wire feed with gas (MIG) .vs. wire feed with flux rod

[JChatt]

what are the advantages and differences? Whats your opinions on each?, are both good for barstool racers? thanks,

JChatt

[speeddemon0308]

the MIG ( with gas ) will make a cleaner looking weld if you know what your doing..

the flux core wire.. its not the cleanest.. you have to clean off the sut from it.. and spatters alot.. and if your doin it indoors.. youll get smoked out in no time!!


they will both work for a bsr tho but if the wallet allows it.. get the MIG ( with gas ) youll like it much more..
and less cleaning!

[JChatt]

I use a MIG in school, but i don't have much money for something like that, are there any major disadvantages of the flux wire feed?? other than needing proper ventilation?

JChatt

[speeddemon0308]

uhhmm..... wires much more expensive.. a friend bought 2 10 pound spools for 120$ and for a rold of my wire it is 30$ and a tank of gas is 75$ so its sorta cheaper.. and i can burn thre.. 2-3 rolls of wire before i need a tank of gass ( unless i forget to shut it off again.. haha!)

you need to wire wheel or sand down welds after to get the suit off from the smoke.

and i dont think you can weld as thick of steel..

my welder is ment for 1/4" heat range goes up to E and it was on D and i was playing around with it.. and i had the 2 pieces or 1/4 glowing red!!!

[speeddemon0308]

heres a quick vid i got when i was playing around...
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/speeddemon0308/th_100_1606.jpg (http://s41.photobucket.com/albums/e276/speeddemon0308/?action=view&current=100_1606.flv)

[liftedf250]

I use the flux cored wire and works great but do have to clean welds when done. just use a grinder with a wire wheel. my last roll of wire cost me $70. mig with wire and gas is cheaper in long run. for me though i use my welder in the field and do not want to have to carry a bottle and hose and reg with me. I have a lincoln 180c 230volt welds great have welded 1/4 in in one pass and 1/2 in in 3 passes no problem. I weld hotter than alot of people and do alot of prep work to make everything look clean.

[chris insull]

I used Flux Core when I built my BSR and it came out fine with clean looking welds, great penetration (Milermatic DVI). Clean metal and anti-spatter spray helps the clean-up process greatly. Frequent cleaning of the welding helmet lens will be required. For outside welding where wind may be an issue, Flux Core is the only way to go. If you've got a garage and not concerned with a breeze blowing the gas away from the weld area, use gas.