I just got a Lincoln weldpak 3200hd(basically the 135t model). The instructions for it say to use the innersheild or flux core wire when welding thicker steel (12ga to 1/4")
My question is, can I use .035 solid steel wire with gas instead? Or am I better off sticking with the flux core?
It's been discussed many times before, and each method has its fans.
Flux core burns hotter, and can be used outside (light wind does not affect it). Flux core also seems to be a bit more tolerant of dirty metal (just an observation I have made, no real research)
Welding with gas makes prettier welds, with less clean up.
Go with the directions, they're right. Glad someone actually reads them!
.035 solid + 3200HD = *really* poor penetration
You should be fine using .025 solid wire and shielding gas for < 1/8" (12 gauge = just under 1/8" thick) . Using larger wire will just make light work more difficult to do with your welder, it will not give better penetration. Higher percentages of CO2 in the shielding gas will give you a little extra penetration, but also make more spatter.
The machine simply doesn't have enough "oompf" to give decent penetration on over 1/8" steel with solid wire, that's why they reccomend flux core for material 12ga. to 1/4" - it burns hotter. If you try exceeding the limitations of what the welder was designed for you're asking for trouble.
Flux core except for sheetmetal? thats some really dumb advice...
Fluxcore is a nice crutch for 'underpowered' machines- which is what a 135T is...So- you may find your self primarily using flux.. Is it 'better'? probably not. The slag you get from flux core can wreak havoc with structural welds- if not taken care of properly. I run gas/solid wire with my 210 for everything.
Your 135 will hate you if you try to run .035 solid wire in it. That tiny machine would work best with .023 solid wire/ .030 flux max- probably no more than that.
Thanks for the advice. I am pretty new to welding and had heard some negative comments on flux-core, so I was just checking. I will stick the instructions then. Now my only problem is I know what a good weld looks like, but mine don't quite look that way.
Thanks for the advice. I am pretty new to welding and had heard some negative comments on flux-core, so I was just checking. I will stick the instructions then. Now my only problem is I know what a good weld looks like, but mine don't quite look that way.
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