Solid wire + CO2 vs flux core indoors

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This is a noob question and has probably been answered somewhere but I did a search both on WeldingWeb and Google and couldn't find it. I could find plenty of discussion on both but nothing comparing the two.I have a 90 amp Hobart Handler 120 and am welding 1/8" x 1 1/2" mild steel. Right now I have 2 choices on how I can run: solid wire + CO2 (I have a CO2 cylinder but it's empty at the moment) or flux core (.030 E71T-11 wire). Is there any benefit to using one over the other? Also, will the CO2 direction throw off considerably less fumes? I plan to get a mixed gas cylinder at some point but the above is what I have currently.Edit: Sorry, after I posted I kept searching and actually did find a bit so I tried to delete this thread but there wasn't an option to do that. Maybe you have to have a certain number of posts before you can? I'd still welcome any comments though.Last edited by JD1; 01-22-2015 at 04:34 PM.
Reply:"Considerably less fumes" is putting mildly in my opinion - flux core indoors, in a small shop, is terribly smokey.I'd definitely use solid wire and CO2 if I were you - that's what I do whenever possible (and mixed 75/25 too).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:For general fab work on small / thin shapes I don't think you can beat Mig. It's when you get into larger shapes dual shield has so much more deposit rate. Self shielded flux core inside is just a plain bad idea. 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:Welcome aboard Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:Go for the co2....Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Will I notice any penetration difference? I've done a little acid etching on a few butt joint cross sections done on the above steel with flux core and I'm not overly impressed with the results. However, they weren't beveled or pre-heated. Machine settings were per the door chart for 1/8". I also tried the 3/16" settings with similar results. Hopefully the CO2 would bite deeper?
Reply:Originally Posted by Robert HallWelcome aboard
Reply:100% CO2 will give you a little hotter puddle.This is Mig with C-25, it dug in pretty good. 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:"I have a 90 amp Hobart Handler 120"  you just don't have that much machine. Continue using the CO2 and live with what the machine can and can not do. Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by CEP100% CO2 will give you a little hotter puddle.This is Mig with C-25, it dug in pretty good.
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Great! I'll go get my tank filled.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPWait, wait, wait! The machine I did that with, probably puts out 4 to 5 Xs what your machine does.
Reply:100% CO2 will give you a little hotter puddle than C-25. No sure if 100% CO2 will give you more penetration than self shielded flux core.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:Would dual shielded flux core + CO2 give the most penetration possible?
Reply:Originally Posted by JD1Would dual shielded flux core + CO2 give the most penetration possible?
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYes it will! But I don't think you have enough welder to push dual shield.
Reply:Bummer. Maybe I'll have to un-retire so I can upgrade. On second thought....
Reply:Originally Posted by CEP100% CO2 will give you a little hotter puddle.This is Mig with C-25, it dug in pretty good.