Using fluxcore in MM175

[Manny]

Seems like using fluxcore gives you some of the capabilities of stick welding using a small MIG, but no one seems to talk much about it online. Does anyone use it? If so what are your results?
Thanks,
Manny

[aametalmaster]

Manny, I don't use it indoors it's too smoky and dirty for me. If I was outside it would work fine but I like the gas better. I welded with it in the shop at work on thick metal 1 1/2" and up, worked fine but we had 25' ceilings and better exhaust fans..Bob

[DDA52]

Manny
I use it all the time. The smoke and slag don't bother me since I've been stick welding nearly half my life. I prefer the solid wire and c25, easier clean up and less spatter. The results with flux core are about what I'd expect out of stick. No complaints whatsoever.

Don

[Manny]

Thanks guys, mainly looking at using flux core to make unit more portable when need be, and to do some outside repairs on a trailer that won't fit in my shop (an over-crowded single car garage).

[Paul Seaman]

Manny:
The over packed 1 car garage is familiar here too. Little things make all the difference, I hung the compressor overhead just so it didn't have to go outside. Check out your manual, as I remember on my old red wire feed the polarity wes reverse for flux core, not certain on this but check it out.
Peace

[MAC702]

Originally posted by pjseaman
...as I remember on my old red wire feed the polarity was reverse for flux core

Good point, but just to clarify the terminology, it's actually STRAIGHT polarity, which is electrode negative. I know you were referring to the fact that it is the reverse of the typical solid wire with gas, which is electrode positive. But, technically, electrode positive is reverse polarity. Usually, the machines are labeled as electrode negative or positive now to avoid the confusion. There are exceptions to the rules, but when we typically use solid wire, it's DCEP, and flux-cored is DCEN.

[Paul Seaman]

Thanks Mac I was indeed referring to switching the cables not the actual polarity of the welding current. Sorry if I caused any confusion, hope no harm is done.

Peace