Mig Flux Core Welder
- Thread starter Miss the Pontiacs
- Start date
readhead
Well-known member
Looks like it has a gas valve. Why not. Give it a try. Might be surprised.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Make sure you have some thick steel to practice on because flux core runs way too hot for thin sheet metal.
If you realize you will end up replacing it down the road with a better machine, nothing wrong with learning on it. If you're not going to pick up a tank though, I believe they have a flux only version that goes on for even cheaper from time to time.
You can find a Lincoln 140 for about $400-500 on sale though which would be a longer term machine.
You can find a Lincoln 140 for about $400-500 on sale though which would be a longer term machine.
I got the Princess Auto version of that welder a few months back and am pleased with it.
by no means a high end machine but great to re learn on and fool around with.
by no means a high end machine but great to re learn on and fool around with.
lakeroadster
Well-known member
Flux core is great within the parameters it is designed for.
What are you wanting to weld, Miss the Pontiacs? Tell us that and we can tell you what welder is the best fit for you.
If you are wanting to weld clean sheet metal auto body panels in a protected shop environment.. you want gas shielded GMAW.
If you are wanting to weld not so clean 10 gauge or thicker materials... FCAW (flux core) is a good choice.
What are you wanting to weld, Miss the Pontiacs? Tell us that and we can tell you what welder is the best fit for you.
If you are wanting to weld clean sheet metal auto body panels in a protected shop environment.. you want gas shielded GMAW.
If you are wanting to weld not so clean 10 gauge or thicker materials... FCAW (flux core) is a good choice.
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Al Borland
Well-known member
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As far as learning goes, it's easier to learn on a good machine and adapt to a lesser machine later.
OP
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
I appreciate all your opinions. Not really tied to this particular welder, kind of have the habit of over buying for my needs. Rather have the option than not having it when I want to try something. But don’t want to drop $1500 or more to play around.
I want to work with some old steel for starters. Just want to make some funky garage art to begin with. Will post a couple of pics to show you what I have to work with.
I want to work with some old steel for starters. Just want to make some funky garage art to begin with. Will post a couple of pics to show you what I have to work with.
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lakeroadster
Well-known member
A good ole stick welder will work for that. A Lincoln tombstone buzz box is a good choice... https://www.lowes.com/pd/Lincoln-El...MIjaaZl4a-2wIVhTxpCh2aRQ3hEAQYASABEgLUYfD_BwE
It's bullet proof and will likely last the rest of your life.
No wire feed, no moving parts to wear out. Just a fixed electrode.
HMCFab9
Well-known member
I'd spend a little more & get a Hobart MIG or look for a used Miller
If you're mainly welding rusty junk together a stick would do it for you
If you're mainly welding rusty junk together a stick would do it for you
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
Bad thing about the off brand is consumables and repair parts are hard to get. It's a shame to have an idle welder because some small part is fried.
$1500 will buy a lot of welder. Nicer machines are much easier to learn with. 240 volt machines will weld heavy iron much better. Stick isn't hard to learn but get a machine with fine tuning. The Lincoln tombstone has 25 amp jumps and can be too hot or too cold.
$1500 will buy a lot of welder. Nicer machines are much easier to learn with. 240 volt machines will weld heavy iron much better. Stick isn't hard to learn but get a machine with fine tuning. The Lincoln tombstone has 25 amp jumps and can be too hot or too cold.
readhead
Well-known member
That is why you need to have different size rods to tune up the amps. Common practice when your working at the shipyard and the machine is five decks up.
Lelandwelds
Well-known member
The better option is to find a used Dialarc, Thunderbolt, Econotwin, or the Lincoln with the big silver dial on the front. Odds are you can mount it closer than five stories.
The OP really wants a mig for small money.
c39er
Well-known member
Learning is always easier using good equipment..especially a mig machine.
Gas is better and cleaner welding for sure.
Gas is better and cleaner welding for sure.
jonesg
Well-known member
My first mig was a used lincoln for $200, I'd take that lincoln any day.
