bhicks
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Forest Falls, CA
So I bought this little Flux welder at harborfreight. I had been waiting for one to go on sale for a while. It went to $89.99 and I then dropped my 20% coupon on it and got a great deal. I picked up a mask, welding gloves, welding jacket, and some hand tools for welding. I'm pretty set with what I need, but I'm clueless. I know that flux isn't the most desired version of welding, but I'm not a fabricator. I will only use this for small occassional projects and I don't mind the extra time in removing the slag and grinding off the splater.
http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-68887.html
So here's my question. What flux wire should I run? The machine says I can run .030 or .035 only. The machine came with a 1lb. spool of .035 but the reviews said it's total crap and I should pick up some lincoln flux wire. When I went to buy some there seemed to be a few different kinds and I left scratching my head. First off, what's the difference (other then thickness) of the .030 and .035.? What applications are they for? Most of my welding will be with 3/16" plate and thiner and maybe some .120 wall dom. In regards to the types of wire that said "flux" on it, I found; metal-cored flux wire, gas-shielded flux cored, and self-shielded flux core. My thinking was that I wanted the self-shielded flux core in the .035 thickness, but I wasn't sure. I definately need some advice here and if anyone would like to show me how to use this little machine that would be awesome. I have read the manual, done some online research and watched a lot of welding videos so I understand the basics, but actaully watching someone in peson use the machine would give me a lot more confidence.
http://www.harborfreight.com/90-amp-flux-wire-welder-68887.html
So here's my question. What flux wire should I run? The machine says I can run .030 or .035 only. The machine came with a 1lb. spool of .035 but the reviews said it's total crap and I should pick up some lincoln flux wire. When I went to buy some there seemed to be a few different kinds and I left scratching my head. First off, what's the difference (other then thickness) of the .030 and .035.? What applications are they for? Most of my welding will be with 3/16" plate and thiner and maybe some .120 wall dom. In regards to the types of wire that said "flux" on it, I found; metal-cored flux wire, gas-shielded flux cored, and self-shielded flux core. My thinking was that I wanted the self-shielded flux core in the .035 thickness, but I wasn't sure. I definately need some advice here and if anyone would like to show me how to use this little machine that would be awesome. I have read the manual, done some online research and watched a lot of welding videos so I understand the basics, but actaully watching someone in peson use the machine would give me a lot more confidence.