Flux Core Welders

[Maritime]

OK, So I have been thinking about getting a welder and Princess Auto (Canadian harbor Freight) has one on sale I could maybe swing the $$ for. It is a flux core 110 volt welder. What I want to know is would I be able to weld a few things with that. I want to weld my exaust pipes together, pipe to pipe and pipe to muffler and weld some tabs to the frame etc. I also have been thinking about cutting my tank and re shaping it to a better shape and to hold more fuel. Would these jobs be ok for a Flux core? I also have some small body work jobs I may need to weld some new sheet metal in to do it. What i want to know is a flux core capable of welding good enough welds for these types of tasks? And yes I know I will have to be a good enough welder. Basically, I want to learn, don't have any friends with a welder closer than 2 hours away. Would a flux core welder be a good start, and after I can draw a bead will it be able to weld the few things I need it to. Any help would be appreciated. If I end up getting to be a decent welder I can upgrade down the road.

Cheers,

Maritime

 

[jay_kent]

Flux core won't be as pretty as one with gas. If you could hold out I'd try to get one that can do both.
That being said the 110 won't be welding any buildings anytime soon but you should be able to do what you want with it.
I'm using a power mig 200 220volt welder with .035" flux core wire. Works great outside but for welding things thin like a gas tank or sheet metal the wire is still to big and blows holes quickly. I should say that I've only been using it for a short time and mostly on thicker material.

Can you get different drive wheels for it? so you can go to a thinner wire for welding the thin stuff?

It's mostly if the welder has enough output.

 

[Garage_guy_chris]

flux core is messy like stick welding, you would be able to do some light stuff, but i doubt you could make anything fuel or exhaust proof, Once you get good at it you can have ok results. I highly suggest looking for a better machine, those cheapo chinese machines princess auto sells are junk, to begin with and there are no parts available for them should you need them. then they just dont last or work worth a damn. I had one i know. If i were you, i would save a little more money and look into one of these (below) or look around on Kijiji and or Craigslist for a used MIG machine, There usually a few around and can be had for about 1/2 of retail.

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=59618

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/Catalog/equipmentdatasheet.aspx?p=59619

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00234

http://www.millerwelds.com/products/mig/product.php?model=M00209

Lowe's seems to have both the lincoln's for a reasonable price.

http://www.lowes.com/SearchCatalogDisplay?storeId=10151&langId=-1&catalogId=10051&N=0&newSearch=true&Ntt=welder


You can start with flux core if you want in these machines then get a bottle and go proper MIG. Mig wire is like 1/4 the price of flux core, and a small bottle will run you about $150 to buy and $30-$40 a fill. which in all likeliness will last 6months to a year per fill.

The other thing is with a 110v machine you should really have a dedicated line, because they use all the power a 15A circuit can offer, so if there is other stuff on the circuit its to be used on you may want to consider a dedicated outlet. But if your gonna go that far make it a 220v 30A and step up to a low end 220V machine, with either the lincoln or miller 180 they will do pretty much anything bike related. while the cheaper 110v machines they will be lacking if you ever wanna do frame modifications, or do something like build a trailer or of the like. I have a miller 210 which is one step up from the 180 and it is fantastic it has paid for itself 10 times over.

If you have any more questions or need some more help, Id be glad to help out,

 

[Druro]

My experience with the fluxcore is that it isn't great at doing exhausts.

As they have mentioned, wait for a good gas model (lincoln/miller/hobart, etc).

I bought one of those flux only models, and I realize the limits pretty quick. If you are wanting something sooner (total understand that), get a model which can run either gas or fluxcore.... give you flexibility.

 

[Maritime]

Thanks guys, I think I will take your advice. I actually found out my wife's cousin has a MIG that I can go over and play with, lives an hour away but we can make a Saturday visit and I can bring the stuff I want to weld there. Then wait to be able to afford a better setup. I need a garage too and might as well get a 220 setup when I can finally afford it.

Thanks again.

 

[JRK5892]

i use my 110 to tack stuff up all the time, got a miller... then i can go back and tig it all if needed... still learning man. i have a great welder in the shop now that is really a great teacher... he has been working with me for a few months on my welding now... but for making brackets, stuff aroudn the shop, and tacking stuff, the 110 is my go to

 

[DBC]

for sheet metal, I use an Oxygen/Acetylene torch welder. I get great looking welds and very little distortion. For brackets and structural steel, I use a 110 Miller MIG.

 

[4eyes]

Definately save-up for the gas shielded vs. flux core. And when buying gas, spring for the argon or argon/CO2 mix vs. straight CO2.
I have a 20 year old Craftsman 110 mig that has a reversable drive wheel that uses IIRC .035 or .020 wire. With thick wire and high heat I can weld eighth of an inch thick mild steel no problem. With the .020 wire and low heat it is perfect for bodywork. I do use a very heavy extension wire, and plug in at the breaker-box for adequate current.

 

[Maritime]

Yes, the more I read and the more you guys tell me I think I will wait until I can afford the right setup. My wifes uncle is a welder, and a good one, has been welding for 50+ years on every kind of metal. I think I will talk with him the next family GTG and see if he will teach me some stuff. I want to learn and maybe that will be better than buying a cheap welder. I can get him to teach me then buy a good welder to have. I can wire up a 220 plug in my house, I have he room in my panel, then I can do it right.


Thanks for the input.

Much appreciated.

 

[Aetsh]

I got a fluxy, and while its good for non essential stuff, like tabs, plate/light brackets and other small stuff, I wish I saved the $100 towards a miller or lincoln mig..I wouldn't trust it doing pipes, or thin sheet like tank metal..let alone anything like frame touch ups or something I'd actually have to "trust" under my body/bike

Best thing to do is use your buddys and save..It will be way more worth it in the end

 

[Maritime]

Thanks, from the sounds of it, I will get what I pay for and so i will save for the MIG and just have to be patient. I know we are going to my Wife's folks in early Feb for her mom's B-day, here uncle is a welder and has been doing it for 50 years so I will see if maybe he can spend some time showing me stuff and helping with the welds I need right now.

Thanks guys.