so i really wanna get into welding but dont have the $$. i was wondering if i could buy a flux core welder to learn on because they're not that expensive. i could build small stuff like racks and light bars, stupid stuff like that. is it the same technique as MIG? i have a buddy who has a pretty good size MIG welder, so i could build bumpers later on with that.

 

Flux core welding makes good and strong welds, but they just dont look good like gas sheilding mig welding looks. I have a miller 115 volt welder with gas but have used flux core in it numerous times. I used it to weld my control arm mount back onto my axle and wheeled the heck out of it after that.

 

ya i have heard u get alot of "boogers" with flux. but i guess more of the question was are they the same or similar techniques? cuz i could care less what a roof rack weld looks like but a bumper i would like to be cleaner..

 

pretty much same technique.
Clean the surfaces really well and slow down, your flux welds will look fine.

 

it's gonna be twice as hard to learn with flux core, than it would with gas. flux core takes more skill than welding with gas.

 

Flux core is not that good for sheet metal, too hot and it can warp and burn through. Gas shielded is good for sheet metal, but if you try to weld outside on a windy day its kinda sketchy. There are welders that can do both processes. Depending on what you're welding make your choice based on that. More flexibility with higher voltage welders (240v versus 110v). I have one that runs on 110v and looking back I wish I got the 240v for heavy fabrication (bumpers and such). Make sure you do pick a welder that gives you the ability to change heat settings versus some of the ones at Harbor Freight that are cheap but only give you a high and low setting. My first welder was from Harbor freight, learned on that one then saved to buy a better welder.

 

awesome thats what i was looking for guys thanks, im looking at this welder http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...3263_200403263. its super cheap so im not expecting it to be anything other than to learn the technique and practice with on scrap. i have a buddy who has a miller 220v so if i want to do anything with a better welder i can. thanks again guys

 

keep in mind, that welder has a pretty low duty cycle.

 

That one only has a high and low voltage setting. Good to learn on, but as Tural said its got a low duty cycle.

 

what does the low duty cycle mean?

 

I'm sure that a seasoned welder will jump me if I'm wrong. My understanding of duty cycle is at a certian power setting, how long out of a min is it rated to be running an arc without over heating.

Start looking at your local pawn shops. I was able to pick up a Hobart Mig(115v) that looked new for under $200. Times are tough and sometimes that can work for you when you have cash! Remember, pawn shops try to pay only 20-25% of retail when they buy stuff so you can get an idea of what they are trying to make and try dealing from there...

Remember that with a Mig, You will also need to buy a gas bottle and a regulator but you could use flex core until you could afford them...

 

not all flux welds look like boogers....just takes practice.

these are all flux welds. i dont have 220v in my garage and flux welds are stronger than mig gas welds. just more clean up with a wire wheel. my gas welds are alot better looking but i know its good and penatrated

 

IMO save your money and get a good welder right out of the box. Skip the knock off crap and get a Miller, Lincon, Hobart ect its well worth the extra money for it. A buddy of mine picked up a 180 Miller 220v welded from a local supply shop that they had sitting around for a while for a good deal.

 

i agree with you, but this is just so i can get the hang of welding. anything ill be building will be at my buddies shop and hes got everything i need. only problem is his shop is about an hour away.. not to bad if im goin to be doin a project but too far just to mess around on his welder. plus its kinda his pride and joy so i dont wanna be "messing around" on his welder.