Showing the difference wire sizes as well as the difference between shielding gas and flux core wire in welding sheet metal. can you do the cut and butt with flux core?
With flux core you have to drag the torch, not push it. There's a saying, 'if there's slag let it drag'. Also remove the shroud since it does nothing but get in the way, and have about 13mm (1/2") stick out, and cut off the wire after each run since the flux will be taken away. Love your work.
I use flux core often. I would agree it's not an ideal choice for anything thinner than maybe 10 or 12 gauge. However I have welded body panels with it before. A couple it tips I would give are dragging your weld is better than pushing with flux core. Also if you're trying to weld a gap and this would be especially true with sheet metal...You want to start your arc on metal never in the gap. You then drag across to the other side like a stitch. Keeping the torch at low angel. Maybe 15 degrees. I understand spot welding thin sheet you don't have time to move the torch much of anywhere, but starting in the gap is almost a guaranteed blow through. Flux core is tube with flux powder inside. That delay you hear is delay before the flux heats enough to do anything. Until it begins to melt you won't get a stable weld pool and to be effective the flux needs to supplied to the weld pool, which is why you drag, not push. When you start an arc on an edge it is basically the same as if use normal wire with no shielding gas.
Thanks. I drag too but then again I learned first on a stick welder on steel castings. Maybe another issue he’s having is the ground. Going to the table rather than the part increases the resistance and artificially pumps up the voltage when the polarity is reversed, as he did. Thanks for the extra information.
Yep you got to start on the metal not in the gap and sweep over to the other side with the flux core or you'll too often blow through and widen the gap plus when you can, use a copper spoon behind the weld. A spoon isn't just for plug welding. A narrower Flux Core Nozzle will also help with increasing visibility and reducing overheating. Lincoln Flux Core wire might not be the best choice for thin stock either and there are other much better wire choices. Much of the flux core available is Single Pass which does not work as well for Stitch Welding so you can try a Multi-Pass wire and see if that helps. Note that often the best wire is not always the most expensive either. For outdoor welding especially on windy days flux core is a very good choice. Guy that trained me started welding when the only choice was oxyacetylene or stick welding with bare steel rods which you had to make up your own paper mache rod coating for. He would tell me that you can weld just about anything using simple equipment if you take the time to think through the limitations and work within them instead of fighting against them. Too many times he'd see welders with all sorts of credentials and certifications fail on certain jobs mostly because their schooling boxed them in so tightly that they couldn't see outside of that box that was causing them to fail. After seeing this I feel a lot better about the body work I've been doing for years with a very simple 120 Volt 90 Amp Wire Feed Flux Welder. Best!
Your videos are priceless. Thanks for taking all the effort on this one. I am currently doing my first body restoration. I have welded in the heavy construction/ equipment field for years. I am very experienced in heavy steel construction up to 1 inch steel plate This sheet metal is a whole different game. I am really enjoying it. Thanks again Professor Tony👌👌
Best lesson ever. I've been trying to practice before i start on my old car and not getting good results. Out to buy the lower guage wire tomorrow. Thank you. More lessons like this please. Great video Tony.
Tony, another thing to keep in mind with fluxcore, is that while the wire is larger, the amount of metal isn't, because the flux takes-up space. So, a 0.030" flux core is roughly the same as the 0.023" solid, and the 0.035" fluxcore is roughly the same as 0.030" solid. Also, leave more stick-out with flux core, so that the flux gets warmed a bit more.
The .030 flux core may have the same amount of metal as the .023 solid wire per inch, but the way this metal is transferred is entirely different in the two processes. The solid wire uses what is called short circuit transfer. The wire touches the base metal causing a short circuit. The arc goes out momentarily as the wire hits, and a small ball of molten metal forms at the tip of the wire, and the ball flows into the puddle. Once it melts off, the arc is re-established, and the cycle continues. The arc coming and going produces the ripping sound that you hear. Flux core transfers via globular transfer. A large glob of metal forms on the wire and melts off before the wire hits the base metal. The glob is in the arc long enough that it boils before falling into the puddle. The boiling and the splash produces the spatter common with flux core. The small steady stream coming from short circuit transfer is what makes it more controllable than flux core, and that, along with the smallest wire available, is what you need for sheet metal. The only question I have is whether or not the better bead profile that comes with an argon mix might result in less grinding, and offset the cost. Fitzy has a lot more experience than me in this type of work, so I'll accept his call on that.
@@fitzeesfabrications also, turn your voltage up(more arc force) and your wire speed down. Most wire welders add more amperage with wire speed. But yes its very challenging. The super cheap Chicago Electric flux core welders from Harbor Freight also have an advantage here for body work since they are actually an AC arc(less heat & less penetration) even though the wire calls for DC. I have not tried this but for body panels you might be able to get away with reversing polarity(it will be messy and spattery though). If you want a real fun time I have butt welded 18ga with 5/64 6013 rods on AC with as low as I could get the amperage on my machine(about 45 amps).....sometimes you gotta use what you have at the time.
@@maplebones Thank you Peter, good info along with Fitzee's flux work here. Im a new, older welder (63) and have not used gas yet. Have welded on Corvair fender replacement and a lot of floorboards. I found with my 90 amp China Freight flx unit that keeping my ground as close as possible helps. I use a self tapping screw and an L bracket as needed to get closer......im really tired of crap welds and know i can do a better job with gas and increase productivity!.....i just need to coin up. Have been leaning toward the 110 gas 135 amp unit Eastwood sells for $400. Seems to have good setting ability and designed for 18 to 22 guage metal. What is a price comparable unit you guys can recommend over the Eastwood or do i pull the trigger with Eastwood. PS: that Eastwood has a lot of good comments. Thank you!!
@@yurimodin7333 don’t deliberately reverse correct polarity. You’ll get porosity. That will not only weaken the weld (particularly since this is thin sheet!), but cause it to rust more quickly. Primers and even paint doesn’t fill those microscopic holes because of surface tension. The rear of the panel is more subject to rusting normally, and this will make it worse. Correct polarity is correct for a reason, and it’s not looks.
All i have it a cheap Harbor freight mig that i just use flux core on. I have been trying to save for a good welder, maybe a multi process but being retired it's not that easy to save. But you taught me a lot. I could just hang out all day and listen to you. You're a fountain of knowledge.
It’s so much appreciated to have a master try various settings and fail as opposed to the novice who could fail dozens of ways and not have a clue what to adjust. Thank you Fitz 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I was having a hard time welding sheet metal until I watched your videos. I was able to set up my welder with your previous video and haven’t looked back. I love your TH-cam channel. It would take me years to learn what you have already learned. With the knowledge you have shared I have been able to do some complicated tasks that I would never have dreamed of doing. I have a Hobart 140 with 0.23 wire. The tips are awesome! Thank you for sharing.
