BlackHoleSunSS

iTrader: (3)

Will a MIG Flux Core be sufficient for weld-in style SFC's?

V6 Bird

iTrader: (15)

I wouldnt use it. Looks like ***.

Ive got a MIG unit at the house I use to weld up SFC's for people with. It welds fairly clean as long as the metal is clean to weld to.

antz01ta

iTrader: (3)

why? knock the slag off it and it's the same as a regular gas shielded mig weld.

you will be fine to weld it with that machine as long as it is capable of welding the thickness of metal you are working with.

BlackHoleSunSS

iTrader: (3)

Yeah, we'll, I will be taking my sweet-*** time prepping the areas that are going to be welded, it should turn out ok. If I have any doubts, I'll be getting ahold of you V6 Bird.

Speed

iTrader: (33)

You don't have to use a shielding gas with flux core. The flux in the core burns off and shields the puddle. That is a lot of the reason splatter is so bad with it. If you have a true MIG and not just a wire feed welder, I can't imagine any reason not to use the appropriate solid mig wire.

That said, if you only have a wire feed welder and can stand the splatter (I pity you if you are going to do this laying on the garage floor ), flux will work fine. A lot of small commercial welders are actually rated to a slightly thicker material with flux than with MIG.

xfactor_pitbulls

iTrader: (16)

Really............I wouldnt even think about it. Penetration is inconsistant and weld quality is horrible.

Mr Incredible

I've had good luck with my flux core welding. The spatter looks like crap, but that's why I keep the wire and the flapper wheels around for the grinder.

xfactor_pitbulls

iTrader: (16)

If some one had to get a job done and there was no other option, I can see doing it. Like maybe making or repairing an old barn door if you didnt have an arc welder. There is no benefit using flux core vs. solid with shielding gas.

antz01ta

iTrader: (3)

i've used a flux core welder with ok results. granted they are not the quality of a mig welder and not ever close to the quality of my tig but they are fine for general welding.

antz01ta

iTrader: (3)

i agree 100% but if that's what you have dont be afraid to use it.

VETTEX2

yes there is a benefit, you don't run out of gas

xfactor_pitbulls

iTrader: (16)

Yep, I guess you found the ONE shining light. Kudos to you. Really the FC is used to be the most mobile and "Mr Fix it" type of welding. For a guy climbing through some old barn, fixing a pipe fence here and there, repairing whatever old junk, it is fitting. It has no place in a shop, and no place in a situation where weld quality and integrity is concerned.

jester1

iTrader: (1)

One trick I found is to clean the metal with a wirewheel then weld with good heat and penetration, but once you stop reclean the metal again. So if you weld two inches and stop, clean only take you a couple of seconds. You will be amazed. or get a gas conversion for about $100, it will be money well spent. Youll wounder how you lived without it and never go back to selfsheilding wire.

boondiggys

iTrader: (165)

flux cored welding is great outdoors where wind would blow away normal sheilding gas.

JD1969

iTrader: (2)

Thank you. When I was a welder on cell towers and water tanks, we used flux core all the time. These welds were inspected by an NDT and passed dye penetrant and and mag particle testing. I have welded SFC's with FC wire and it was fine, would it be my #1 choice? No, but sometimes you do what you have to do.

Greaseymec

iTrader: (9)

I welded mine in with flux core. No issues.

Mec

MikeGyver

iTrader: (5)

Ok, I guess I'm the only one. What's an SFC? And while I'm on the subject, what is an NDT?

Studytime

iTrader: (15)

I think I would try arc welding them with a 3/32" rod. I HATE welding under a car, but that might just be because of my average welding ability. Best case would be to flip the car upside down and weld them on.

Shield gas with solid wire ftw.

Ben T.

Mr Incredible

Never said there was a benefit. I said it works - if you have the skills to make it work. Not everybody has gas for their migs, but that don't mean they're only good boat anchors.

Not everybody has a fully rigged welding shop...

xfactor_pitbulls

iTrader: (16)

I hear you on not having everything you might need on hand. Didnt mean to come off like I was better or anything because I have the stuff if I did. However, it doesnt cost all that much to have someone do a little job for you with the right tools.