Flux core and 75/25 gas?

[SlamChops]

Ok I used to work at a fab shop and we used .035 (or .045, cant remember) and 75/25 shielding gas. Is there any difference between the flux-core you can get at Lowe's or wherever else vs. what I was using at the fab shop? It welded really well and I was just wondering if there was any difference.

[Brad]

I believe you need Dual shield wire. We use Esab Dual shield 71M at work(big fab shop) with just Co2.

[420willys]

ya its is different but like you said it runs real smooth all most like spray, we use it at CAT and where i used to work we used 1/16 wire for building bridges's and 3/32 for large gear box's for ships, jason.

[SlamChops]

ok, i wasn't real sure. all we ever called it at the shop was flux-core and now the shop isn't open anymore so i couldnt ask anyone there. it was so easy to weld with. reckon i'll have to get a spool from airgas when i get the gas....

[Brad]

Talk to the people at airgas or any welding store, they should be able to point you in the right direction.

[ZJim]

So you're going to use flux core AND gas? Is there a special type of flux core wire that's compatible with shielding gas as well? Is there really much of an advantage?

[Brad]

Originally Posted by ZJim

So you're going to use flux core AND gas? Is there a special type of flux core wire that's compatible with shielding gas as well? Is there really much of an advantage?

Its called Dual Shiled wire. It welds really smoothly and after you knock the slag of it looks nice and shiny. Its pretty much just like spray transfer with solid wire. Burns pretty hot too

[redrangie]

Originally Posted by Brad

Its called Dual Shiled wire. It welds really smoothly and after you knock the slag of it looks nice and shiny. Its pretty much just like spray transfer with solid wire. Burns pretty hot too

make sure you get the spec sheet for the wire. Dual shield wire has unique speed, voltage and amperage requirements. It also takes a lot of practice.

j

[Brad]

Originally Posted by redrangie

make sure you get the spec sheet for the wire. Dual shield wire has unique speed, voltage and amperage requirements. It also takes a lot of practice.

j

Yup lots of practice. At work with 1/16" wire its 26.7 volts and ~225 in/min. I go through about 1000-2000 feet or more some days.

[bk005]

Sounds like 20 gauge.

[Brad]

Originally Posted by bk005

Sounds like 20 gauge.

stuff we do is anywhere from 3/8"to 2" thick

[yettiatcpg]

if you are just using it at home for little projects, then you can use one or the other. if you go with gas then get a a smaller .025,.028,.030,.035 wire & then us it with 75/25 gas. for doing chassie welding its to big a mess to run dual sheild & it time consuming.
if you go with just flux core then go with .035 & you have to flip the polarity of your machine. so its positive ground. that way it draws the wire in and leave the flux on top, it makes a very nice weld.

[bk005]

Originally Posted by Brad

stuff we do is anywhere from 3/8"to 2" thick

No, the wire is called "20 Gauge"

http://www.jwharris.com/images/twentygauge.pdf

[Brad]

Ah, I get it now.