I've been using flux core for a while now on sheet metal. After watching this video I'm excited about trying 023 wire and gas. Excellent video! thank you
What a great way to explain the difference between gas and fluxcored welding..I’m in the process of buying a mig to weld panels in a tractor cab and this has been a great lesson. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great demonstration Tony. Ran out of mig mix butt welding a patch in a door last weekend. Had to pull out the old flux core. It's challenging and takes a lot of patience but can be done.
Don't know if you will see my comment, given this video is about a year old, but I want you to know that I've learned more from you about welders and welding than I have from the several others I've watched. THANK YOU!!! So glad I happened to find your channel! I'll be looking for more from you. You do such a great job teaching and explaining...I do appreciate that. Please keep up the great videos! God bless.
Thank you Tony, I'm about to buy my very first welder and you've helped me make up my mind because I also want to weld sheet metal to fix my car. Thanks again Tony, I've been watching every single one of your videos. Love your channel.
Dirk.....Save your $ Buy quality.....I have a Old [1991] MillerMatic 150 that's still running like a Top.....The other thing is the machine is still worth $ if I wanted to sell it.....I leave that machine with .030 wire in it and bi mix........I have another machine dedicated to just sheetmetal and run Co2 and .023 wire. A Miller 140 or a Lincoln 140 is what You want to be looking at for what you want to do.
I have been using mix gas for a long time and had to use a friend's flux core wire machine. I found it harder to weld but his wire was a smaller gage . It was nice to use the smaller wire for sheet metal but it had alot more splatter and clean up. This was a good video because I did start on a flux wire before I went to gas over 20 years ago. It makes the a big difference and will never go back for body work. I'm not a certified welder but learned on stick in 1969 and weld as a hobby. You are a good teacher and a good welder.
FWIW, if you beat a chunk of copper pipe flat and use it as a backer, it'll absorb the heat and help a LOT with the burn thru issues. Obviously, not something you can do in every body work situation..
I've been using .030 with my gas Lincoln 100 mig and have never been happy with my welds. Lots of grinding needed. I filled up my Amazon cart with .023 wire and tips before your video even ended. Thanks for the great tips! You are the best teacher out there for auto body rust repair! Thank you!
I was one of those who requested a primer on MIG welding versus flux core. You hit a home run with this video. Once again it comes down to having the right tool for the job. Excellent work! Thank you.
Was the welder AC With the flux core wire because recommendations on flux say to use DCEN. I would like to see a comparative analysis between those. It appeared to be AC based on the splatter and sound of the arc
Thank you so very much for this video! Lifted my confidence way up high using a cheap two-step flux welder once or twice a year. :) And to all the great comments from other people. Thank you!
I use flux core 030 for body repair but it’s very hard to work with as you just showed and thanks cause I thought it was me. I run gas 045 at work but on heavy steel , 10 gauge to 1” thick. This video just made up my mind to run gas at home for body repair rather than flux core and it will save time and stress. Thanks for this great video
I really appreciate explaining the guages of metal and sizes of wire. This should help a lot of people. Not many explain this... another good video from the east coast.. a lot of work but thank you very much !
Hi Fitzee - after a couple of years learning mig gas welding on my classic restoration I just finished up repairing a couple of garden gates, 14 gauge square tube. I used flux core for the first time and was impressed with how easy it was. Kinda wish I'd done it the other way around as after watching your video it all makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to do this very informative video.
One of the best videos on wielding for beginners I’ve seen. Start with a good wielder and and good teachers like you and a lots of practice you can do it to.
I just bought my first welder, and looking through all the flux core vids. yours is great, as you were also a "flux" beginner and so your instruction/info was very good from a professional point of view.
Man, this makes my day! I did a project replacing rockers on my Tacoma using flux core after watching a bunch of your videos and had the exact same problems. I ended up having to use lap welds to make it work. Thanks Fitzee!
Greetings from Texas! I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm restoring a Porsche 911 on my channel and it has quite a bit of rust. I recently bought a YesWelder as my first and am learning how to weld sheet metal. You're absolutely right, most of the lessons online are for structured or thick steel. Not for auto body work. I bought .025 wire on my 18ga floorboard. I'm just welding on scraps at this point. Thanks for the lesson and SUBSCRIBED!
Thank you for showing the differences in detail and why they're important. Many years ago I replace a bottom door jam in a Dakota as beginner using flux core. I experienced all the problems you demonstrated.
This video was an absolute blessing. I'm exactly the guy you're talking about, bought a flux core welder to learn the basics of sheet metal work then got frustrated by all of the blow through. I just got to the point where I'm going to try again but this time with MIG gas and the 6mm wire. Wish me luck!!!
Great video, just purchased a Clarke 135TE gas welder to work on my mustang, came with 0.6mm and from watching lots of videos, they all say 0.8. You video has made it very clear for me ... cheers pal
Not only is this a great video (and it really is) but i ALSO learned so much just reading the comments as well! I have a miller 420 using argon/co2 as well as a cheap harbor freight mig using flux core wire. Now i understand so much more about when to use which welding machine. Thank you ALL !
I welded cab corners onto my 1993 gmc k1500 and it took me two days per side I was using a 130$ Chinese welder and .035 flux core, I’m a certified structural welder (dual shield and stick). It was absolutely frustrating and the final product wasn’t too good it was warped and sunken in I thought I just sucked at auto body this video made me feel better haha, It’s annoyed me about the truck for the past two years and it looked okay after I painted it. (Better than a rust hole) I bit the bullet and bought a new Lincoln 180 pro mig and 0.025 wire and argon co2 gas and am going to cut it out this weekend and fix it the correct way
Thank you Tony for sharing your time and experience;that all who watch learn from a master such as yourself;l truly enjoy watching you and learning from your experience.l am blessed.
Just stumbled onto your channel. This was one of the best videos I’ve seen so far explaining and showing the difference with gas and flux while trying to weld sheet metal. I burnt through my fender using .035 flux so many times it was frustrating. My next venture will be gas and .023 wire. Thanks for this video!
I'm so glad I watched this video. I was attempting to weld with flux core, .035, on old VW beetle panels, and was having a hell of a time with blow through due to heat, despite my precautions with air to cool it down. I should have referenced Fitzee first! Thanks for telling me, it "wasn't" me; stuff is TOUGH to weld panels with, and do it right.
Thank you Tony, I only have flux core now as I don't have a garage to work in and it does take a lot more patience to use the flux core. I love your method of cut -n- butt, I have been able to use it with the flux core and you are right, the tighter the gap the better. I used gas for years and the very first time I used flux core I couldn't believe how dirty it was, the clean up is big. It took a lot of practice to get half good at welding sheet metal, please keep up the videos to teach us old dogs new tricks or to remind us of the ones that we forgot!
