Hay Jerry!
I am not a "welder". In fact, I've only taken one welding test in my life.
I'm just a DIY guy like most of us here. I don't particularly like the look of a flux-core bead either but it has its uses. From what I have been told, it is used on structural steel that is holding buildings together so there is certainly nothing wrong with it.
As you know, it's not the easiest process to work with but it can get the job done in the right hands. But it's messy compared to using shielding gas. It just looks more like a stick weld...
That said, I prefer to use solid wire and gas in the shop when possible. BUT - I keep my 110V mig machine loaded with flux core wire for when I venture outside. Shielding gas doesn't do much good if it is getting blown away in the wind, and you certainly won't get that pretty looking GMAW bead we're all looking for. Ask me how I know!
This is a post by DanH Apologies Dan (DaveH)
Here is a link to some very good videos on mig welding.
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/mig-...ideos.html
Seeing what the weld should look like will help a TON. An auto dark helmet is a big help also.
Using thicker material is easier for the beginner. All of my stands are build using 1/8" or .120 wall tubing. My tig stand is 1" x .120" square tubing which is plenty strong and easy material to work with.
I also like to use .024" wire as it's also easier to weld thinner material. If welding thicker than 1/4" I will switch to .030" wire.
You have a great welder there so just practice practice practice.
Dan
I am not a "welder". In fact, I've only taken one welding test in my life.
I'm just a DIY guy like most of us here. I don't particularly like the look of a flux-core bead either but it has its uses. From what I have been told, it is used on structural steel that is holding buildings together so there is certainly nothing wrong with it.
As you know, it's not the easiest process to work with but it can get the job done in the right hands. But it's messy compared to using shielding gas. It just looks more like a stick weld...
That said, I prefer to use solid wire and gas in the shop when possible. BUT - I keep my 110V mig machine loaded with flux core wire for when I venture outside. Shielding gas doesn't do much good if it is getting blown away in the wind, and you certainly won't get that pretty looking GMAW bead we're all looking for. Ask me how I know!
This is a post by DanH Apologies Dan (DaveH)
Here is a link to some very good videos on mig welding.
http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/mig-...ideos.html
Seeing what the weld should look like will help a TON. An auto dark helmet is a big help also.
Using thicker material is easier for the beginner. All of my stands are build using 1/8" or .120 wall tubing. My tig stand is 1" x .120" square tubing which is plenty strong and easy material to work with.
I also like to use .024" wire as it's also easier to weld thinner material. If welding thicker than 1/4" I will switch to .030" wire.
You have a great welder there so just practice practice practice.
Dan
Willie