MIG vs. Flux Core Welding

[CharlieTR]

I have had my little Lincoln 110V wire welder for over ten years now.
I use it on everything, just not that skilled at small stuff, does not seem to be a big need to weld thin steel on my little farm. I have only used Flux Core and never tried MIG. I want to build a big smoker and want the welds to look really good. Does MIG make better welds than Flux Core?

Thanks,
Charlie

 

[Transit]

Well, that's hard to say, too many variables. First, with MIG you will most likely be using er70s-6 wire and C25 gas. Depending on the thickness of the stock and how many amps your 110v unit can put out you are most likely limited to mild steel, 1/8 inch stock using 0.024 or 0.030, maybe 0.035 wires. Flux Core, that is Self Shielding Flux Core wire, starts at 0.030 in. At 110v you may be able to use 0.035 wires.
What this all means, is your unit powerful enough to weld the stock you have chosen to use. And of course the results are heavily dependent on your skill level. A pro can make a DIY machine tap dance.
Yes, MIG is cleaner than flux core if that is what your asking.

 

[sjames]

yes, mig makes better looking welds with less splatter than fcaw.

But you wont get the penetration with mig that you do with fcaw. Thats one of the reasons the 110v models are generally set up for flux core. And if your looking for appearance you probably don't want to run straight co2 either, which will further reduce your capacity.

If this is something you plan on towing, or moving around a lot, I would recommend you stick with the flux core for the heavier/structural elements of the smoker, and switch to mig for the rest.

 

[cdaigle430]

I have had my little Lincoln 110V wire welder for over ten years now.
I use it on everything, just not that skilled at small stuff, does not seem to be a big need to weld thin steel on my little farm. I have only used Flux Core and never tried MIG. I want to build a big smoker and want the welds to look really good. Does MIG make better welds than Flux Core?

Thanks,
Charlie

MIG is better for thinner metals and is more forgiving. The welds look better and you don't have to clean up the slag.

Flux core does have it's advantages, you don't need to lug around the gas, and it's better for thicker metals.

If you switch to MIG you will have to adjust your settings differently....

I personally preffer MIG because it makes my welds look better and cleaner.

 

[gauthier]

The welder is the one that makes the welds better,not the process

 

[Chilly807]

If you're wishing to have the gas set-up at the end of the day, it's as good a reason as any to get it. Typically you'll get better looking welds with gas shielding, although I've found that welding thicker metal, say 1/4 and thicker, that I get more spatter than I'd prefer using shielding gas.

For thinner metal found in a smoker, you will get good results using short weld bursts of 2 to 3 seconds, .023 wire would be my recommendation. Longer weld runs will tend to burn holes through the base metal in my experience.

Sean

 

[/pine]

...I want to build a big smoker and want the welds to look really good...

If you are welding outdoors and there is any wind at all shielding gas is almost impossible to use...

for a professional looking finish...
...make the best welds you can and clean them up (and the splatter) with some judicial grinding...then use a little body filler (Bondo etc.) to smooth out the rough spots...rub them out with some 100 grit and coat with a high quality heat resistant paint...

 

[redharley]

Sounds like you have plenty of time using your flux core and you would like to try somethiing else. If you jump up to a small 220 lincoln 30 amp mig set up which new is about $600 plus gas and tank[which don't come cheap] I think you will be happy.Take a little time to get the feel and your welds should look very good.I would hang onto that little flux core if you are use to the way it works for a while. also the wind factor if you do some farm repairs that are outside. Most migs can run flux core but some changes need to be made,sounds like that flux core has paid for itself no harm in keeping it if you like it. Good luck

 

[Window Geek]

Is body filler heat-resistant enough for a smoker? Just wondering...

 

[/pine]

Is body filler heat-resistant enough for a smoker? Just wondering...

...regular body filler is probably not the best suggestion...when I think "smoker" I think 250 degrees or less which polyester should tolerate...but a high heat epoxy filler is probably a better option...