I’m glad I watched this video. Now I know it’s not just me. I tried to weld a small patch to repair a hole in the floor of my pickup truck box and made a horrible mess. Now I know that I need to get properly equipped before I try to do anymore bodywork. Thank you for the information.
its possible but needs lots of patients. i got myself a cheap welder and did my car with it . the local garage said if you can master flux core mig on sheet metal then normal mig will be too easy haha. i haven't mastered it but i sure like the challenge of it
Thanks Fitzy … you’ve answered so many questions that I had. I like the way you explain the steps thoroughly - and my amateur welding has improved out of sight
Very nice demonstration. I’ve been using 030 in my big Miller on autobody work but I think I’ll switch to 023. I find the ultra thin 035 cutoff discs to be just right for cut and butt gaps. They also last longer and throw off less dust and metal. The trick is not to force them through the metal.
I got a great deal on a 120V Mastercraft flux core welder because it was used once to weld a compressor bracket. The first job I needed it for was to patch a couple of small holes in a floor board that I tried butt welding. When I was done I had a couple large patches lap welded, seam sealed and undercoated. Since then it's been a good welder for the odd things I use it on as long as it's not sheet metal. Thanks for showing me why I was having such a difficult time.
this is great, i thought i sucked at welding, i will give it a try on co2 and metal, by seeing the diff. between these weld i know i will do a lot better by using gas on my welds... A HUGE THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT VIDEO, keep up the good work, cheers from mexico....
I’m not a professional welder but a backyard mechanic I found that welding flux core with out the nozzle works better on patch panels Hello from San Diego California ✌🏽
Yep , I have been using fluxcore for other welding , and when I tried to do sheetmetal ,it was really a trying effort, I now use co2 and .023 wire and what a difference, smooth sailing for here on in. I am glad I stumbled onto your video.
My one gripe with mig is the price of the gas. I refilled my C25 at. Airgas and almost fell over when I saw the bill. An 80 CF tank was $100 from those pirates and that was 2 years ago. Never again. I use fluxcore for almost everything that’s too thin to stick and I’m switched to CO2 For the cheap tin junk.
It's a very good, informativ and educativ video. I search for something like this so many times, you do a great job with this, thank you a lot!!! You help me to make a decision about what welder I buy to do some body work.
My friend,you made my day,I've been trying on and off for over a year to get this flux core to weld,admittedly a cheap unit,but it's fought me at every turn...The little bottles of gas just seemed expensive..Time to get some though...🇬🇧
Exactly what I was looking for. Great on automotive sheet metal welding. Thanks so much. I am switching from 030 to 023 wire in my hobart 135 handler. Absolutely no good reason to have to do extra grinding.
Thanks Tony. I use 0.23 and still have a problem at times but I know I just get in a hurry at times. Your cut& but is great and has helped me👍😁✌️👌🤙🏻👋🏻🙏🏻
Good video. With the right temp you can definitely burn through flux. I've done this stick welding as well. I'll demonstrate and post this when I order my multi-process machine with both procedures.
very good video it explains much about the difference in mig gas and flux core welding. also the difference between thin sheet and structural steel welding
for years i had used a cheap flux core welder, I fought it just like you and this makes me feel better, i do have a mig welder now and gas, my question is, for sheet metal will not having enough gas cause many issues, i have no shop to weld in and calm days in northern maine are few
My 125k Subscribers are always surprised at the number of sheet metal projects I do with .03 flux. The trick is a stupid mig made for it. What I am getting at is something like a Forney Easy Weld 261 or a Hobart 140. A gas designed machine always run flux like garbage. The 2 I mentioned are designed to run flux. Flux also runs best on a machine that is an on or off trigger no fancy start weld or trigger release slowing. Hope this helps you in the future. Your attempt to learn was hampered by your machine being to good for the job :)
THANK-YOU. I had gone crazy trying to get a flux core machine to run a bead on sheet. Same results. I broke down and got myself a good gas machine and the difference is night and day. Just because flux core will melt metal together doesn’t mean it works for all of them
Just added gas and switched to 0.023 wire. Once I dialed things in, it's definitely much easier to weld with this set-up than with flux-core. Better penetration and smaller welds. No slag to deal with - but I'm getting a lot of soot. Too much gas? or not enough? I'll figure it out.
Fritzee, I've enjoyed every video that you have made and I had the opportunity to watch. I use .023 wire for most everything that I weld and I learned what I was doing wrong by seeing how you weld thin metal. I can burn holes with the best of them. Your techniques have been very enlightening. I'm going to practice until I can mimic the success that you have achieved. It's going to be challenging but at least you have given me a go-by. Thanks for your teaching and keep making those marvelous videos. Take care.
Fitzee thanks for doing this. I was literally just doing some testing on body panels last night and came up with similar results with flux core. I couldn’t find any videos that showed the difference. I have a welder that will take gas but haven’t bought any yet. Going to be working on the bed of my truck and think I’m going to have to go with gas. Thanks so much for doing this test. I know it took you a while to do this video. Love your body work. Thanks for teaching us what you know.
Thanks, Fitzee, glad its not just me! Enjoyed your logical approach to showing how poor flux core is even with your vast experience! I could never trust it on my classic Mini. Looking for a gas welder as we speak.:)
Fitzee I have looked at many of your videos and will use what I have learned from you in doing body work on my 1990 GMC Suburban. Thank you for your videos. One comment on using flux core wire. I have used flux core wire and have read that you need to use a roll that has V-knurled drive groove not a solid groove. The reason is that flux core wire is softer and is crushed by a solid groove roll. The knurling (serrations) grabs the wire to feed it through the gun requiring lighter pressure on the feed.
I grabbed a flux core welder and used .030 to teach myself how to weld. I used a lot of fitzees videos to attempt sheet metal repair on a 79 Wagoneer. I will agree 100% it’s a different process with flux. It’s doable, but it’s definitely not as easy as watching ole’ Fitzee mig weld!
Love your videos mate.. so glad its not just me who struggles with flux core.. I have however found some .6 023" flux core which I'm going to have a go at hoping that might not need as much heat
Well i'm a DIY with a cheap flux core welder (just has Max/Min and wire speed controls only) and have been really mad at myself for how awful my patch in my truck bed is coming out. SOOOOOOO much grinding...so many blow throughs .....more spot welds ....repeat. My work looks exactly like your attempt on the sheet metal with flux core. So I came here trying to learn....it is SO nice to know it very well could be the equipment. Looking at the Eastwood 140 Elite, which will do Mig, TIG and Flux Core. I think I'm going to wait on that purchase before moving on to the other rusted out areas.
Thanks for this Fitzee. A month and a half ago I bought a piece of body metal and try to run beads with an old flux core machine. It looks like it was attacked by a tiger- burn-throughs every time. Flux core is not my welding friend for body metal. I need a good mig machine. This will help the approvals and selection process.
