Flux Core Wire - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

Kastoria · 06-10-2009, 11:51 PM

Any suggestions on what is one of the best flux core welding wires for my mig - I have 2, a hobart 187 and a miller 211. I was using hobart brand and it worked great, never a problem and nice welds. But my inventory is running low and its getting hard to track down since my regular internet supplier doesnt carry it anymore.

So what would you recommend in its place?

Thanks

Morning Wood · 06-11-2009, 05:37 AM

A bottle of gas and some mig wire. flux core

ATH · 06-11-2009, 10:13 AM

I agree with Morning Wood. Shield it with gas!

Greg Di · 06-11-2009, 11:28 AM

I don't weld that much, but I initially used Flux Core because I didn't have gas.

Now that I have gas, I won't go back to flux core wire. It's so much easier to weld with gas and the welds are much better.

I have a Hobart 140.

scrapecc · 06-11-2009, 12:04 PM

Don't listen to these guys, they are too used to building decks. I use flux core all the time on thin gauge outside work. IT DOES HAVE ITS PLACE!!!! Whats wrong with your local supplier? I am sure Hobart still makes flux core wire. Sometimes buying local does have its perks. Good luck!

rustyjames · 06-11-2009, 12:23 PM

Gas is great as long as there's no draft, but if you're working outside fluxcore or stick is the way to go. Unless you're in a tent. Lincoln wire is pretty popular should do a good job as a replacement wire.

Kastoria · 06-11-2009, 06:37 PM

Hey Im all for gas but I am not always in the shop welding. Any welder I have with gas sits in the shop only. I like doing a lot of builds and installations on site with flux core because all I need is my welder - no heavy tanks to lug around and the flux core allows me to have my welder in my back seat cargo bay of my truck nice and safe, fits perfectly.

Morning Wood · 06-11-2009, 07:41 PM

In that case, I would buy local.

ATH · 06-12-2009, 08:23 AM

I understand the portability issue, but I lug my tank with my welder when I have to do a job away from the shop.

Take care,

rustyjames · 06-12-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ATH

I understand the portability issue, but I lug my tank with my welder when I have to do a job away from the shop.

Take care,

What do you do if there's a breeze going on when you're welding? Sometimes a mig weld will appear fine but when you skim it with a grinder it's loaded with porosity; this usually occurs when the shielding gas gets blown away from the weld pool.

ATH · 06-12-2009, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustyjames

What do you do if there's a breeze going on when you're welding?

I try my best to block any breezes that might affect the shield gas "cloud," usually with a tarp, plywood, etc.

Kastoria · 06-14-2009, 07:52 PM

I dont mind lugging a tank around either but that was when I could only afford 1 welder. When business started getting good I purposely bought more migs just for the reason of not bringing a tank with me. Dont have to worry about damaging any gas gauges, hose, and no need to bring a cart with me. Basically the fact that it fits nice and tight in its place I always have it with me even if it just a regular construction type job I can still weld steel quick and easy if needed - but I never use the flux core if its structural, only for ornamental iron