RE-aquainting myself...

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...with MIG welding. Is Flux Core a good way to do this before going out and investing in the gas for solid wire? I was thinking it was a good way to "practice" running beads, etc...TIA
Reply:I wouldnt see why not.  You get more smoke, but the motions are pretty much the same.  Flux core has greater penetration, so you will have to remember than when/if you run gas.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:I just don't want to waste C25 practicing. When I'm ready to tackle my project, I'll definetly use the gas. I should just have to reverse the polarity, correct?
Reply:Yup.  Remember, though, that the cost of fluxcore and the cost of solid+gas are not that different.  Depending on gas costs (tank size and gas used), fluxcore can actually be more expensive.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Thanks!!!
Reply:ChrisAlso, check the efficiency of your machine hoses.  I had a small welder. While the external connections were solid, the link between the solenoid and torch cable was simply a piece of tygon tubing held with zip ties.  I'd go through about 3-4 80cf cylinders per 10 lb roll of wire. I started with fluxcore.  I also perfer fluxcore general stuff, though I mig (Solid/gas) a lot of stuff when cosmetics is concern and I need to avoid excess spatter.
Reply:Also fluxcored pricing goes up as wire diameter goes down.  Fluxcored will not limit what you can do. I'd go with fluxcore to start.