To use gas on that mastervrafy you'd be spending quite a few more bucks, proper helmet, gloves mig pliers chipper, gas nozzle, smaller electrode, liner, tank of gas, regulater, flow meter, plumbing , clamps, it adds up to over 150.
To use gas on that mastervrafy you'd be spending quite a few more bucks, proper helmet, gloves mig pliers chipper, gas nozzle, smaller electrode, liner, tank of gas, regulater, flow meter, plumbing , clamps, it adds up to over 150.
That welder is fine, but I believe that 120 V welder's are limited on the thickness of metal they will weld properly .
Your project file looks like it has some pretty thick pieces in it.
Manufacturers probably sell million of welders like the one you're looking at. Somebody must be using them to weld.
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Your project file looks like it has some pretty thick pieces in it.
Manufacturers probably sell million of welders like the one you're looking at. Somebody must be using them to weld.
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bczygan
Well-known member
Ummmmm.....
STICK!!!
STICK!!!
Wamsutta
Well-known member
It's better to learn how to weld by going in slow motion with an oxy-acetaline torch. Gives you some time to see what's going on. Just my opinion.
O/A is the way to go if you really want to see and learn the welding process.
Get a lincoln buzz box, I saw an old one at a garage sale last week for $50.
That one you show will handle little more than sheet metal....not the projects you show.
If I was doing it all over again, I'd get the buzz box and a 240V wire feed (Lincoln or Miller). O/A is probably the most expensive entry.
Some of my stuff.....
Get a lincoln buzz box, I saw an old one at a garage sale last week for $50.
That one you show will handle little more than sheet metal....not the projects you show.
If I was doing it all over again, I'd get the buzz box and a 240V wire feed (Lincoln or Miller). O/A is probably the most expensive entry.
Some of my stuff.....
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readhead
Well-known member
Lelandwelds, you are absolutely right in your assessment. In reality when you are working on a ship the machines are in racks of four to ten units that are craned onto the main weatherdeck. They are all grounded together and then you run your lead to wherever you are working. It's not stories, it's decks which are closer together but the route may involve several ups and downs to get to the space where you are working. It isn't practical to run over to the machine and adjust it. That may be a twenty minute round trip and hope you got it right.
We also would use rods to cut out minor interference because it could take a couple of hours to run a burning lead. Having three different size rods allowed for some heat adjustment.
I would agree that now that we know what the OP is welding I would recommend using a stick welder. It will be much better suited to burning through all the rust.
We also would use rods to cut out minor interference because it could take a couple of hours to run a burning lead. Having three different size rods allowed for some heat adjustment.
I would agree that now that we know what the OP is welding I would recommend using a stick welder. It will be much better suited to burning through all the rust.
strutaeng
Well-known member
For the type of steel you are wanting to start welding on, get a used "buzzbox."
I bought an old AC Miller Thunderbolt for $40 without the welding leads a few years back. I had learned "MIG" and FCAW, but wanted to learn Stick.
I bought 100' of #2 cable for leads and have been using stick for building gates and stuff around the house. Stick is great because you are only limited to the length of your leads.
Stick is more challenging to learn, but once you figure it out, you will be the $hit! If you find a AC/DC it will be even better!
I bought an old AC Miller Thunderbolt for $40 without the welding leads a few years back. I had learned "MIG" and FCAW, but wanted to learn Stick.
I bought 100' of #2 cable for leads and have been using stick for building gates and stuff around the house. Stick is great because you are only limited to the length of your leads.
Stick is more challenging to learn, but once you figure it out, you will be the $hit! If you find a AC/DC it will be even better!
OP
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
I appreciate all you guys input on this thread.
Mgdoug / Wamsutta /Showkey
Didn’t know much about the flux core aspect and the use of gas. Didn’t realize flux is for outdoor and burns that hot.
Redhead / Nemo / HMC / Leland /
I will probably go a different route, the price did have me interested wouldn’t be the first time I bought a tool and ended up selling it. Noticed a guy that has the same unit for sale but comes with a cart. He is asking $500 for it, still in the box probably won’t get rid of it until the Fathers Day sale is over. If I do upgrade I’m thinking separate units for different applications. Maybe a older 240v arc and a mig/gas unit down the road. Didn’t know about the rods having capability of controlling heat. I am a novice as you may have noted.
