How to MIG Weld with Flux Core Wire?

Select the right welder, set optimal voltage and wire speed, maintain steady hand movement, and clean the weld bead post-welding.

Choosing the Right MIG Welder

• Type of Power Source: When selecting a MIG welder, you’ll often have to choose between 110V and 220V power sources. The 110V welders are suitable for light tasks and are generally more portable. However, 220V welders are powerful and better suited for heavy-duty tasks.
• Duty Cycle: A welder’s duty cycle indicates the amount of time it can run without overheating. For instance, a duty cycle of 20% at 200A means the welder can operate for 2 minutes out of every 10 at 200 amperes. Choose based on your intended usage.
• Power Output and Amperage Range: For home-based tasks, a power output of around 140A might suffice. But for industrial tasks, you may need upwards of 200A.
• Size and Weight: Portable MIG welders weigh around 50-70 pounds, which makes them ideal for on-the-go tasks.
• Cost: The price range for MIG welders can vary significantly, from $300 for basic models to $2,000 for more advanced units. Establish a budget before shopping.

Understanding Flux Core Wire Types

• E71T-1: This is the most common type of flux core wire. It offers great performance, especially on thicker metals.
• E71T-11: Suitable for those who do not possess a lot of welding experience. It’s often used for simple jobs or in windy outdoor conditions.
• E71T-GS: Works best with the 110V MIG welders. It’s ideal for thin metal sheets.
• Specifications: Check wire diameter and spool size before buying. Common diameters include 0.030″ and 0.035″, while spool sizes range from 2 pounds to 10 pounds.
• Quality: Always opt for renowned brands. Poor quality wire can lead to issues like increased spatter.

Essential Welding Accessories

• Welding Helmet: Invest in a quality auto-darkening helmet. Prices can range from $50 for basic models to $400 for high-end models. The helmet protects your eyes and face from the intense light and heat.
• Welding Gloves: These are designed to withstand the high temperatures of welding, offering protection against burns. Quality gloves can cost between $20 to $50.
• Welding Jacket: Made of flame-resistant materials, it protects the welder from sparks and spatter. Prices can vary, but expect to spend around $30 to $100.
• MIG Welding Pliers: These are multifunctional tools used for cleaning the weld seam, cutting wire, and removing spatter. They typically cost around $15 to $40.

Setting up Your Welder

Wire Feed Speed and Voltage Selection

One of the most critical settings on a MIG welder is the wire feed speed and voltage. The right balance ensures optimal weld quality, penetration, and appearance.

• Wire Feed Speed: This determines how fast the wire is fed to the weld joint. For a 0.030″ wire, starting speeds of 100 to 120 inches per minute (IPM) can be optimal. However, for a 0.035″ wire, you might begin with speeds around 150 to 180 IPM. The thicker the material, the higher the speed you might require. Refer to your welder’s manual for precise recommendations.
• Voltage Setting: Voltage affects the arc’s length and quality. For thinner materials (e.g., 24-gauge), around 15V could be suitable. Conversely, for 1/8″ thick steel, you might set the voltage closer to 19V or 20V.
• Balancing the Two: It’s essential to find the right balance between voltage and wire feed speed. Too high a voltage with slow wire speed can lead to excessive burn-through. Conversely, a speedy wire feed with low voltage may produce a tall, narrow bead with inadequate penetration.

Gasless MIG Welding Considerations

Gasless MIG welding, or flux core welding, doesn’t use shielding gas. Instead, the wire itself has a flux compound that provides the necessary shield from the atmospheric gases.

• Advantages: This method is particularly suitable for outdoor welding where wind can blow away shielding gas. Additionally, the setup cost can be lower since there’s no need to purchase gas cylinders.
• Flux Core Wire Selection: For gasless welding, ensure you’re using the right type of flux core wire. E71T-GS is a common choice for DIY and hobbyist welders.
• Voltage and Speed: Generally, flux core welding requires a slightly higher voltage setting compared to MIG welding. You might also need a faster wire feed speed because the flux core wire burns away quicker.

Proper Grounding Techniques

Good grounding is crucial for safety and achieving a stable arc.

• Placement of the Ground Clamp: Ideally, the ground clamp should be placed as close to the welding area as possible. This ensures a shorter pathway for the electrical current and reduces the chance of interference.
• Clean Contact: Ensure that the surface where you place your ground clamp is clean and free from paint, rust, or dirt. These can act as insulators, disrupting the current flow. For an optimal ground, you might sometimes need to grind the surface slightly to ensure direct metal-to-metal contact.
• Grounding Cable: Ensure your grounding cable is of high quality, and regularly inspect it for damage. A good cable should have a diameter of around 6 to 8 AWG for most general welding tasks.
• Safety: Always remember that improper grounding can be a significant safety hazard. Not only can it damage your equipment, but it can also pose electrocution risks. Regularly inspect and ensure your grounding setup is optimal.

