[sdbob]

Curious what you guys are using. I have 2 mig welders a big 220 volt miller I rarely use. Also a 110 volt Lincoln. I've been using Hobart wire I buy at Tractor supply in the 110 volt, convenience reason. Thanks Bob.

[78w72]

Lincoln flux core wire works great and gets good reviews... I have a friend that is a life long union welder or others that own/work in body shops use it. Good price & available at most any home stores like home depot or lowes.

[VCho455]

I've never been satisfied with flux core wire for automotive sheet metal work. In my opinion it is difficult to get a non-porous weld on sheetmetal with flux wire. Having air tight welds is an important part of preventing rust from forming under the paint and filler. I do an air test on welds to make sure I haven't missed a pin hole that will rise up and cause me grief down the road.

Just my opinion which along with a sawbuck will get you a steaming hot cup of Joe just about anywhere. 🙂

[pfilean]

Unless that stuff is a lot better than the last time I saw it flux core either with or without gas is not for sheet metal. Flux core is for 3/16 and over thickness in my opinion.

I'll give the same sawbuck deal as VCho455

[dataway]

The problem with flux core and sheet metal is the diameter of the wire, I "think" 0.030 is the smallest you can get flux core. Probably suitable for 20 ga. but when you get to 22 ga. you'll need 0.024 wire. Flux core is much better on less than clean metal though.

It's a lost art, but I've seen some talented people do amazing things on body panels with a gas welder and brazing rod.

[sdbob]

I'm not doing any automotive work. Just little things,bracket broke on tractor, things like that. Thanks guys something to think about. I've done alot of, gas and stick welding.

[78w72]

Originally Posted by pfilean

Unless that stuff is a lot better than the last time I saw it flux core either with or without gas is not for sheet metal. Flux core is for 3/16 and over thickness in my opinion.

I'll give the same sawbuck deal as VCho455

Flux core isnt needed with gas, its intended for welders that dont have gas. I agree its not for precise sheet metal/body work but works fine for general welding... its uglier than gas shielded but does work.

[pfilean]

Flux core isnt needed with gas, its intended for welders that dont have gas. I agree its not for precise sheet metal/body work but works fine for general welding... its uglier than gas shielded but does work.

There have been flux cored intended for use without gas for years. We used it very successfully on outdoor construction where wind was a problem. Not necessarily the best quality weld but adequate in the right application. The gas shielded flux cored when they were first developed were very touchy about wind. Some are more tolerant now and are usually a better looking and better quality weld than the gasless flux cored. Yes there are some fairly small diameter wires available now but unless there have been a lot of improvement since I last tried one I still don't think they will be usable on sheet metal. I would prefer to use hard wire MIG or TIG on sheet metal

[78w72]

Ok, didnt mean special outdoor/windy conditions, just normal at home hobby use for the average amateur welder.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by VCho455

I've never been satisfied with flux core wire for automotive sheet metal work. In my opinion it is difficult to get a non-porous weld on sheetmetal with flux wire. Having air tight welds is an important part of preventing rust from forming under the paint and filler. I do an air test on welds to make sure I haven't missed a pin hole that will rise up and cause me grief down the road.

Just my opinion which along with a sawbuck will get you a steaming hot cup of Joe just about anywhere. 🙂

Agree.

K

[Keith Seymore]

My grinder is my favorite welding tool.

K

[sdbob]

If you catch it when hot BFH works well.Gorilla welds strong but ugly.