Transformer or inverter flux core

[BufordBoone]

The sale HF is having this weekend includes the Titanium 125 at about $150. That is hard to pass up for a light, 110V welder that doesn't need gas. I plan to purchase one for small jobs.

 

[MoArk Willy]

MoArk,
MIG/Flux welders typically have a special nozzle or something that can be used for flux core that does not need cleaning

Thank you.

 

[MoArk Willy]

I would recommend that. I bought one and although I haven't had too much time with it I am very pleased.

 

[crazyal]

I started off with a cheap Lincoln flux core welder (weldpack 100). It had variable speed for the wire and 4 tap settings for the power. I do believe it was when transformers were the only option. It worked well but there were limitations. It was just barely small enough to carry around. Now I have a Lincoln power mig 255. It's also a transformer machine. It's on wheels and has a bracket to hold the tank. While it works great it's weight makes it a shop welder. I wouldn't think twice about getting an inverter, the size and weight alone would be enough in my eyes. I would think twice about not spending the extra money for MIG. Even if you don't use it right off sooner or later you will. Check around with your local gas companies as to what size tanks they will sell/ fill for owned tanks. It's doubtful you will want to rent a tank if you are rarely welding.

 

[BufordBoone]

I would think twice about not spending the extra money for MIG. Even if you don't use it right off sooner or later you will. Check around with your local gas companies as to what size tanks they will sell/ fill for owned tanks. It's doubtful you will want to rent a tank if you are rarely welding.

That is good advice, no doubt. I have a MIG capable machine (Lincoln 210 MP) I love the idea of MIG welding. HOWEVER, everything I do is outside. Alabama is HOT. Use of a fan is almost a necessity. I'm looking for something that will allow me to make repairs on thinner things that are not as well suited to stick welding.

I found that running flux wire in the 210 MP was the best fit for repairing a grill. Yes, I tried stick on the grill. Wire was a better fit.

What I'm learning is a GREAT welder can do everything with one machine. A hobbyist (which is about 5x above my level) probably needs a wire welder and a stick welder.

Me? I need practice! The cheap, lightweight flux core inverter seems to be a good machine to use for practice.

Perhaps I'll have a shop large enough to try MIG welding one day.

Thanks, to all, for the recommendations.

 

[dragoneggs]

Buford, you don't need a large shop for a gas MIG set up... trust me.

 

[3Ts]

Will do.
I do have a question regarding the "nozzle gel" for MIG Welders.
Is this something that is needed or recommended for flux core as well?
I'm new to wire feed welding and I haven't heard one way or another regarding it's usage.

The nozzle gel is not needed for MIG welders, however it does reduce the need to stop and clean the nozzle significantly. I've found that I replace the tip a lot less frequently when I use it, especially when you're first starting to learn the machine. It protects for quite a while so one tub of the stuff will last forever.

 

[yomax4]

With all of the talk about flux core gasless wire, I have to ask which gasless wire most people use? E71TGS is most likely. It's a nasty spit and spatter wire but does what it's intened to. Next time you go to buy flux cored gasless wire ask for E71T-11. Runs smooth, less spit and spatter, better for multi pass. You will pay a few cents per pound more but you will find it well worth the cost. God Luck !!

 

[prof fate]

i agree - practice practice practice. a pro welder does it what, 40 hours a week year after year...no comparison to someone that does it once or twice a eyar let alone once every 3 years!

I used a lincoln MIG setup at the gun club to weld up target frames...OMG, it's the way to go. But well, $900... If I had a big project, lotsa 'extra' money, no question i'd do it.

As I weld more I get better...a better welder is tempting me..teh titanium at HF is tempting...,but if I upgrade it will be to mig.

As for the fan, point itat YOU not the work! weld in the am when it's cooler. if it's a hobby you have options.

My next big task is replacing the hinges on my cargo trailer ramp door...'real' welding compared to most of what I've done. Plan to use the 'flux 125' from HF.

I'll be in HF this weekend at some point..need a tarp or 2 and a new angle grinder..wore the brushes out on mine.

That is good advice, no doubt. I have a MIG capable machine (Lincoln 210 MP) I love the idea of MIG welding. HOWEVER, everything I do is outside. Alabama is HOT. Use of a fan is almost a necessity. I'm looking for something that will allow me to make repairs on thinner things that are not as well suited to stick welding.