Pure gold!! I thought it was just me. I've found flux core is best like you said for thicker metal & welding near door.( air flow) It's good for muffler pipe for when your tip has to be a little too far away. I've also noted the splatter and cleanup is a mess and it does burn HOT. Also, now I know why my welds are higher than I like when welding sheet metal w/ gas. I always felt I was welding too cold but had burn through if I went higher. My welder supply co never stocks below .030, mostly .035. This answers a lot of issues I've though was just me. I also hate grinding. Seem to get even more distortion during grinding. THANKS!!
I did a rocker panel on my car welding 0.9mm sheet metal to 0.7mm skin on the rocker and rear quarter panel using flux core to but weld it took alot of patience and had to work with what I had but I got it done. The inner rocker panel where floor meets the rocker panel was 1.2mm, rocker and rear quarter panel where it over laps the rocker was 0.7mm. I used a cheap flux core machine and it warped a bit and had to use copper pipes bent and shaped in all different ways too prevent welding inner and outer layers together where they shouldn't be welded together and helped with burn through where metal was too thin.
I’m only 15 minutes in. I am learning a lot. Been welding sheet metal for a few years with mixed results. My biggest issue is when I weld to old metal.don’t know if it’s possible to weld to oxidized metal. But I don’t really have a choice. Thanks for making this video.
I see 2 things with your welding sir. First off with the flux core you don't need the gas shield on your tip. The other thing is that your welding with the wrong hand my friend. I have welded with both the flux core and gas. Gas conversion was worth the money on my little Lincoln. Excellent video thanks for the honest comparison.
little late getting to comment. Another advantage to flux core is it is much more tolerant of less clean metal. I have been using flux core for body work for years and have simply accepted the fact i will have warping, but it is good to know it isn't just me. I tried the cut and butt technique with the flux and had the same things Fitzy noticed so I feel much better. I have been doing both butt welding and lap depending on situation/location and again I live with fixing warping as needed after the fact. certainly as Fitzy noted the thinner metal is always going to warp more. For me i went flux because it was cheaper and my first project was a '66 Corvair that had lots of rust and I knew I was never going to have pristine clean metal to weld all the time. I am now working on a '54 ford that has thicker sheet metal and i am able to work with substantially cleaner metal but i already have the flux welder so that's what i am working with.
The fumes are a bit harsh with flux core wire too. I have tried your 'cut and but' method using my Lincoln migpak 10, and .30 flux. The only way I could get anywhere was when cutting, I'd have to hold the grinder on a very sharp angle. A backing panel worked well, but you wouldn't do that on a high end restoration. Even then it was no way as good as your gas 'cut and but'. Lap welds come out good. Great video !
Fitzee I've been using flex core on my torino and you have to cut the wire every time and it's definitely messy so I'm switching to CO2 tired of stopping and cleaning the weld before continuing to weld and your right about the warping it a problem thanks for the information about this thumbs up 👍
Good advice. Being decent at stick welding, and just starting out with a wire feed using flux core I never realized that going gas made such a big difference. Good thing I haven't tried sheet metal yet! Lol :) I'll be sure to get gas and smaller wire when I do try sheet metal now.
just think and remeber 0.023" wire needs to add almost 30% more thickness to become 0.030" wire... we all think about the 0.007"......but we dont answer our own questions completely
I am struggling with mig /flux on sheetmetal also. I ended up with a Klutch 140. It comes with a regulator so can run mig or flux core. And infinite adjustments for voltage. Loving it. Still a good price.
Well Fitzee, maybe when you get old you'll be able to weld as good as me, 😂🤣 just kidding you are one of the best body men I've seen. I greatly appreciate your time in sharing your knowledge, experience and videos with us. I've learned some new tricks and tips along the way. I'm getting ready to do rocker panels, and some patches on my 2005 Yukon xl 2500. So yes I've been watching how you make pieces, with not so fancy equipment, as I can relate and appreciate because it proves you don't have to have the latest and greatest tools. You sir are an excellent teacher and gentlemen. Thank you as always. You keep teaching and I'll keep learning.
Thank you for posting this video Fitzee ! You just answered all my questions as to why the heck I can't weld worth a damn. I got a cheapee flux core MIG and my welds look as bad as yours :) Maybe I will have better luck with lap welding. I gotta make this thing work. Love all your videos but this one was especially helpful. There are a lot of guys trying to do sheet metal work on old cars using cheap flux core welding machines and this video is very helpful to all of the auto restoration DYIers. Thanks !
Thanks Tony great instructional Video cleared up a lot of my anger I was having I thought I was just a crappy welder. Great lesson 👍👍 BTW you got yourself another Subscriber. Cheers
I've been welding with the Flux for body metal ,,now I'm a novice at this but I learned to take my time and make some mistakes kinda sucks but I fixed my mistakes and carried on. I've never used a gas welding machine but like I said novice and it's affordable when you don't weld alot, I do like the spots welds with Flux as yes they do lay down more= less grinding on metal. Works great on heavier metal. I've been using the Lincoln WeldPak HD I purchased 20 yrs ago it uses either 0.30 or 0.23 great little welder. But hey I don't weld alot so this works fine for general purpose welding including some body work. And yes I do lead work using this method vs bondo to slick imperfections. Great vid love your work.
Last project changed from my old craftsman gas to flux(will no longer penetrate for some reason?), not a professional welder but dyi for many years and my results were nearly identical to Fitzee's. Thanks for the demo and confirmation... Cheers my friend!
![[TH] FS vs BME - VCT Ascension Pacific - Lower Bracket Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnygqsR2Fig/mqdefault.jpg)
With flux core you have to drag the torch, not push it. There's a saying, 'if there's slag let it drag'. Also remove the shroud since it does nothing but get in the way, and have about 13mm (1/2") stick out, and cut off the wire after each run since the flux will be taken away.
Love your work.
Agree, Just like to add that I find generous use of anti spatter spray helps my jobs, I'm no welder, but having success in my eyes on my project
I use flux core often. I would agree it's not an ideal choice for anything thinner than maybe 10 or 12 gauge. However I have welded body panels with it before. A couple it tips I would give are dragging your weld is better than pushing with flux core. Also if you're trying to weld a gap and this would be especially true with sheet metal...You want to start your arc on metal never in the gap. You then drag across to the other side like a stitch. Keeping the torch at low angel. Maybe 15 degrees.
I understand spot welding thin sheet you don't have time to move the torch much of anywhere, but starting in the gap is almost a guaranteed blow through. Flux core is tube with flux powder inside. That delay you hear is delay before the flux heats enough to do anything. Until it begins to melt you won't get a stable weld pool and to be effective the flux needs to supplied to the weld pool, which is why you drag, not push. When you start an arc on an edge it is basically the same as if use normal wire with no shielding gas.
Thanks. I drag too but then again I learned first on a stick welder on steel castings. Maybe another issue he’s having is the ground. Going to the table rather than the part increases the resistance and artificially pumps up the voltage when the polarity is reversed, as he did.
Thanks for the extra information.