MIG

TIG

Welding Techniques with Flux Core Wire

The Importance of a Steady Hand

Maintaining a steady hand while welding is crucial for producing even, strong, and aesthetically pleasing weld beads.

• Consistent Travel Speed: Traveling at a consistent speed ensures the weld bead is even. Too fast can lead to a thin bead with poor penetration, while too slow can cause burn-through. Practice on scrap materials to find your ideal speed.
• Stance and Grip: Maintain a comfortable stance with your feet shoulder-width apart. Use both hands for stability—one to hold the torch and the other to support and guide your dominant hand. This reduces the chance of shaking or sudden movements.
• Torch Angle: Holding the torch at a 45-degree angle to the workpiece can provide optimal shielding and penetration. Consistency in the torch angle reduces the likelihood of porosity and other weld defects.

Different Welding Positions

The position in which you weld can impact bead formation and penetration. Familiarizing oneself with various positions ensures versatility and better results.

• Flat Position (1G): This is the most basic position where the plate is lying flat, and the welder moves the torch horizontally. It’s typically the easiest as gravity assists in bead formation.
• Horizontal Position (2G): Welding is done on the vertical face of a workpiece lying in a horizontal plane. It requires steady upward and side-to-side movement.
• Vertical Position (3G): The welder welds vertically upwards on a piece. It’s trickier because one has to combat gravity. The key is to move slightly faster and reduce the voltage by 1-2V compared to flat welding.
• Overhead Position (4G): Arguably the most challenging, welding is done beneath the workpiece. It requires utmost skill and practice, as gravity can cause the molten metal to drip. Reducing wire feed speed can help control the weld pool.

More about welding positions can be found on this Wikipedia link.

Tips for Clean and Strong Welds

Achieving clean and robust welds not only looks good but ensures the longevity and strength of the joint.

• Clean the Surface: Always clean the metal surface before welding. Remove rust, paint, oil, or any contaminants. This ensures better penetration and reduces chances of porosity.
• Choose the Right Parameters: As discussed earlier, wire feed speed and voltage play a significant role. Ensure you set them according to the material thickness and type of flux core wire.
• Consistent Wire Stick-Out: Maintain a wire stick-out (the length of wire from the tip of the welding gun) of about 1/4 to 3/8 inch. This allows for a stable arc and reduces spatter.
• Avoid Long Arcs: A long arc can increase spatter, reduce penetration, and introduce more contaminants into the weld. Keep the wire close to the workpiece.
• Post-Weld Cleaning: After completing the weld, use a wire brush or chipping hammer to remove slag and spatter. This not only improves the appearance but also allows for better inspection of the weld quality.

Post-Welding Practices

Cleaning the Weld Bead

Once you’ve finished your weld, it’s essential to clean the weld bead to ensure its longevity and strength.

• Wire Brushing: Use a wire brush to scrub off the slag and any other contaminants from the weld bead. A stainless steel brush is particularly effective for this purpose.
• Chipping Hammer: A chipping hammer comes in handy for knocking off slag, especially in tight spaces or if the slag is particularly stubborn.
• Grinding: If you want a smooth, finished appearance, you can use an angle grinder to smooth out the weld bead. Make sure to use a grinding disc suitable for metal, and remember, grinders can cost anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on the brand and specifications.
• Degreasing: Any residual oils or contaminants can lead to corrosion over time. Use a degreasing agent or solvent (like acetone) to wipe down the welded area. Always wear gloves to protect your skin from chemicals.

Inspecting the Weld for Defects

A vital step post-welding is to inspect your work. This ensures safety, especially if the welded component will be bearing loads.

• Visual Inspection: Check the weld bead for consistency, ensuring there are no gaps, excessive spatter, or irregularities.
• Porosity Check: Tiny holes or bubbles in the weld bead can compromise its strength. If you spot these, they indicate porosity, often due to contaminants or shielding issues during welding.
• Crack Detection: Look for any small cracks or fissures in the weld bead. Cracks can propagate over time, leading to weld failure.
• Penetrant Testing: This is a more advanced inspection method where a dye or liquid is applied to the weld. It seeps into any defects, making them visible after wiping off the excess. Kits for this can range from $20 to $100.
• Ultrasonic Testing: For critical applications, ultrasonic testing can be used to detect even microscopic defects within the weld. This method uses sound waves to detect anomalies.

Properly Storing the Equipment

To ensure the longevity of your welding equipment and for safety reasons, proper storage is a must.