I found that running flux wire in the 210 MP was the best fit for repairing a grill. Yes, I tried stick on the grill. Wire was a better fit.

What I'm learning is a GREAT welder can do everything with one machine. A hobbyist (which is about 5x above my level) probably needs a wire welder and a stick welder.

Me? I need practice! The cheap, lightweight flux core inverter seems to be a good machine to use for practice.

Perhaps I'll have a shop large enough to try MIG welding one day.

Thanks, to all, for the recommendations.

 

[California]

question regarding the "nozzle gel" for MIG Welders.
Is this something that is needed or recommended for flux core as well?
I'm new to wire feed welding and I haven't heard one way or another regarding it's usage.

Pam Cooking Spray - the stuff to make a frying pan non-stick - can be used for nozzle gel. Someone here suggested this to make the gas shroud easier to clean, and to put on areas where you will later scrape off the splatter made by flux core welding.

As a very occasional welder, just farm repairs that don't need to look pretty, I've remained with flux core. I bought HF's Flux Core Nozzle Set ($6) that replaces the gas shroud. This covers, protects, the gas outlets to keep them clean for future use and improves visibility of the puddle. There's nothing to clean, after wiping it down with a rag. This is what Mark recommended above.

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

Pam Cooking Spray - the stuff to make a frying pan non-stick - can be used for nozzle gel. Someone here suggested this to make the gas shroud easier to clean, and to put on areas where you will later scrape off the splatter made by flux core welding.

As a very occasional welder, just farm repairs that don't need to look pretty, I've remained with flux core. I bought HF's Flux Core Nozzle Set ($6) that replaces the gas shroud. This covers, protects, the gas outlets to keep them clean for future use and improves visibility of the puddle. There's nothing to clean, after wiping it down with a rag. This is what Mark recommended above.

Personally I use the mig spay and gel. I like the spray for protecting the area around the weld so any "bb's" that are put out don't stick and the few that do release more easily. Of course, don't get it right on the weld or you can get a bit of porosity at times.

 

[BufordBoone]

Buford, you don't need a large shop for a gas MIG set up... trust me.

Well, it is kind of hard to stuff a 10' offset bush hog into a small shop .

MIG is something I'll try one day. For most of what I need to do right now, I'll be outside. I setup a big fan to blow on me and I try to only weld in the shade. News is saying it should reach 100 degrees today.

If I had it to do over, I'd not have purchased a multi-process machine. Seemed like the perfect machine at the time. I'll admit it is a great machine but I'm kind of a "Try stick today, try wire tomorrow" kind of learning guy. When Northern tool put a stick inverter on sale for a ridiculous price, I grabbed one.

I actually enjoy welding with the Klutch inverter stick machine more than with my Lincoln 210 MP. Currently, I've got the 210 setup for flux-core wire and it lives at the farm. I know I can do wire or stick with it so the farm is the best place.

I need to repair my scrape blade. Thought I'd give it a try this weekend. I brought the Klutch machine down as it will be easier to setup than the 210. I know I've not taken the least expensive route...unless comparing to what it would have cost to hire a welder is considered.

So, I'll end up with a couple of welders and another skill. Won't have to schedule meeting a welder or dealing with delays.

Best part of all this is I'm having a bit of fun. I hope to never stop learning.

Thanks, to all, for your guidance.

 

[dragoneggs]

Well, it is kind of hard to stuff a 10' offset bush hog into a small shop .

Aha! Sorry...

 

[jaxs]

I believe one of these will out preform a flux core machine in the same price range. 200 amp DC is serious power for the money. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200680690_200680690

 

[Big Barn]

Don’t be afraid of having more than one welder. One could liken them to girlfriends.

“ I have too many girlfriends!” said no man ever.

 

[BufordBoone]

I believe one of these will out preform a flux core machine in the same price range. 200 amp DC is serious power for the money. http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200680690_200680690

That is the Klutch inverter stick machine I have.

I had a coupon and it was on sale. Total I paid was about $210.

I like this welder...A LOT. I used it to perform some repairs on a scrape blade today.

 

[STERLING351]

That is the Klutch inverter stick machine I have.

I had a coupon and it was on sale. Total I paid was about $210.

I like this welder...A LOT. I used it to perform some repairs on a scrape blade today.

I have the same welder and its great for doing fence repairs and building fences. it fits in the back of my Polaris ranger with the generator so makes for a nice portable welding setup.