Question for welders

[jjastram]

I am adding argon/c02 to my welder. Up to now, I have been using flux core wire and have an almost full roll of it. Can I use it with gas to use it up or buy a roll of solid wire?

[HaulnA$$]

Originally Posted by jjastram

I am adding argon/c02 to my welder. Up to now, I have been using flux core wire and have an almost full roll of it. Can I use it with gas to use it up or buy a roll of solid wire?

In a word...no. You must use solid core wire with the GMAW (MIG) process. Also, MIG uses a different polarity than FCAW (Flux cored wire). Save your flux cored wire for when you have to weld outside in windy conditions where MIG has trouble with keeping the puddle shielded.

[jjastram]

Originally Posted by HaulnA$$

In a word...no. You must use solid core wire with the GMAW (MIG) process. Also, MIG uses a different polarity than FCAW (Flux cored wire). Save your flux cored wire for when you have to weld outside in windy conditions where MIG has trouble with keeping the puddle shielded.

Thanks, all i needed to know.

[Dennisneri]

i have done it with no problem but I am no expert. I did archive some really good welds using flux core and shielding gas

[dundeebarnbuggy]

Originally Posted by HaulnA$$

In a word...no. You must use solid core wire with the GMAW (MIG) process. Also, MIG uses a different polarity than FCAW (Flux cored wire). Save your flux cored wire for when you have to weld outside in windy conditions where MIG has trouble with keeping the puddle shielded.

Agree! Where a mig really shines is NOT having to deal with slag on/in your welds. Why anyone would use flux core, [except in wind], is beyond me. Once you use solid core and gas you will love it!

[mikeasis]

Originally Posted by jjastram

I am adding argon/c02 to my welder. Up to now, I have been using flux core wire and have an almost full roll of it. Can I use it with gas to use it up or buy a roll of solid wire?

depending on how much welding you do steer clear of the smaller (20cf?) bottles and go a little bigger. I swear once you get going those little bottles run out quick.

[racin161]

You may also want to replace the liner with new in the cable assembly then keep the old with the flux core wire.

LOU

[Shepard]

If your going to keep the flux core wire -- wrap it up tight and protect it from moisture. Otherwise it will rust or swell up and not be usable. A new liner and contact tip is in order, flux core usually is larger then solid wire. 60 cubic ft bottles last a long time, just shut the tank off as soon as your done.

[Fairtax4me]

You can certainly use flux wire with gas. It actually makes for a smoother weld (compared to not using gas).
But I would save the flux wire for the non-important projects or in case you run out of gas for some reason.