Re: Welders

From: Jamie Calder (jcalder3@cfl.rr.com)
Date: Thu Nov 27 2008 - 13:35:08 EST


Thanks Jon! That's exactly the info I was looking for. I think I'll go for
a MIG that can do flux core. That's where I'll start my research for a 120v
brand/model.
Thanks,
James
(Steiger 4bbl Install Kit consumer from almost 10 years ago)

--------------------------------------------------
From: <jon@dakota-truck.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 27, 2008 12:44 PM
To: <dakota-truck-moderator@bent.twistedbits.net>
Subject: Re: DML: Welders

>
> "Jamie Calder" <jcalder3@cfl.rr.com> wrote:
>
>> I'm looking for a 120v welder. Can someone please tell me the pros and
>> cons
>> of a gasless flux-cored welder (e.g. Lincoln Easy-Core 125) and a Mig
>> welder (e.g. Lincoln Easy-Mig 140)
>
>
> I'm not familiar with those particular welders, but I can chime in
> on flux core vs MIG.
>
> Flux core is handy in that you don't need to worry about keeping
> the welding gas full or lugging around a tank, using non-flux wire
> with a gas shield will produce better looking results (less spatter
> and slag). If this is something you are just using around the home
> and you don't really care about the appearance or you are willing to
> spend the time to clean up the spatter, then the flux core may be
> fine. Flux core tends to have deeper penetration at a given setting,
> so it can be good if you need the extra penetration, but this same
> characteristic can be a drawback if you are welding thin materials.
>
> A plus for flux core is that you can weld in windy conditions
> whereas with MIG the wind can blow the shielding gas away from the
> weld.
>
> A downside to flux core is that the core kinda turns into "slag" as
> you are welding; it covers the weld pool to protect the weld, this can
> make it difficult to see what the weld pool is doing and adjust your
> speed or technique as necessary. So you've either got to practice a
> lot on the material size you will be using so you can figure out the
> best technique or stop often to check the bead.
>
> Personally, I'd lean towards the gas shielded MIG myself for shop
> use. (I have a Hobart Ironman 250 which is a 220/240v MIG welder. I
> use it for my own stuff, but also use it in a professional capacity,
> so clean welds are important to me, plus for production work, I'd
> rather not spend the extra time on cleanup if it isn't necssary. The
> extra time required to clean up a weld isn't a big deal on a one-off
> project, but when you are working on dozens of units at a time, a few
> seconds here and there can quickly add up to a major loss of time and
> productivity.) If I needed something to go out and weld with in
> remote locations, I'd probably consider flux core for the convenience
> of not needing to drag a tank along, but this isn't a big deal in the
> shop, and the cleaner, easier welds made MIG a no-brainer for my
> situation.
>
> Another thought is that I think most MIG welders can use flux core
> wire, so if you went that route, you could simply switch out the wire
> (you might also need to change the rollers and nozzle tip) and you'd
> be welding with flux core. You may want to double check to make sure
> the MIG you are considering can do that, but if so, that would seem to
> be the way to go in my book, rather than getting a flux-core only
> machine which isn't set up to run shielding gas through the gun.
> IMHO, better to get a MIG that is also capable of flux core than to
> get a flux core and then decide down the road that you want to go MIG
> but need to buy a new machine to do so.
>
> As far as brands go, I've only got experience with Hobart/Miller,
> but have nothing but good things to say about them. I've had no
> trouble with my machine and their customer service has been
> outstanding. Other companies may be just as good, but like I said, I
> haven't had any experience with anyone else, so can't comment there.
>
> Anyhoo, I don't know if that helps or not, just figured I'd throw
> in my $.02 just in case. Good luck in your search!
>
> --
> -Jon-
>
> .- Jon Steiger -- jon@dakota-truck.net or jon@jonsteiger.com -.
> | '96 Kolb Firefly, '96 Suzuki Intruder, Miscellaneous Mopars |
> `-------------------------------- http://www.jonsteiger.com --'
>

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