Flux core newbie

[Hdws51]

Hello all, I'm new to welding. Just bought a flux core welder. When welding, does the wire actually touch the joint or do you need to just have an arc? Also how do you strike the arc? Thanks in advance!

[ryanjones2150]

What machine did you get?

[MAC702]

You'll answer your own question as soon as you pull the trigger. Feed the wire out of the nozzle about 3/8". Touch it to the joint and pull the trigger. The wire will burn off immediately to the arc length, which you then fine tune with the adjustments on your machine.

[ryanjones2150]

Depending on your machine, if you purchased and entry level job, that wire might be hot all the time.

[MAC702]

No one would buy a bargain basement machine and then expect help from Miller on how to use it, would they?

[ryanjones2150]

I don't care what machine he bought, I'll still help the guy. Maybe he'll turn out that he really likes wire welding and buy brand spankin new 211 or something to further improve his skill. But it is a fair point, MAC.

[Hdws51]

Thanks gents, yes I bought a cheap entry-level one. Why blow up a good one not knowing what I'm doing. Now once I can do good welds, on to the better machine!! Again, thanks much for your help!

[Hdws51]

HF 90 amp. Which I converted to a DCEN unit.
also a relay took care of the hot torch issue.

[ryanjones2150]

Well get some scrap and pull the trigger.

[Aeronca41]

But-didn't not let the HF machine discourage you. I have never used one, but have seen posts from guys who were ready to give up welding because they couldn't get decent results; they got a better machine and amazed themselves!

[Hdws51]

I'm ready and rareing to go. Will let you all know how it goes. Thanks again for all your help!! Much appreciated!

[ryanjones2150]

I have not heard one single good thing about any of the horrible freight Welders. It may make a good door stop.

[OscarJr]

I have not heard one single good thing about any of the horrible freight Welders. It may make a good door stop.

The only decent one is the 165A DC TIG. Back then it didn't have a pedal, but now it does. I'm not saying it will beat out any other welder, but it actually worked decent.

[Hdws51]

One more quick question, is the Harbor freight welding wire really as lousy as everyone says? If so I'll just pick up a better brand.

[MAC702]

This is curious. You made significant modifications to a cheap machine before you even used it? More power to you, but I do find it interesting! At your level, the wire isn't going to make a significant difference. What you need is arc time. Start welding with what you have. Then you will really know what questions to start asking.

And my .gif above was just a funny. I will always help anyone regardless of their machine.

I've built plenty of stuff with HF welding wire. Yes, the Lincoln Innershield is better. Don't worry about it yet.