• Welder Storage: Store your welder in a dry, dust-free environment. If possible, cover it with a protective cloth or welding machine cover.
• Wire Storage: Flux core wire, being hygroscopic, can absorb moisture. Store it in a sealed container, preferably with some desiccant packets. Depending on the size, wire spools can range from $10 to $100.
• Gas Cylinders (if used): While this is about flux core (gasless) welding, if you have gas cylinders for other welding processes, ensure they’re stored upright and chained or strapped to prevent tipping. Keep them away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
• Accessory Storage: Items like helmets, gloves, and protective gear should be kept in a clean and dry place. Regularly inspect them for wear and tear. A complete welding gear set, including helmet, gloves, and apron, can cost anywhere from $100 to $500.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Addressing Spatter Issues

Spatter refers to the tiny droplets of molten metal that fly off from the welding area. Not only can they create a mess on the workpiece, but they can also compromise the weld’s quality.

• Causes of Spatter:
  • Incorrect Voltage: Setting the voltage too high or too low can result in spatter. Make sure you consult the user manual of your welding machine for ideal voltage settings for different materials and thicknesses.
  • Dirty Work Surface: Contaminants like rust, paint, or grease can cause spatter. Always ensure the workpiece is clean before starting.
• Solutions:
  • Anti-Spatter Spray: Available at most welding supply shops, this spray can be applied to the area around the weld. It prevents spatter from sticking, making clean-up easier. These sprays generally cost between $5 to $20 per can.
  • Correct Wire Stick-Out: Ensure that the wire stick-out (length of wire from the gun tip) is consistent, ideally between 1/4 to 3/8 inch.

Avoiding Porosity in Welds

Porosity refers to small holes or voids in a weld bead. They can severely reduce the strength and integrity of a weld.

• Causes of Porosity:
  • Contaminants: Oils, rust, or other contaminants can introduce gases into the weld, leading to porosity.
  • Shielding Problems: In gas-shielded welding processes, wind or drafts can blow away the shielding gas, leading to porosity. Though flux core is gasless, the shielding is provided by the flux in the wire, which can be affected if the wire is old or stored improperly.
• Solutions:
  • Clean the Surface: Use a wire brush, grinder, or solvent to ensure the workpiece is entirely free of contaminants.
  • Proper Wire Storage: Store your flux core wire in a dry environment to prevent moisture absorption, which can lead to porosity.

Dealing with Incomplete Fusion

Incomplete fusion happens when the weld metal doesn’t fully merge with the base metal or when two filler metal beads don’t adequately fuse to each other.

• Causes of Incomplete Fusion:
  • Low Heat Input: Insufficient power can prevent the weld metal from penetrating the base metal.
  • Incorrect Gun Angle: Holding the gun at a wrong angle can lead to inadequate fusion, especially at the sides of the weld bead.
• Solutions:
  • Adjust Voltage and Wire Speed: Ensure that the settings are ideal for the material thickness and type of wire you’re using.
  • Maintain a Consistent Torch Angle: Typically, a 45-degree angle is recommended, but this can vary based on the weld’s specifics.

Advantages and Limitations of Flux Core MIG Welding

Benefits Over Other Welding Processes

Flux core MIG welding has several advantages when compared to other welding methods:

• Versatility: Suitable for both thick and thin materials. Whether it’s heavy structural steel or thin sheet metal, flux core MIG welding can handle a variety of material thicknesses.
• Speed: Generally, flux core welding can deposit more material faster than other processes like TIG welding. This means projects can often be completed quicker, leading to time savings.
• No Need for Shielding Gas: Unlike traditional MIG welding, there’s no need to purchase or store shielding gas cylinders. This can lead to cost savings, as cylinders can range from $50 to $300 depending on size and gas type.
• Outdoor Suitability: Flux core welding is less susceptible to wind or air drafts compared to gas-shielded processes. This makes it ideal for outdoor projects, where shielding gases can be blown away, compromising weld quality.
• Less Equipment: With the absence of gas, there’s no need for gas regulators, hoses, or tanks. This reduces the initial investment for equipment.

For a detailed breakdown of various welding processes, consider this Wikipedia article on welding.

Potential Downsides and Limitations

While flux core MIG welding offers numerous advantages, it’s not without its limitations:

• Spatter: Flux core welding often produces more spatter compared to other methods, which can lead to additional post-welding cleanup.
• Aesthetics: The weld beads may not be as neat or visually appealing as those produced by TIG welding, for example.
• Slag: The flux inside the wire can leave behind a slag covering on the weld bead. While this slag can be chipped off, it’s an extra step not required in traditional MIG welding.
• Cost of Wire: Flux-cored wire is generally more expensive than solid MIG wire. Depending on the wire’s quality and diameter, prices can range from $10 to $50 per spool.
• Not Suitable for All Metals: While versatile, flux core welding isn’t ideal for some materials, like aluminum, which may require other welding techniques.
• Smoke and Fumes: Flux core welding can produce more smoke and fumes than other welding methods. Proper ventilation and safety gear, like a welding respirator, are crucial.