Flux cored s.s. MIG

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What has everbody found to be the best setup for this? I am using 316L wire with CO2 cover shield but I am getting porosity sometimes. Other times, the weld is beautiful. Do you think 75/25 would make a difference? I am running straight polarity also. Thanks
Reply:The details of the wire you're using will decide the need for a shielding gas and if so, what gas to use and also what polarity to use.   You don't just go running wires on whatever polarity and with whatever gas you want to.  You need to look up the wire manufacturer and model of wire you're using and find out what polarity it is designed to run on and what, if any, gas is required to run it.  These are not 'personal preference' settings.  There is a right way and a wrong way to run the wire and the manufacturer should be able to tell you the right way.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:desert is defiantly on to something, but some things you should check if you are running suggested parameters: is your nozzle full of spatter, rollers running smoothly, diffuser clean? any of these could cause some spastic hiccups in your weld. is your porosity at your start, stops, mid bead?
Reply:I use Kobelco Frontiarc stainless gas shielded flux cored wires on occasion, including 316L.  This wire runs beautifully with 75/25.  I've never tried it with 100% CO2, but Frontiarc says their wires are good with 100% or 75/25.  The wire I'm talking about is designed to be used DCEP (DC-reverse).
Reply:Desertrider nailed it on the head. I've used dual shield Esab ultrabrite 308L or something like that. it's been a few years but we ran it with c25 and it layed in there like butter. You should be able to find all the info you need for your wire with a simple google search.
Reply:I am running it exactly what the manufacturer suggests. I considered using 75/25 to see if it would do better. I bought the CO2 just for the stainless flux core. I have never used it until now. This is the first time I have ever used stainless flux core. I have used solid 309 many times in the past with 75/25. Thanks,Greg
Reply:The AWS classification will tell you all you need to know about the wire, how to run it and the gas to use.  JGSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Ok so we've established that you are running the wire with the correct gas and polarity(you are right?) Now how long of a stick out are you running? gas flow rate? flush nozzle or recessed? are you pushing or pulling(should be pulling unless vert up) Breeze in the shop?edit: forgot this. Are you using a heated co2 specific regulator? A regular one can freeze up on your and cause the problems you are having.Last edited by i4sillypwr; 10-19-2009 at 06:57 PM.
Reply:The 75/25 cured the problem. It welds fine now. Thanks for all the input from everybody.Plasmacam 5x16 plasma tableMillermatic 250 & 140+ spoolgunLinde 250 MigLincoln 250 RangerMiller 3080 & 375 plasma cutters30A spool gunMiller 250DX tigrunnerVictor and Oxweld cutting outfitsMiller Digital Elite Hood