Have been looking for the manufacturers listed but when I do I will float it out to you guys first.
Lakeroadster
Thanks for getting me on the straight and narrow. Good info on the gas and flux. I’m going to take your advice on the stick welding. Hopefully find a good used unit. Can a person see if any potential problems exist on used?
Al Borland / C39er
Noted on learning on quality equipment. Have looked at our local vocational school and the have some classes this fall. I do know a couple of guys that weld(ed) for a living. Maybe they can get me started. Mig/Gas will be an option down the road.
Lilredex / Wamsutta /
I have cut and heated rod for bending. Was under the impression that O/A was expensive to contract tanks. But do like it for jobs it is suited for. Actually this is as close as I have come to actual welding. I realize welding is an art in its self. But I always thought anyone that can glue steel is amazing. It is kind of a bucket list thing.
Lilredex
Nice collection of gear are you a welder by trade or just follow my BIL’s motor of who ever has the most tools when they die wins.
Bczygan
Duly noted.
Zendriver
Probably will move up the food chain a bit in regards to welding unit. If I buy that one and tell my buddy (truck mounted unit) he’ll say you could have used one of mine. He is a pipeline guy and while a great guy, I’m not very good with borrowing someone else’s equipment. I’d rather break my own. If I told him I was looking for something he’d say borrow mine. So keeping it under wraps from him, he can give me some lessons instead.
Jonesg / Leland
Good grief this all costs money. But will likely go with a tried and true name. Consumables and repairs do add up much less the aggravation of not having the tool useable when you need it.
Strut
I think I will start with stick. The guys I know all are arc guys first and maybe willing to give me some pointers. But Mig will be part of my bucket list. I see more than one machine in my future.
Just thought of a guy in his late 70s early 80s who used to weld for a living. Bought himself a condo but kept his house with his garage to play around in. He may have a unit or appreciate the time to show off and pass on his talents.
Again thanks for your input and suggestions.
Mgdoug / Wamsutta /Showkey
Didn’t know much about the flux core aspect and the use of gas. Didn’t realize flux is for outdoor and burns that hot.
Redhead / Nemo / HMC / Leland /
I will probably go a different route, the price did have me interested wouldn’t be the first time I bought a tool and ended up selling it. Noticed a guy that has the same unit for sale but comes with a cart. He is asking $500 for it, still in the box probably won’t get rid of it until the Fathers Day sale is over. If I do upgrade I’m thinking separate units for different applications. Maybe a older 240v arc and a mig/gas unit down the road. Didn’t know about the rods having capability of controlling heat. I am a novice as you may have noted.
Have been looking for the manufacturers listed but when I do I will float it out to you guys first. Lakeroadster
Thanks for getting me on the straight and narrow. Good info on the gas and flux. I’m going to take your advice on the stick welding. Hopefully find a good used unit. Can a person see if any potential problems exist on used?
Al Borland / C39er
Noted on learning on quality equipment. Have looked at our local vocational school and the have some classes this fall. I do know a couple of guys that weld(ed) for a living. Maybe they can get me started. Mig/Gas will be an option down the road.
Lilredex / Wamsutta /
I have cut and heated rod for bending. Was under the impression that O/A was expensive to contract tanks. But do like it for jobs it is suited for. Actually this is as close as I have come to actual welding. I realize welding is an art in its self. But I always thought anyone that can glue steel is amazing. It is kind of a bucket list thing.
Lilredex
Nice collection of gear are you a welder by trade or just follow my BIL’s motor of who ever has the most tools when they die wins.
Bczygan
Duly noted.
Zendriver
Probably will move up the food chain a bit in regards to welding unit. If I buy that one and tell my buddy (truck mounted unit) he’ll say you could have used one of mine. He is a pipeline guy and while a great guy, I’m not very good with borrowing someone else’s equipment. I’d rather break my own. If I told him I was looking for something he’d say borrow mine. So keeping it under wraps from him, he can give me some lessons instead.
Jonesg / Leland
Good grief this all costs money. But will likely go with a tried and true name. Consumables and repairs do add up much less the aggravation of not having the tool useable when you need it.