Yep you got to start on the metal not in the gap and sweep over to the other side with the flux core or you'll too often blow through and widen the gap plus when you can, use a copper spoon behind the weld. A spoon isn't just for plug welding. A narrower Flux Core Nozzle will also help with increasing visibility and reducing overheating.
Lincoln Flux Core wire might not be the best choice for thin stock either and there are other much better wire choices. Much of the flux core available is Single Pass which does not work as well for Stitch Welding so you can try a Multi-Pass wire and see if that helps. Note that often the best wire is not always the most expensive either.
For outdoor welding especially on windy days flux core is a very good choice. Guy that trained me started welding when the only choice was oxyacetylene or stick welding with bare steel rods which you had to make up your own paper mache rod coating for. He would tell me that you can weld just about anything using simple equipment if you take the time to think through the limitations and work within them instead of fighting against them. Too many times he'd see welders with all sorts of credentials and certifications fail on certain jobs mostly because their schooling boxed them in so tightly that they couldn't see outside of that box that was causing them to fail.
After seeing this I feel a lot better about the body work I've been doing for years with a very simple 120 Volt 90 Amp Wire Feed Flux Welder.
Best!
Your videos are priceless. Thanks for taking all the effort on this one. I am currently doing my first body restoration. I have welded in the heavy construction/ equipment field for years. I am very experienced in heavy steel construction up to 1 inch steel plate This sheet metal is a whole different game. I am really enjoying it. Thanks again Professor Tony👌👌
Nice job, what about the differences in pulling and pushing the puddle!!
Really made me feel a little better seeing you struggle with the flux core, thought it was just me. Another interesting and informative video , Thanks
Best lesson ever. I've been trying to practice before i start on my old car and not getting good results. Out to buy the lower guage wire tomorrow. Thank you. More lessons like this please. Great video Tony.
This channel is the best. Wish I'd seen all this year's ago! Great stuff. Off to buy thinner wire.
I thought i shouldn't be smiling watching Fitzee struggle His test panel looked very familiar 😂
@@lukejones9002 mom's 0g
Thank you for this video.
Tony, another thing to keep in mind with fluxcore, is that while the wire is larger, the amount of metal isn't, because the flux takes-up space. So, a 0.030" flux core is roughly the same as the 0.023" solid, and the 0.035" fluxcore is roughly the same as 0.030" solid. Also, leave more stick-out with flux core, so that the flux gets warmed a bit more.
Great info
The .030 flux core may have the same amount of metal as the .023 solid wire per inch, but the way this metal is transferred is entirely different in the two processes. The solid wire uses what is called short circuit transfer. The wire touches the base metal causing a short circuit. The arc goes out momentarily as the wire hits, and a small ball of molten metal forms at the tip of the wire, and the ball flows into the puddle. Once it melts off, the arc is re-established, and the cycle continues. The arc coming and going produces the ripping sound that you hear. Flux core transfers via globular transfer. A large glob of metal forms on the wire and melts off before the wire hits the base metal. The glob is in the arc long enough that it boils before falling into the puddle. The boiling and the splash produces the spatter common with flux core.
The small steady stream coming from short circuit transfer is what makes it more controllable than flux core, and that, along with the smallest wire available, is what you need for sheet metal. The only question I have is whether or not the better bead profile that comes with an argon mix might result in less grinding, and offset the cost. Fitzy has a lot more experience than me in this type of work, so I'll accept his call on that.
@@fitzeesfabrications also, turn your voltage up(more arc force) and your wire speed down. Most wire welders add more amperage with wire speed. But yes its very challenging. The super cheap Chicago Electric flux core welders from Harbor Freight also have an advantage here for body work since they are actually an AC arc(less heat & less penetration) even though the wire calls for DC. I have not tried this but for body panels you might be able to get away with reversing polarity(it will be messy and spattery though). If you want a real fun time I have butt welded 18ga with 5/64 6013 rods on AC with as low as I could get the amperage on my machine(about 45 amps).....sometimes you gotta use what you have at the time.
@@maplebones
Thank you Peter, good info along with Fitzee's flux work here. Im a new, older welder (63) and have not used gas yet. Have welded on Corvair fender replacement and a lot of floorboards. I found with my 90 amp China Freight flx unit that keeping my ground as close as possible helps. I use a self tapping screw and an L bracket as needed to get closer......im really tired of crap welds and know i can do a better job with gas and increase productivity!.....i just need to coin up. Have been leaning toward the 110 gas 135 amp unit Eastwood sells for $400. Seems to have good setting ability and designed for 18 to 22 guage metal. What is a price comparable unit you guys can recommend over the Eastwood or do i pull the trigger with Eastwood.
PS: that Eastwood has a lot of good comments.
Thank you!!
@@yurimodin7333 don’t deliberately reverse correct polarity. You’ll get porosity. That will not only weaken the weld (particularly since this is thin sheet!), but cause it to rust more quickly. Primers and even paint doesn’t fill those microscopic holes because of surface tension. The rear of the panel is more subject to rusting normally, and this will make it worse. Correct polarity is correct for a reason, and it’s not looks.
When he said "it's not You" tears of joy Fell... Been having issues with flux for a long time! Being waiting for this vídeo since forever
Word 😂
All i have it a cheap Harbor freight mig that i just use flux core on. I have been trying to save for a good welder, maybe a multi process but being retired it's not that easy to save. But you taught me a lot. I could just hang out all day and listen to you. You're a fountain of knowledge.
It’s so much appreciated to have a master try various settings and fail as opposed to the novice who could fail dozens of ways and not have a clue what to adjust. Thank you Fitz 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
I was having a hard time welding sheet metal until I watched your videos. I was able to set up my welder with your previous video and haven’t looked back. I love your TH-cam channel. It would take me years to learn what you have already learned. With the knowledge you have shared I have been able to do some complicated tasks that I would never have dreamed of doing. I have a Hobart 140 with 0.23 wire. The tips are awesome! Thank you for sharing.
Seeing a professional struggle with thin metal and flux core makes me feel a bit better about my work!! Great videos thanks for posting.
I've been using flux core for a while now on sheet metal. After watching this video I'm excited about trying 023 wire and gas. Excellent video! thank you
What a great way to explain the difference between gas and fluxcored welding..I’m in the process of buying a mig to weld panels in a tractor cab and this has been a great lesson. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Great demonstration Tony. Ran out of mig mix butt welding a patch in a door last weekend. Had to pull out the old flux core. It's challenging and takes a lot of patience but can be done.
Don't know if you will see my comment, given this video is about a year old, but I want you to know that I've learned more from you about welders and welding than I have from the several others I've watched. THANK YOU!!! So glad I happened to find your channel! I'll be looking for more from you. You do such a great job teaching and explaining...I do appreciate that. Please keep up the great videos! God bless.
