Flux Core v. Non Flux Core MIG Wire Technique

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Hello All:Newbie question here.  Is there any difference in the technique used between Flux Core and Non Flux Core MIG wire?  I have been learning on my own with Solid wire but have run out and have a 10lb roll of .030 Flux Core wire that I want to use but do not want to have to start over with the learning process.  No welding classes in this part of the state to attend  so am teaching myself with this forums help.  Thanks for the time.Burt
Reply:You are going to have to change your polarity. Just play around on some scrap, you can pull it with a weave, or not, you can weave it forward, etc.......Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Also when using flux cored wire you don't generally use a shielding gas.The Welder Shop has great deals and reviews on Hobart, Miller and Lincoln Welders.
Reply:I bet your next spool of wire will be solid.  Flux core works and has its uses.  Welding in the wind, and more penetration.  BUT, I think bare wire with c/25 is hard to beat for ease of use and looks.It has to be used only in the backhand method or Pull unless vertical up.  Lots O Spatter compared to bare wire.  Lots O smoke and slag to chip or wire brush off.Just change polarity and go for it.  Practice on some scrap settings will be different, lower wire speed for the same volts.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Wow that was quick.  I first started out with Flux Core but when I moved here changed to solid.  I understand about the polarity change and not needing C25 it's just that I have Flux Core in a one 10lb .030 spool and one 10lb .045 spool that I bought so long ago I don't remember, except the price was real good.  Have been practicing using flat welding position and "push" technique.  Welder only has 2 amp settings, 35 and 75.  Could not get the .030 solid to work on the 14ga material at the 35A setting, just made worms. Think I will get a refill on the C25 and another spool of solid wire. Any suggestions on what size for 14ga mild steel?  Will be spending a bunch of time making 3 x 3 coupons until I have it right. I already have a bunch of contact tips in various sizes. Thanks again, this forum rocks.Burt
Reply:fluvannabear, when I retired I bought a Lincoln Weldpac just to have a wire machine to use on little stuff around the house. Going from bare wire and wedmix to fluxxore wire was about like going from a Lexus to a Ford Pinto.Does your handle have anything to do with a town you live in?
Reply:When talking about flux core wire, always use the AWS # of that wire and we can give more information about the correct procedure..030 will not work on 35A, but will on 75.  Try that.  .023 or .030 will do the job.   JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Originally Posted by Oldtimer...snip...Going from bare wire and wedmix to fluxxore wire was about like going from a Lexus to a Ford Pinto.  ...snip...
Reply:Oldtimer: Handle is combination of county and nickname - Fluvanna + Bearweldgault: Wire have been using is ER70S-6 in .030 dia. The spools of flux core areE71T-GS in .035 and .045 diameter. David R: The store (Tractor Supply) was out of .023 dia ER70S-6 so got more (2lbs) .030diameter.From all the comments, seems like I need to practice with .030 solid core at 75A and get my travel speed and arc voltage (stick-out) correct.  My tendency is to go too slow and generate too large of a puddle, which then results in a flatter bead and sometimes as much bead on the backside as the front.  Think I have found the setteing for the wire feed so one variable down for 14ga Mild Steel.  Any more comments will be appreceiated.  Take care.  Burt
Reply:You will probably have better luck on the 14ga with .023 with that small of a machine. I use .035 NR211-MP on 14ga at around 140 amps, but I quit practicing welding a long time ago. My smallest machine will run the .035 at 33 amps on small stuff satisfactorily but the wire speed has to be just right. Your machine probably will not even run the .045. Oldtimer had the same question I did as there is a town named Fluvanna, TX near where he lives and I grew up. There is a difference between fcaw and gmaw, but I still use all the same techniques with both. I haven't noticed much difference in the amount of spatter between the two except when working at lower voltages and amperages. I am also using 300+ amp power supplies with inductance control and infinitely variable voltage and wire speed controls.  They are also set to operate at constant wire speed as opposed to variable mode. I have found that eliminates a great deal of the spatter with the fcaw. I too prefer gmaw, but on the majority of stuff I work on that isn't an option. Using a push technique on the thin stiff gives me a far better result.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:Jolly Roger:  Thank you for the information.  I will get some .023 wire as soon as it is in stock at the store.  Hoping to get an AC/DC TIG machine in the near future so I will have another technique to learn.  I have not checked the roller in my machine but it may take .045 if I flip it over.  Can always make another one on the lathe if need be.  Just hate getting in there and changing the wiring between flux and solid wires.  Lazy I guess.  I have a branch of the family in Tarkington Prairie, TX but have never been there. Thanks again and take care.  Burt
Reply:With only 2 heat settings, you may be able to get a better variety out of the machine by using at least 2 sizes of wire.  Try an autoparts store for a 2 lb spool of .023.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I love the flux core.Just refer to your owner's manual for setting up your machine.KRS***************************************Lincoln AC225 stick welderLincoln HD100 WeldPak flux core wire feed welderThree of the cheapest grinders money can buy
Reply:I found some 4" dia. .023 solid wire at Home Depot the other day.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Thank you all for your replies.  I have ordered some .023 solid wire and matching tips from an eBay vendor.  Price better than local TSC. So now I have the size wire I need for various projects, at least until I get the TIG (come on rebate!). I may have to make a new roller for the drive though since it has only two grooves, one for .030/.035 and the other for .045 dia wire.  I have a bunch of body work to do on my '76 FJ-40 since moving here from AZ.  No rust there but sure found out where the paint was broken once I got here. I am sure I will be back with more questions, thanks again for your time.  Take care. Burt