Strut
I think I will start with stick. The guys I know all are arc guys first and maybe willing to give me some pointers. But Mig will be part of my bucket list. I see more than one machine in my future.
Just thought of a guy in his late 70s early 80s who used to weld for a living. Bought himself a condo but kept his house with his garage to play around in. He may have a unit or appreciate the time to show off and pass on his talents.
Again thanks for your input and suggestions.
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Just my opinion but this thread seems like, someone wanted to learn how to fly an airplane and it ended up the only way it could be done was to buy a boeing 747.
There are a number of YouTube videos on this actual welder (countless others from welders just like this one) where they all weld with the results seem to be more dependent on the skills of the welder, just like one that cost $1500.
Really For 200 bucks, you really can't go wrong at this point you don't even know if you will like welding or not. If you do, you can always upgrade later when you know exactly what you want or if not you can sit this welder in the corner and forget about it.
You can absolutely flux weld indoors and I've just recently sold my ac/D.C. stick welder because I got tired of tripping over it, since it is unneed it almost every welding application except very heavy stuff and way harder to learn on than a wire feed welder
Keep it simple.
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There are a number of YouTube videos on this actual welder (countless others from welders just like this one) where they all weld with the results seem to be more dependent on the skills of the welder, just like one that cost $1500.
Really For 200 bucks, you really can't go wrong at this point you don't even know if you will like welding or not. If you do, you can always upgrade later when you know exactly what you want or if not you can sit this welder in the corner and forget about it.
You can absolutely flux weld indoors and I've just recently sold my ac/D.C. stick welder because I got tired of tripping over it, since it is unneed it almost every welding application except very heavy stuff and way harder to learn on than a wire feed welder
Keep it simple.
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lakeroadster
Well-known member
If you can't weld yourself then don't buy one unless the seller plugs it in and welds with it.
They are pretty bullet proof.
Simple meaning what?
The Lincoln AC stick welder is the simplest to own, money wise, consumables and maintenance.
Wire feed machines are by no means simple in that regard.
Based on what the OP stated in this thread he wants to use the welder for, stick is the right choice.
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I'm just going by my experiences, for my recommendation, especially since the OP is training himself.
I actually learned to weld, on a tombstone, but I had someone knowledgeable, pick the rods, help set the heat, etc. to help me get going. this was of course, before the internet, so I guess I could have eventually figured out out my self. I could weld pretty good, but did not do much more after that time.
Until 30 years later, when I purchased an relatively inexpensive 120v wire welder, to flux weld some farm equipment.
Never used one before and I was up and putting down a bead (not a pretty one) in about 5 minutes, soon completing the job.
I just don't understand the perceived difficulty in using a wire welder, especially since that seems to be what everybody uses now days and the quality, of even the cheapest models, gets the job done..
Tombstones are great welders, but they require 220v proper rod selection and are really not all that, for welding thinner material.
I agree that the OP had some thick pieces he wanted to weld, but he likely has some thinner pieces that he could practice on until he gains more experience and decides what he really needs ($$$).
A lot of those that weld, have more than one welder anyway, a heavy stick welder for rare occasions and a wire welder, they use all of the time.
This is all just my opinion.
c39er
Well-known member
When I went to welding school in 1969...
Started out...
3 months learning OA..
Then a year doing stick..
Following 6 months doing MIG.. steel and spool gun.
last was GTAW.
That's the way to learn back then...
Learn with the OA torch to be able to move the puddle and manipulate the torch/gun .
Started out...
3 months learning OA..
Then a year doing stick..
Following 6 months doing MIG.. steel and spool gun.
last was GTAW.
That's the way to learn back then...
Learn with the OA torch to be able to move the puddle and manipulate the torch/gun .
lakeroadster
Well-known member
A lot of those that weld, have more than one welder anyway, a heavy stick welder for rare occasions and a wire welder, they use all of the time.
This is all just my opinion.
That's me too.
I've got a Lincoln tombstone that I haven't used for 20 years, a Lincoln 110 Volt Mig and an Esab Multi-Master.