Thank you Tony, I'm about to buy my very first welder and you've helped me make up my mind because I also want to weld sheet metal to fix my car. Thanks again Tony, I've been watching every single one of your videos. Love your channel.
DON'T use a Harbor Freight welder...the adjustments are NOT accurate enough,to dial it in,on thin metals!
Dirk.....Save your $ Buy quality.....I have a Old [1991] MillerMatic 150 that's still running like a Top.....The other thing is the machine is still worth $ if I wanted to sell it.....I leave that machine with .030 wire in it and bi mix........I have another machine dedicated to just sheetmetal and run Co2 and .023 wire. A Miller 140 or a Lincoln 140 is what You want to be looking at for what you want to do.
I have been using mix gas for a long time and had to use a friend's flux core wire machine. I found it harder to weld but his wire was a smaller gage . It was nice to use the smaller wire for sheet metal but it had alot more splatter and clean up. This was a good video because I did start on a flux wire before I went to gas over 20 years ago. It makes the a big difference and will never go back for body work. I'm not a certified welder but learned on stick in 1969 and weld as a hobby. You are a good teacher and a good welder.
FWIW, if you beat a chunk of copper pipe flat and use it as a backer, it'll absorb the heat and help a LOT with the burn thru issues.
Obviously, not something you can do in every body work situation..
I've been using .030 with my gas Lincoln 100 mig and have never been happy with my welds. Lots of grinding needed. I filled up my Amazon cart with .023 wire and tips before your video even ended. Thanks for the great tips! You are the best teacher out there for auto body rust repair! Thank you!
I was one of those who requested a primer on MIG welding versus flux core. You hit a home run with this video. Once again it comes down to having the right tool for the job. Excellent work! Thank you.
Was the welder AC With the flux core wire because recommendations on flux say to use DCEN. I would like to see a comparative analysis between those. It appeared to be AC based on the splatter and sound of the arc
Thank you so very much for this video! Lifted my confidence way up high using a cheap two-step flux welder once or twice a year. :)
And to all the great comments from other people. Thank you!
perfect comment
I use flux core 030 for body repair but it’s very hard to work with as you just showed and thanks cause I thought it was me. I run gas 045 at work but on heavy steel , 10 gauge to 1” thick. This video just made up my mind to run gas at home for body repair rather than flux core and it will save time and stress. Thanks for this great video
I really appreciate explaining the guages of metal and sizes of wire. This should help a lot of people. Not many explain this... another good video from the east coast.. a lot of work but thank you very much !
Great video as usual fixing to tackle replacing quarter patches on my wife's chevelle tomorrow. I run the 023 with argon. Thanks again for the info
Hi Fitzee - after a couple of years learning mig gas welding on my classic restoration I just finished up repairing a couple of garden gates, 14 gauge square tube. I used flux core for the first time and was impressed with how easy it was. Kinda wish I'd done it the other way around as after watching your video it all makes sense. Thanks for taking the time to do this very informative video.
Great video sir!
One of the best videos on wielding for beginners I’ve seen. Start with a good wielder and and good teachers like you and a lots of practice you can do it to.
I just bought my first welder, and looking through all the flux core vids. yours is great, as you were also a "flux" beginner and so your instruction/info was very good from a professional point of view.
Man, this makes my day! I did a project replacing rockers on my Tacoma using flux core after watching a bunch of your videos and had the exact same problems. I ended up having to use lap welds to make it work. Thanks Fitzee!
Greetings from Texas! I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm restoring a Porsche 911 on my channel and it has quite a bit of rust. I recently bought a YesWelder as my first and am learning how to weld sheet metal. You're absolutely right, most of the lessons online are for structured or thick steel. Not for auto body work. I bought .025 wire on my 18ga floorboard. I'm just welding on scraps at this point. Thanks for the lesson and SUBSCRIBED!
Thank you for showing the differences in detail and why they're important. Many years ago I replace a bottom door jam in a Dakota as beginner using flux core. I experienced all the problems you demonstrated.
This video was an absolute blessing. I'm exactly the guy you're talking about, bought a flux core welder to learn the basics of sheet metal work then got frustrated by all of the blow through. I just got to the point where I'm going to try again but this time with MIG gas and the 6mm wire. Wish me luck!!!
You won't know what hit you. Total different setup
Great video, just purchased a Clarke 135TE gas welder to work on my mustang, came with 0.6mm and from watching lots of videos, they all say 0.8. You video has made it very clear for me ... cheers pal
thx for showing a newbie just how different panel and structural welding are. looks like they are suited best for each application
Not only is this a great video (and it really is) but i ALSO learned so much just reading the comments as well! I have a miller 420 using argon/co2 as well as a cheap harbor freight mig using flux core wire. Now i understand so much more about when to use which welding machine. Thank you ALL !
I welded cab corners onto my 1993 gmc k1500 and it took me two days per side I was using a 130$ Chinese welder and .035 flux core, I’m a certified structural welder (dual shield and stick). It was absolutely frustrating and the final product wasn’t too good it was warped and sunken in I thought I just sucked at auto body this video made me feel better haha, It’s annoyed me about the truck for the past two years and it looked okay after I painted it. (Better than a rust hole) I bit the bullet and bought a new Lincoln 180 pro mig and 0.025 wire and argon co2 gas and am going to cut it out this weekend and fix it the correct way
Thank you Tony for sharing your time and experience;that all who watch learn from a master such as yourself;l truly enjoy watching you and learning from your experience.l am blessed.
Just stumbled onto your channel. This was one of the best videos I’ve seen so far explaining and showing the difference with gas and flux while trying to weld sheet metal. I burnt through my fender using .035 flux so many times it was frustrating. My next venture will be gas and .023 wire. Thanks for this video!
I'm so glad I watched this video. I was attempting to weld with flux core, .035, on old VW beetle panels, and was having a hell of a time with blow through due to heat, despite my precautions with air to cool it down. I should have referenced Fitzee first! Thanks for telling me, it "wasn't" me; stuff is TOUGH to weld panels with, and do it right.
Thank you Tony, I only have flux core now as I don't have a garage to work in and it does take a lot more patience to use the flux core. I love your method of cut -n- butt, I have been able to use it with the flux core and you are right, the tighter the gap the better. I used gas for years and the very first time I used flux core I couldn't believe how dirty it was, the clean up is big. It took a lot of practice to get half good at welding sheet metal, please keep up the videos to teach us old dogs new tricks or to remind us of the ones that we forgot!
I’m glad I watched this video. Now I know it’s not just me. I tried to weld a small patch to repair a hole in the floor of my pickup truck box and made a horrible mess. Now I know that I need to get properly equipped before I try to do anymore bodywork. Thank you for the information.
