flux ok or no go

More of an art than a science - discuss metalworking and welding here.



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PostPosted: Sat Nov 15, 2014 4:23 pm
New member here, I've visited this site many times and finally joined a little while ago. I am about to start body work on my goat (69 GTO) and I have researched a lot about welding and it seems 90% of welders say welding body panels with flux is no no. I'm just wondering if it is possible and just difficult or not doable? It seems flux costs more and for the amount of welding I am going to do, seems a waste. I can find flux core welders dime a dozen cheap, any input, advice or opinion it appreciated. Thanks

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PostPosted: Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:17 pm
It's more difficult to get a good weld with gas-less flux core welding, and you are basically leaving an acid in the weld. So I vote 'no' on flux core welding on automotive restoration work.



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PostPosted: Sat Nov 15, 2014 9:45 pm
That is what I have been reading, I was hoping the only issue was that it would be extremely hard but possible. Looks like I will be biting the bullet and try to find a deal on a gas mig welder, thanks, more questions to come I'm sure.

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PostPosted: Sun Nov 16, 2014 9:15 am
You will be glad you bought the gas MIG when all is said and done. The welds are much cleaner with less splatter.
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PostPosted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 9:49 pm
Now to try and find one without breaking the bank. My brother just told me he has a welder, a Lincoln 175 plus, which he had for 10 years sitting around, and I didn't even know. I looked at it and the (copper appearing) wire real was full of rust and will not pull out of the hose assembly, so it looks like I am better off looking for another.

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PostPosted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 9:29 am
Lincoln makes good welders; if it is otherwise ok you might look into finding replacement parts for it.

Keep in mind that a decent welder is usually easy to sell on once you are done using it, if you really don't think you have a need for it. You'd be surprised though at how handy a welder is to have around the house (mower repairs, railings, exhaust work on cars, etc.)



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PostPosted: Fri Nov 21, 2014 11:41 am
you can buy a new liner and a spool of solid wire .023 or .024 for under a 100.00 for that Lincoln...... Thermal arc, Everlast and a few others make good welders at lower cost of a Miller or Lincoln,



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PostPosted: Sat Nov 22, 2014 12:17 am
If your gonna do it your self buy your brothers welder put a fresh spool of wire on it try it with a fresh bottle of argon/steal mix, If it still gives you fits change the liner and save a bunch of cash. I would take a good used welder over an over priced new one any day of the week! just me though
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



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PostPosted: Sat Nov 22, 2014 8:34 am
My brother, although bought it on impulse and probably will not get around to using it, is not really looking at selling it but said I can use it. It has no regulator or hose to use gas, so I would have to buy the required parts for gas use and to make it work. The gas bottle with gas alone is over 200.00. So add regulator, hose, helmet and whatever is required to make it work and you have a expensive move. But that is the price of doing business I suppose. So I will start by seeing if it works first, you can sometimes get lucky and find one used complete with everything except the tank for 300 to 350.00, got to see which way is more cost effective. Thanks.



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PostPosted: Tue Nov 25, 2014 5:52 pm
Sounds like your Brother may have a Flux core machine or a Mig set up without a regulator and hose? not for nothing but you don't want a Flux core machine make sure you can add Gas and Regulator to it before buying it.

You can always check Craigs list?
A good OXY ACETYLENE Gas set up is better than a Mig any way for light sheet metal work 2nd would be Tig & Argon then a Mig with a steal mix of Argon & Co2 The Mig would be my last choice for sheet metal, Keep in mind You want a very small Oxy Acetylene torch for sheet metal, very small. You don't need a lot for thin sheet metal work, same can be said about a Tig no need for a 300 amp machine like I have.
Not saying you wanna Gas weld structure or frames or any thing like that but for thin sheet metal body panels fender and such small gas set up is the way to fly in my opinion.

If you are serious about doing nice sheet metal work invest in good Hammers and dolly's first! do not underestimate how important these are, forget cheap ones not that they don't work but the better ones are worth every penny.

Ask your self WHY you wanna do this job yourself if its just to save money forget it your not gonna save money there is way way more to it than just a welder. The learning curve is way steep! Material costs are astronomical and then there are guys out there willing to work for nothing literally giving there work away.
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.
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