None of that matters. I am not welding what the OP will be welding, are you?
Stick is the only choice for the stuff he is wanting to weld... and nickle rod may be the only thing that works on these pieces..
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anndel
Well-known member
Hobart Handler 140
Good point and my bad.
Yes, a stick welder, running nickel rod, is exactly what someone who has never welded before, needs.
AldeanFan
Well-known member
That’s basically the same welder i started with, but 20 years ago they were red. My dad bought one at Canadian tire but he didn’t know how to weld either.
I taught myself welding on the floor pans of my high school car in my parents driveway. Anyone who says you can’t do body work with a 120 flux mig hasn’t tried.
Any welder will make metal stick together.
When I got my own house and garage I bought a Lincoln 140 gas mig from Canadian tire on sale. It has done everything I’ve needed. I figure anything my welder won’t do should be done by a pro anyway. I wouldn’t trust my life to a roll cage made in a home garage anyway
After learning on the flux wire, moving up to a gas mig made welding so much more enjoyable.
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I taught myself welding on the floor pans of my high school car in my parents driveway. Anyone who says you can’t do body work with a 120 flux mig hasn’t tried.
Any welder will make metal stick together.
When I got my own house and garage I bought a Lincoln 140 gas mig from Canadian tire on sale. It has done everything I’ve needed. I figure anything my welder won’t do should be done by a pro anyway. I wouldn’t trust my life to a roll cage made in a home garage anyway
After learning on the flux wire, moving up to a gas mig made welding so much more enjoyable.
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earlthegoat2
Well-known member
I have an AC/DC Lincoln tombstone as my only welder and so far I have been able to make it work from heavy equipment repair to general fabrication and light to medium duty trailer building and repair.
I don't think anyone is saying MIG or Flux core is hard to learn. I learned them I after I learned stick welding so it was easy enough. However, if you have no welding experience, I think the intuitiveness of a MIG gun and a little trial and error on voltage and wire feed speed cannot be all that hard. Again, this is coming from someone who learned stick first.
I was never good at OxyFuel welding until after I learned stick. I typical educational progression at trade schools is Oxy/Acetylene, SMAW(Stick), MIG/FCAW(Flux Core), TIG. Sometimes Flux core is taught last. The most time is spent on stick welding because the trade schools are trying to train you for the real money making jobs in welding which are mostly all stick welding based. Pipelines, ship fitting, bridge building, etc.
I have a decent amount of professional welding experience though I am not doing that anymore. I have welded pipeline before so I have a lot of stick experience. I have also worked in a custom fab shop for light and medium duty trucks and trailers which was nearly all MIG. That shop could have benefitted from a 250-300 amp stick machine but it was not strictly necessary.
Still though, my own personal and sole welder is a Lincoln tombstone I bought used. Cheap and reliable and very versatile once you get the hang of it.
I don't think anyone is saying MIG or Flux core is hard to learn. I learned them I after I learned stick welding so it was easy enough. However, if you have no welding experience, I think the intuitiveness of a MIG gun and a little trial and error on voltage and wire feed speed cannot be all that hard. Again, this is coming from someone who learned stick first.
I was never good at OxyFuel welding until after I learned stick. I typical educational progression at trade schools is Oxy/Acetylene, SMAW(Stick), MIG/FCAW(Flux Core), TIG. Sometimes Flux core is taught last. The most time is spent on stick welding because the trade schools are trying to train you for the real money making jobs in welding which are mostly all stick welding based. Pipelines, ship fitting, bridge building, etc.
I have a decent amount of professional welding experience though I am not doing that anymore. I have welded pipeline before so I have a lot of stick experience. I have also worked in a custom fab shop for light and medium duty trucks and trailers which was nearly all MIG. That shop could have benefitted from a 250-300 amp stick machine but it was not strictly necessary.
Still though, my own personal and sole welder is a Lincoln tombstone I bought used. Cheap and reliable and very versatile once you get the hang of it.
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woodturner9
Well-known member
I mostly use my flux core on thin sheet metal for auto body repair, it works fine. You just have to set the dials to the proper range.