Thanks a lot I’ve learned so much by watching your videos! Your explanations and demonstrations are priceless. Semper Fi
thank you for taking the time to demonstrate and share the reality of automotive sheet metal welding.
its possible but needs lots of patients. i got myself a cheap welder and did my car with it . the local garage said if you can master flux core mig on sheet metal then normal mig will be too easy haha. i haven't mastered it but i sure like the challenge of it
Thanks Fitzy … you’ve answered so many questions that I had. I like the way you explain the steps thoroughly - and my amateur welding has improved out of sight
Very nice demonstration. I’ve been using 030 in my big Miller on autobody work but I think I’ll switch to 023. I find the ultra thin 035 cutoff discs to be just right for cut and butt gaps. They also last longer and throw off less dust and metal. The trick is not to force them through the metal.
I got a great deal on a 120V Mastercraft flux core welder because it was used once to weld a compressor bracket. The first job I needed it for was to patch a couple of small holes in a floor board that I tried butt welding. When I was done I had a couple large patches lap welded, seam sealed and undercoated. Since then it's been a good welder for the odd things I use it on as long as it's not sheet metal. Thanks for showing me why I was having such a difficult time.
This guy knows what he is doing. Very helpful!
this is great, i thought i sucked at welding, i will give it a try on co2 and metal, by seeing the diff. between these weld i know i will do a lot better by using gas on my welds...
A HUGE THANK YOU FOR THIS GREAT VIDEO, keep up the good work, cheers from mexico....
I’m not a professional welder but a backyard mechanic I found that welding flux core with out the nozzle works better on patch panels Hello from San Diego California ✌🏽
Yep , I have been using fluxcore for other welding , and when I tried to do sheetmetal ,it was really a trying effort, I now use co2 and .023 wire and what a difference, smooth sailing for here on in. I am glad I stumbled onto your video.
My one gripe with mig is the price of the gas. I refilled my C25 at. Airgas and almost fell over when I saw the bill. An 80 CF tank was $100 from those pirates and that was 2 years ago. Never again. I use fluxcore for almost everything that’s too thin to stick and I’m switched to CO2 For the cheap tin junk.
It's a very good, informativ and educativ video. I search for something like this so many times, you do a great job with this, thank you a lot!!! You help me to make a decision about what welder I buy to do some body work.
Tell ya what, that was one of the most useful videos you've done. Thank you.
My friend,you made my day,I've been trying on and off for over a year to get this flux core to weld,admittedly a cheap unit,but it's fought me at every turn...The little bottles of gas just seemed expensive..Time to get some though...🇬🇧
I needed this. Thank you. Now I know to save it for frame brackets and exhaust.
Very good was wondering the diffrance with flux core and gas . Now I know thank you 👍
Exactly what I was looking for. Great on automotive sheet metal welding. Thanks so much. I am switching from 030 to 023 wire in my hobart 135 handler. Absolutely no good reason to have to do extra grinding.
Thanks Tony. I use 0.23 and still have a problem at times but I know I just get in a hurry at times. Your cut& but is great and has helped me👍😁✌️👌🤙🏻👋🏻🙏🏻
Thank you! I feel much better about my attempts now! And I know what to do to improve my results!!
Good video. With the right temp you can definitely burn through flux. I've done this stick welding as well. I'll demonstrate and post this when I order my multi-process machine with both procedures.
Thanks Fritz, your videos really help me with using my mig welder
very good video it explains much about the difference in mig gas and flux core welding. also the difference between thin sheet and structural steel welding
for years i had used a cheap flux core welder, I fought it just like you and this makes me feel better, i do have a mig welder now and gas, my question is, for sheet metal will not having enough gas cause many issues, i have no shop to weld in and calm days in northern maine are few
My 125k Subscribers are always surprised at the number of sheet metal projects I do with .03 flux. The trick is a stupid mig made for it. What I am getting at is something like a Forney Easy Weld 261 or a Hobart 140. A gas designed machine always run flux like garbage. The 2 I mentioned are designed to run flux. Flux also runs best on a machine that is an on or off trigger no fancy start weld or trigger release slowing. Hope this helps you in the future. Your attempt to learn was hampered by your machine being to good for the job :)
THANK-YOU. I had gone crazy trying to get a flux core machine to run a bead on sheet. Same results. I broke down and got myself a good gas machine and the difference is night and day. Just because flux core will melt metal together doesn’t mean it works for all of them
Great information sir!!! Always like watching your stuff!!!
Ok - you've convinced me to upgrade my set-up to include gas. Thanks for the detailed experimentation.
Just added gas and switched to 0.023 wire. Once I dialed things in, it's definitely much easier to weld with this set-up than with flux-core. Better penetration and smaller welds. No slag to deal with - but I'm getting a lot of soot. Too much gas? or not enough? I'll figure it out.
Fritzee, I've enjoyed every video that you have made and I had the opportunity to watch. I use .023 wire for most everything that I weld and I learned what I was doing wrong by seeing how you weld thin metal. I can burn holes with the best of them. Your techniques have been very enlightening. I'm going to practice until I can mimic the success that you have achieved. It's going to be challenging but at least you have given me a go-by. Thanks for your teaching and keep making those marvelous videos. Take care.
Priceless info. You have confirmed my experiences exactly. Thank you.
What is differncy. Between 18 gauge 22gaauge i have eastwood 401i i dont even turn it on
BEST welding video on TH-cam! Thank you!
Fitzee thanks for doing this. I was literally just doing some testing on body panels last night and came up with similar results with flux core. I couldn’t find any videos that showed the difference. I have a welder that will take gas but haven’t bought any yet. Going to be working on the bed of my truck and think I’m going to have to go with gas. Thanks so much for doing this test. I know it took you a while to do this video. Love your body work. Thanks for teaching us what you know.
Thanks, Fitzee, glad its not just me! Enjoyed your logical approach to showing how poor flux core is even with your vast experience! I could never trust it on my classic Mini. Looking for a gas welder as we speak.:)
tony 45 years bodyman most trades man have no clue the skill it takes thank you
Fitzee I have looked at many of your videos and will use what I have learned from you in doing body work on my 1990 GMC Suburban. Thank you for your videos. One comment on using flux core wire. I have used flux core wire and have read that you need to use a roll that has V-knurled drive groove not a solid groove. The reason is that flux core wire is softer and is crushed by a solid groove roll. The knurling (serrations) grabs the wire to feed it through the gun requiring lighter pressure on the feed.
I grabbed a flux core welder and used .030 to teach myself how to weld. I used a lot of fitzees videos to attempt sheet metal repair on a 79 Wagoneer. I will agree 100% it’s a different process with flux. It’s doable, but it’s definitely not as easy as watching ole’ Fitzee mig weld!
I love your work and the videos. I am a huge fan. Keep up all the great videos. 👍
Love your videos mate.. so glad its not just me who struggles with flux core.. I have however found some .6 023" flux core which I'm going to have a go at hoping that might not need as much heat
Well i'm a DIY with a cheap flux core welder (just has Max/Min and wire speed controls only) and have been really mad at myself for how awful my patch in my truck bed is coming out. SOOOOOOO much grinding...so many blow throughs .....more spot welds ....repeat. My work looks exactly like your attempt on the sheet metal with flux core.
