flux core wire

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Apr 20, 2003 | 04:46 PM

maximumhorsepower

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From: Utah

flux core wire

I am going to buy a small welder and was wondering if flux core wire would be acceptable for bodywork.

Apr 20, 2003 | 07:20 PM

Huntsman

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From: Northwest Fl

flux core wire

You may be more successful with it but I was not. After trying the flux core wire several times trying to get everything right, I gave up.

My welder sat in the corner for 3 years, till I decided to try the gas set up and it made all the difference in the world. With just a little practice I can weld in patch panels where needed without any hesitation.

Apr 20, 2003 | 07:59 PM

Mike W

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From: Central Kali

flux core wire

I use CO2. I tried a roll of flux core. It would be ok for an inch or less and then be erractic. Also had a lot of smoke with it. I would get the gas setup.

Apr 20, 2003 | 08:06 PM

c_rossman

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From: Cloud USA

flux core wire

Flux core burns alot hotter you probably be too hot for sheet metal. You would be best going with a C-25 Gas mixture of 75% Argon and 25%CO2, Plain CO2 Burns hot also.

Apr 21, 2003 | 12:53 AM

cid

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flux core wire

I like the argon co2 mix too. I use a smaller diameter wire with .025 tip on the mig. I try to run the mig at the highest amperage I can get away with without burning through. I find I am able to produce nice flat welds with minimal grinding. I keep the weld bursts short so heat is of no concern. I dont think the small mig welders being sold at hardware stores come with a regulator and tank. You can expect to spend a up to a $150 on these items. Out of the box welding on these machines is meant to be done on bar stock or plate metal. Using these welders for autobody work is considered special work so you need to buy the accessories. Ive used these machines and they do work very well as long as you have the proper gas mix and have spent time playing around with the heat settings and wire speed.

PS seems that 20-30 at the regulator seems to be a universal setting for the argon/Co2 mix unless anyone else has found different?

Apr 21, 2003 | 12:26 PM

maximumhorsepower

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From: Utah

flux core wire

I thought that all I was supposed to be doing on patches was tack welds and short beads so it doesn't overheat. So why would it welding hotter be a problem?

Apr 24, 2003 | 12:26 AM

cid

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flux core wire

On flat panels even minimal heat will cause distortion that will extend the damaged area. Heat moves through the steel. The steel will warp if not supported. On areas that have body lines I like to use more voltage to run a flatter weld thus less or no grinding.

PS: in keeping with the body lines concept;

Body lines provide support for the surrounding sheet metal that is being heated. When fixing dents remember last in is first out. This means that supporting areas around a dent ie body lines, need to be attended to first. The body lines provide support for the dented area thus keeping the dented metal in a concave state.