FWIW I have the Eastwood 135 unit, paid $200 shipped on a sale price. Visit their page, look at that welder, then watch the clickbait ads as you travel around the web, that offer will pop up soon.
woodturner9
Well-known member
Not to derail the thread, but while I have a dual unit I have been using the flux core because I can't figure out a practical solution for gas.
I weld a couple times a year, not every day. Most places want to rent the tanks, won't refill tanks out of date, so no HF tanks filled every couple of years. Any thoughts or solutions to getting gas that is not a rental and not prohibitively expensive for infrequent use?
woodturner9
Well-known member
Can you say more about that? Seems like the common parts - tips, wire, etc. - are standard among all the machines. What parts are not?
Might also be a reason to prefer Eastwood, since they support their products.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
The best solution is the AHP AlphaTig 200. It is an exceptional AC/DC stick welder, although AHP would prefer you don't use it for AC stick it can be used for this purpose, It runs 6011 rod great on Electrode Positive and 6011 can burn through anything including paint. For the fine stuff it is an excellent TIG but for TIG you have to have clean metal not that rusty junk. It can also do aluminum. I payed $680 + shipping on Amazon and I'm amazed at how good of a machine it is.
Everlast makes some nice MIG/Stick machines that would be good for you too. I think for stuff like that you need Stick for sure. Flux core MIG would work too.
Everlast makes some nice MIG/Stick machines that would be good for you too. I think for stuff like that you need Stick for sure. Flux core MIG would work too.
OP
Miss the Pontiacs
Well-known member
Zendriver
I bought the unit I originally pictured. Have my feelers out for an old stick unit. I’ll be checking out the videos on the subject and talking with some buddies. My was chatting with an old school mate who I don’t see too often. Asked him if he welded he mentioned stick welding a bit years ago. He said he bought a welder about a year ago and it still is unopened.
Lake
Good point on seeing the unit in action. Makes sense that an old stick welder never dies. I think I will dabble a bit with my purchase before jumping into the old steel. Never knew about nickel rod before. I will do a little googling on this also. My buddy would probably school me on the nickel rod since you have my attention.
C39er
Makes sense doing the OA route first, but tank contracts are expensive from what I have heard. Even I would like an OA unit for cutting. Did continue with welding after school? I always thought it was a great trade.
Anndel
Thanks for your suggestion.
Aldean
Point taken, I guess we all start someplace. Glad it worked out for you.
Earl
Sounds like you are well versed in the world of welding. I might just phone an old buddy who went welding 40+ years ago. We haven’t chatted in just as along. If you were Dennisthegoat2, I probably would be hunting you down.
Dnschmidt
Appreciate the suggestion, checked it out appears to have good ratings. If I could locate one it would run me about $950 CDN. I will work with my $250 welder for now but as I say never say never.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and knowledge I do appreciate your help.
I bought the unit I originally pictured. Have my feelers out for an old stick unit. I’ll be checking out the videos on the subject and talking with some buddies. My was chatting with an old school mate who I don’t see too often. Asked him if he welded he mentioned stick welding a bit years ago. He said he bought a welder about a year ago and it still is unopened.
Lake
Good point on seeing the unit in action. Makes sense that an old stick welder never dies. I think I will dabble a bit with my purchase before jumping into the old steel. Never knew about nickel rod before. I will do a little googling on this also. My buddy would probably school me on the nickel rod since you have my attention.
C39er
Makes sense doing the OA route first, but tank contracts are expensive from what I have heard. Even I would like an OA unit for cutting. Did continue with welding after school? I always thought it was a great trade.
Anndel
Thanks for your suggestion.
Aldean
Point taken, I guess we all start someplace. Glad it worked out for you.
Earl
Sounds like you are well versed in the world of welding. I might just phone an old buddy who went welding 40+ years ago. We haven’t chatted in just as along. If you were Dennisthegoat2, I probably would be hunting you down.
Dnschmidt
Appreciate the suggestion, checked it out appears to have good ratings. If I could locate one it would run me about $950 CDN. I will work with my $250 welder for now but as I say never say never.
Thanks everyone for your suggestions and knowledge I do appreciate your help.
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