So I came here trying to learn....it is SO nice to know it very well could be the equipment. Looking at the Eastwood 140 Elite, which will do Mig, TIG and Flux Core. I think I'm going to wait on that purchase before moving on to the other rusted out areas.
This is the one we have been waiting for.
Great stuff fitzee. 👍
Thanks Fitzee that made a lot of sense to me especially about the .06 and .08 wire. Very helpful thankyou
Thanks for this Fitzee. A month and a half ago I bought a piece of body metal and try to run beads with an old flux core machine. It looks like it was attacked by a tiger- burn-throughs every time.
Flux core is not my welding friend for body metal. I need a good mig machine.
This will help the approvals and selection process.
Pure gold!! I thought it was just me. I've found flux core is best like you said for thicker metal & welding near door.( air flow) It's good for muffler pipe for when your tip has to be a little too far away. I've also noted the splatter and cleanup is a mess and it does burn HOT. Also, now I know why my welds are higher than I like when welding sheet metal w/ gas. I always felt I was welding too cold but had burn through if I went higher. My welder supply co never stocks below .030, mostly .035. This answers a lot of issues I've though was just me. I also hate grinding. Seem to get even more distortion during grinding. THANKS!!
I did a rocker panel on my car welding 0.9mm sheet metal to 0.7mm skin on the rocker and rear quarter panel using flux core to but weld it took alot of patience and had to work with what I had but I got it done.
The inner rocker panel where floor meets the rocker panel was 1.2mm, rocker and rear quarter panel where it over laps the rocker was 0.7mm.
I used a cheap flux core machine and it warped a bit and had to use copper pipes bent and shaped in all different ways too
prevent welding inner and outer layers together where they shouldn't be welded together and helped with burn through where metal was too thin.
I’m only 15 minutes in. I am learning a lot. Been welding sheet metal for a few years with mixed results. My biggest issue is when I weld to old metal.don’t know if it’s possible to weld to oxidized metal. But I don’t really have a choice. Thanks for making this video.
Just put a spool of .024” solid core in to replace the .035” flux core. Man night and day.
I see 2 things with your welding sir. First off with the flux core you don't need the gas shield on your tip. The other thing is that your welding with the wrong hand my friend. I have welded with both the flux core and gas. Gas conversion was worth the money on my little Lincoln. Excellent video thanks for the honest comparison.
Thanks for your hard work Fitze
I just picked up a miller 211 to restore my truck. This helped a lot!
little late getting to comment. Another advantage to flux core is it is much more tolerant of less clean metal. I have been using flux core for body work for years and have simply accepted the fact i will have warping, but it is good to know it isn't just me. I tried the cut and butt technique with the flux and had the same things Fitzy noticed so I feel much better. I have been doing both butt welding and lap depending on situation/location and again I live with fixing warping as needed after the fact. certainly as Fitzy noted the thinner metal is always going to warp more.
For me i went flux because it was cheaper and my first project was a '66 Corvair that had lots of rust and I knew I was never going to have pristine clean metal to weld all the time. I am now working on a '54 ford that has thicker sheet metal and i am able to work with substantially cleaner metal but i already have the flux welder so that's what i am working with.
The fumes are a bit harsh with flux core wire too. I have tried your 'cut and but' method using my Lincoln migpak 10, and .30 flux. The only way I could get anywhere was when cutting, I'd have to hold the grinder on a very sharp angle. A backing panel worked well, but you wouldn't do that on a high end restoration. Even then it was no way as good as your gas 'cut and but'. Lap welds come out good. Great video !
Not easy I thought I was just doing it wrong, thanks great video🙏
Just a few minutes in, and already know this will be a great video.
Thank you very much for the information, looks like I’m going to have to start using gas.
Fitzee I've been using flex core on my torino and you have to cut the wire every time and it's definitely messy so I'm switching to CO2 tired of stopping and cleaning the weld before continuing to weld and your right about the warping it a problem thanks for the information about this thumbs up 👍
Good advice. Being decent at stick welding, and just starting out with a wire feed using flux core I never realized that going gas made such a big difference. Good thing I haven't tried sheet metal yet! Lol :)
I'll be sure to get gas and smaller wire when I do try sheet metal now.
this is an eye opener even at only 22 minutes, I really should go to a smaller wire, that will help me tremendously!
just think and remeber
0.023" wire needs to add almost 30% more thickness to become 0.030" wire...
we all think about the 0.007"......but we dont answer our own questions completely
I am struggling with mig /flux on sheetmetal also. I ended up with a Klutch 140. It comes with a regulator so can run mig or flux core. And infinite adjustments for voltage. Loving it. Still a good price.
Well Fitzee, maybe when you get old you'll be able to weld as good as me, 😂🤣 just kidding you are one of the best body men I've seen. I greatly appreciate your time in sharing your knowledge, experience and videos with us. I've learned some new tricks and tips along the way. I'm getting ready to do rocker panels, and some patches on my 2005 Yukon xl 2500. So yes I've been watching how you make pieces, with not so fancy equipment, as I can relate and appreciate because it proves you don't have to have the latest and greatest tools. You sir are an excellent teacher and gentlemen. Thank you as always. You keep teaching and I'll keep learning.
Thank you for posting this video Fitzee ! You just answered all my questions as to why the heck I can't weld worth a damn. I got a cheapee flux core MIG and my welds look as bad as yours :) Maybe I will have better luck with lap welding. I gotta make this thing work. Love all your videos but this one was especially helpful. There are a lot of guys trying to do sheet metal work on old cars using cheap flux core welding machines and this video is very helpful to all of the auto restoration DYIers. Thanks !
Thanks Tony great instructional Video cleared up a lot of my anger I was having I thought I was just a crappy welder.
Great lesson 👍👍
BTW you got yourself another Subscriber.
Cheers
I've been welding with the Flux for body metal ,,now I'm a novice at this but I learned to take my time and make some mistakes kinda sucks but I fixed my mistakes and carried on. I've never used a gas welding machine but like I said novice and it's affordable when you don't weld alot, I do like the spots welds with Flux as yes they do lay down more= less grinding on metal. Works great on heavier metal. I've been using the Lincoln WeldPak HD I purchased 20 yrs ago it uses either 0.30 or 0.23 great little welder. But hey I don't weld alot so this works fine for general purpose welding including some body work. And yes I do lead work using this method vs bondo to slick imperfections.
Great vid love your work.
Last project changed from my old craftsman gas to flux(will no longer penetrate for some reason?), not a professional welder but dyi for many years and my results were nearly identical to Fitzee's. Thanks for the demo and confirmation... Cheers my friend!
Very informative I tried the flux core on sheet metal and had the same problem .now I know it’s not me . Thanks