Flux Core ????????
- Thread starter Phil S.
- Start date
dadsEH
Well-known member
Check the use by date yet?
Iron-Iceberg
Well-known member
Do you have the polarity right? It’s easy to forget to swap the leads if you changed from using gas.
I didn't know there was a "Use By" date . Thanks I'll check
Kaizen
Well-known member
Besides rust I can’t see it going bad.
Clean ground.
Check polarity and connections.
Run a test on a pristine piece of steel to make sure it’s working right.
Oh rollers could be slipping as well.
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Bondo
Well-known member
Ayuh,..... I've never tried the HF wire,.....
Ran into a Bud at HF once, some years back, he was buyin' a 1/2 doz. rolls of the stuff,......
I had just been to my weldin' supply shop for wire, 'n paid 'bout 1/2 of what he was about to spend,......
I told 'im so, but he didn't wanta make another stop,.....
Whatever,.....
rustyjames
Well-known member
Your liner might have a lot of crud in it, maybe try cleaning it.
Kaizen
Well-known member
Kaizen posted a good checklist earlier. To reiterate/add, in no particular order...
1) Polarity (torch should be negative, the "ground" lead will now be positive. Also verify lug/nuts are tight.)
2) Good contact for your "ground" (actually positive) lead.
3) Clean weld joint (free of any scale/rust/paint etc.)
4) Verify your settings (Use the chart inside the machine. Those are just starting points, you may need to adjust to suit your travel speed)
5) Drive rolls - verify tension and correct groove for wire diameter
6) Verify condition of liner and contact tip. Verify correct contact tip size.
1) Polarity (torch should be negative, the "ground" lead will now be positive. Also verify lug/nuts are tight.)
2) Good contact for your "ground" (actually positive) lead.
3) Clean weld joint (free of any scale/rust/paint etc.)
4) Verify your settings (Use the chart inside the machine. Those are just starting points, you may need to adjust to suit your travel speed)
5) Drive rolls - verify tension and correct groove for wire diameter
6) Verify condition of liner and contact tip. Verify correct contact tip size.
Sounds to me like the polarity is wrong. Make sure it's electrode NEGATIVE for flux core! Also, make sure your material is clean---SHINY clean, yes, even with flux core! It will give you a better weld and easier welding. Is your contact tip all crapped up? If so, put a new one in. If it's a Hobart and in good shape, it's probably not a machine problem or defect. Set the V and speed to the settings on the cover lid to start----those are great starting points and will get you in the ballpark and you can adjust the speed from there to get a nice even sizzle sound and nice bead.
I would also be suspect of the cheap wire-----a system is only as good as it's weakest link. I've used Hobart flux core in my Handler and it welds like a dream.
I would also be suspect of the cheap wire-----a system is only as good as it's weakest link. I've used Hobart flux core in my Handler and it welds like a dream.
Last edited:
Bogie1632
Well-known member
I'll add this to flux core questions.
I only learned about this a few years ago from our welding supplier. Most flux core wire also has a seam from forming that can allow moisture penetration to the core. That rust contains both oxygen and hydrogen...neither of which is good for a weld.
I'm currently borrowing a flux core welder and had to change out the wire because I'm getting ****** results and worm-tracks. The tracks are likely from humidity the core absorbed because 1) the welder/wire doesn't get used or stored in a climate controlled garage and 2) it's had the same 10# spool on it for years.
Fixed the issue I was having by getting a 1# spool. It's also been very humid here so after I'm done, I trim the end, respool the wire, and put it in a ziplock bag since I'm only using it on small projects every few weeks.
As for the OPs new wire still puttering, along with the above suggestions, have you tried a higher angle? I'm almost vertical during my backdrag on a flat surface, definitely not more than maybe 10 degrees. A couple t joints I recently did for a neighbor I was maybe 30 degrees on the backdrag and got decent result and very little splatter/sputter.
V/R
Bogie
I only learned about this a few years ago from our welding supplier. Most flux core wire also has a seam from forming that can allow moisture penetration to the core. That rust contains both oxygen and hydrogen...neither of which is good for a weld.
I'm currently borrowing a flux core welder and had to change out the wire because I'm getting ****** results and worm-tracks. The tracks are likely from humidity the core absorbed because 1) the welder/wire doesn't get used or stored in a climate controlled garage and 2) it's had the same 10# spool on it for years.
Fixed the issue I was having by getting a 1# spool. It's also been very humid here so after I'm done, I trim the end, respool the wire, and put it in a ziplock bag since I'm only using it on small projects every few weeks.
As for the OPs new wire still puttering, along with the above suggestions, have you tried a higher angle? I'm almost vertical during my backdrag on a flat surface, definitely not more than maybe 10 degrees. A couple t joints I recently did for a neighbor I was maybe 30 degrees on the backdrag and got decent result and very little splatter/sputter.
V/R
Bogie
sberry
Banned
Stickout is longer than short circuit also.