speed needs work, so does steadying my hands better.Last night i got my first bit of slag in my shoe...I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:If the machine is capable and set up properly it should run either diameter without any difference.The fact your having better results with 035 is more likely because it's feeding better due to the stiffer wire or a slight change in drive roll pressure, wire roll tension, a new tip etc.When I had a mm135 i could only run 035 on the high settings, with 030 I could use to full range of settings so overall it was better fit for the machine.Briggs weldnpower 225/210/cvLn-25 suitcaseMillermatic 130
Reply:i did feel when using the .30 that the wire did not feed smooth, but i thought that was me. With the .35 though, playing with the welder, i've burned through a few times when practicing, so i'm starting to second guess my thought that it was better. To me, i feel it's putting out a lot of heat, but it's not penetrating as well in the start (bead on top). when i slow down, and put it on high i seem to be burning through and making a mess. I ended up with a hot piece of slag dropping into my sneaker and doing a hobble for a few seconds.Still playing with the settings and learning as i go. thanks again everyone for the tips.I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:Try some leather boots.
Reply:Originally Posted by eclipseTry some leather boots.Big difference... this is the .30 weldI am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:Here is the .35 weldI am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:the .35 weld def penetrated better, seemed to get better slag coverage too. guess my machine likes .35I am a new guy, please don't be to harsh.Welding Equipment so far:First Welder: Blue Hawk Flux-MIG 100 (no tanks, so only Flux for me right now)Second Welder: Miller MillerMatic 211 Auto-Set with MVP
Reply:You've prolly figured this out by now, but flux core on a small machine is an exercise in frustration.  If your interested in nice looking beads, get a small used MIG on CL.  Like Buuuurp said above, I hate the stuff.  Been welding on and off for 20 years.  I'm fair at best at it, can make decent beads and welds at this point. The beads will never look as nice as Mig with gas.   Since you've taken the time to post, I'm sure you're looking to improve things.
Reply:Don't understand why anybody would hate self shielded wire? It looks like nothing but $$$$$$ to me. Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Right, I actually prefer it in most cases.
Reply:Wall Mountain has a video you might find helpful.http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...FShp7AodJEcAnw
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikRight, I actually prefer it in most cases.
Reply:I use exclusively .030 fcaw in my Hobart 180.  I'm in a place where I can't get shielding gas, so fcaw is the only option for wire welding.  Because what I do ranges from sheet metal to 1/2" plate, we run the smallest fcaw wire we can to have the best capabilities in thin stuff (the bulk of the work we do is 1/16" wall tube).I wonder if there is some configuration problem with some of these photos, or if my machine just likes .030 better, or that I've had to learn to make it work because I don't have any other choices, but my .030 welds look a lot cleaner than a lot of these.  I'll try to get some pics, but they're smooth beads.  I've used both Weldcote and Lincoln E71t-11 and both work well.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPDon't understand why anybody would hate self shielded wire? It looks like nothing but $$$$$$ to me.
Reply:Originally Posted by JasonPAtkinsI use exclusively .030 fcaw in my Hobart 180.  I'm in a place where I can't get shielding gas, so fcaw is the only option for wire welding.  Because what I do ranges from sheet metal to 1/2" plate, we run the smallest fcaw wire we can to have the best capabilities in thin stuff (the bulk of the work we do is 1/16" wall tube).I wonder if there is some configuration problem with some of these photos, or if my machine just likes .030 better, or that I've had to learn to make it work because I don't have any other choices, but my .030 welds look a lot cleaner than a lot of these.  I'll try to get some pics, but they're smooth beads.  I've used both Weldcote and Lincoln E71t-11 and both work well.
Reply:Originally Posted by amatoolboxI just tried a MM140, and the welds come out much nicer than my welder with the .30 or .35. I really think my main issue is i bought a cheap welder to get me started so i can learn. I've been looking at upgrading to a better welder as i think after trying the mm140 the issue is only partly me as my welds did come out much more even.The unit i have also does MIG, but i didnt buy the regulator or tanks, and i'm thinking it may not be worth it for this unit.the Hard part is the welder i have, i only paid $100 for... the Miller 140 seems to go for around $700... I'm going to play with this welder for a little longer before i can take a hit on that purchase.
Reply:Originally Posted by mikecwikDoes anyone use .030? When I first started using flux core that is what I started with and I never seemed to get it anywhere near right. I went to .035 and never went back to the smaller filler. I guess I need to go back and see if anything has changed.
Reply:And when it grows up you can run some coreshield 8 in .072Backed my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:Originally Posted by killdozerd11And when it grows up you can run some coreshield 8 in .072