Welding thread!!!!
01-07-2015, 06:49 PM
#766
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Year: 1995
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01-08-2015, 11:33 PM
#768
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Year: 2004
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X2. The ONLY way I would ever use flux core on a structural weld is if it was 220v and I absolutely had to. If you have 220 then go for it but make sure you bevel the edges of what you weld since flux core doesn't always get good penetration in the root. Another thing to consider is, what size wire are you using? If you're using 110v and .035 wire, it's never going to burn in right. On the other side of that, if you're using 220v and .024 solid on .25" thick steel, you're going to melt more steel than you can replace. Post up the stats on your welder so we can get a better feel for what you are working with.
I welded up a bumper and some rock sliders with it and so far so good. Sold the bumper not too long ago for 250 bucks. Only had about 100 in it between metal, weld wire and paint.
01-09-2015, 12:03 AM
#769
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Year: 1994
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I have one too. One of the full rectifier bridge's diodes burnt up so it's basically worthless now. It's not a terrible unit, but it is definitely a starter welder. The 6' leads are almost impossible to work with. My Longevity has 10' leads and Hobarts have 12' which was awesome at my last job welding with the big Ironman Hobart. I laid down some nice welds with the HF one, but I would be skeptical about using it for axle related welds.
01-09-2015, 12:13 AM
#770
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hobarts where its at. lol my 140 is awesome for a 110 unit. i was playing with a lincoln 180 at work hooked up to some gas and my welds came out pretty decent, im actualy better with welding gaps than with the pieces sitting flush
01-09-2015, 12:14 AM
#771
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I can't wait to be able to participate here soon. I'm signing up for a intro welding class tomorrow. I'd love to take more comprehensive classes, but there's nothing nearby, and it'd interfere with cnc classes anyway. I'm mostly a self learner anyway, and this is the kickstart I need.
01-09-2015, 12:23 AM
#772
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I can't wait to be able to participate here soon. I'm signing up for a intro welding class tomorrow. I'd love to take more comprehensive classes, but there's nothing nearby, and it'd interfere with cnc classes anyway. I'm mostly a self learner anyway, and this is the kickstart I need.
01-09-2015, 12:27 AM
#773
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I've filled in more gaps in pieces than I care to admit about lol. I wish my last job would let me buy their Hobart Ironman, that thing would throw down.
01-09-2015, 12:30 AM
#774
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01-09-2015, 12:30 AM
#775
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I have my welder wired up to a 240volt source. It is a Chicago Electric 170amp flux core with a place on the back to hook up gas and use as a mig. Everything I have welded with it so far seems to get good penetration with the welder. If you are not careful with it, it will burn through whatever you are welding. I welded up a bumper and some rock sliders with it and so far so good. Sold the bumper not too long ago for 250 bucks. Only had about 100 in it between metal, weld wire and paint.
01-09-2015, 01:08 AM
#778
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Agreed. I know I'll need much more practice than a few hours a week in class can possibly offer. A big part of the reason I'm taking the class is to figure out what I want to buy, and I plan on buying as soon as I feel like I know what I'm getting.
01-09-2015, 08:01 AM
#780
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Well, kind of. There is self shielded wire that 99% of you guys would call "flux core" and then there is dual shielded wire that has a fluxing agent but, requires the use of a shielding gas as well. The wire that comes in cheap starter kit welders is self shielded wire. Typically, dual shielded wire is used when welding thick (3/4"+) material. The reason for this is that, although the standard solid wire can weld thicker material, you must be in spray transfer to do so and you cannot weld out of position in spray. If you do not spray transfer with solid mig at those thicknesses, you will get cold lap. Generally, dual shielded wire is sold in thicker sizes (.045+) because of the nature of it's uses. The flux core wire that is your box store welders does not need gas, nor will you benefit from it. Actually, you will create more fumes than necessary and have a colder weld. Hope that clears it up for everyone.
