MIG using Flux Core Wire & Shielding Gas

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HiI'm a beginner MIG welder.  I have a small 110 amp 120V machine for home use.  I am using some kind of steel wire - about .030 I think, and it's the flux core type.  I also use shielding gas (CO2 and Argon).  Is that ok to use shieldin gas with flux core wire?It's kind of messy and splatters but I thought that's how all MIG welding is.Should I not use the shielding gas with the flux core wire, or should I just get rid of the flux core wire and use regular wire with shielding gas?which method is better, easier, and cleaner?thanks.Lee
Reply:Well...it depends....If you want easier and cleaner I´d say throw the flux core and go with MIG (just the gas mix)...The advantage of fluxcore is that you can get better penetration and it stands better a windy environment. IMO fluxcore sucks...you can search a Zap thread in which he painted a fence that was welded with fluxcore...bunch of mess...Also it lets residues inside the weld...at least that happened with my PROMIG 175...If you want the advantages of fluxcore....dont waste your gas...at least that´s my opinion. Some people use flux and gas...but I can´t remember the advantages of running both...BTW remember the manufacturer suggests a type of polarity for each type of welding process (Flux or MIG)...make sure you´re using the right one. Ohh and another thing...if you´re using fluxcore on a wirefeed machine that´s no mig´in....miggin is Metal Inert Gas....You´re not using a inert was...well...you are, but it ain´t neccesary...that´s FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding)....at least that´s what I remember....Flux is MESSY....MIG ain´t...Hope that helps!Last edited by elvergon; 11-24-2006 at 11:17 PM.My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:Well there are specifically "self shielding" and "dual shield" flux core wires. Your first task will be to find out just what you've got. I really doubt that it's dual shield. The other issue is the polarity. The label on the spool should indicate what the wire type is.
Reply:Ditto, Sandy. It's 211 and no sheiding is needed. Have no more than 1/4" stick out(of the tip) and that will solve it. At the same time welding, adjust the wire speed. The end of the wire should be an 1/8 to a 1/16th away from the work.
Reply:Originally Posted by heavymetal_2006Ditto, Sandy. It's 211 and no sheiding is needed. Have no more than 1/4" stick out(of the tip) and that will solve it. At the same time welding, adjust the wire speed. The end of the wire should be an 1/8 to a 1/16th away from the work.
Reply:MMMm critical welds and you don´t know how to weld? Maybe that´s not the best combination...can´t you get someone who knows how to weld to weld for you?My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!
Reply:Flux core is messy, however properly cleaned welds present no different problems that with MIG. I did some testing by exposing flux core welds in a high humidity, high temp, salt spray tank. The welds held up as good as MIG welds, in both cases though the paints used showed compromise.I do beleive the problem with Flux Core is people are welding joint that are really tough to clean, such as on a metal tubing joint where several  pieces of tubing are welded into one joint such as on a roll cage in a race car. Of course a cage should be constructed in an indoor setting and Flux Core not needed there.Flux Core is just another tool available to welder to use where it is needed. It has a place and when used there it performs flawlessly.I beleive Flux Core is messy and harder to work with, however just today I had to do a repair on a mower deck where a mount bracket came loose due to rust. Than god for Flux-Core and a little patch plate!
Reply:Originally Posted by elvergonMMMm critical welds and you don´t know how to weld? Maybe that´s not the best combination...can´t you get someone who knows how to weld to weld for you?