MIG vs. flux cored

Hybrid · 09-26-2007, 11:36 AM

I was curious and did a little research and this is what i found.

Mig uses external gas shield (argon tank) which removes impurities form the surrounding air around the weld. The advantage is less slag minimizing clean up, but the thinkness of steel that can be welded in a single pass is limited with a 110v mig, if you need to weld 1/4" or greater you need to go to a 200+ volt welder.
Flux cored has an internal gas shield in the line, so a gas tank is not needed. This is ideal for outdoor welding in high wind which can blow away external gas. Also "thicker" metal can be welded while still using a 110v machine. The disadvantages of flux cored is it is less forgiving if you are new to welding. The machine settings must be precise, any slight change can make a significant difference in the arc. Gun position is much more critical as well, a consistant angle is needed to get a sufficient weld.

Most of you guys probably alread know all of this and much more! I thought is was really interesting and I am justing getting started with welding. What are your thoughts on these two set ups? Do you prefer one over the other, or is it job specific?

P.S. I found all this info at the Lincoln electric site, really cool stuff!

http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...sfluxcored.asp

09-26-2007, 11:36 AM	#1
Hybrid Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Fairfield, OH Posts: 134	MIG vs. flux cored I was curious and did a little research and this is what i found. Mig uses external gas shield (argon tank) which removes impurities form the surrounding air around the weld. The advantage is less slag minimizing clean up, but the thinkness of steel that can be welded in a single pass is limited with a 110v mig, if you need to weld 1/4" or greater you need to go to a 200+ volt welder. Flux cored has an internal gas shield in the line, so a gas tank is not needed. This is ideal for outdoor welding in high wind which can blow away external gas. Also "thicker" metal can be welded while still using a 110v machine. The disadvantages of flux cored is it is less forgiving if you are new to welding. The machine settings must be precise, any slight change can make a significant difference in the arc. Gun position is much more critical as well, a consistant angle is needed to get a sufficient weld. Most of you guys probably alread know all of this and much more! I thought is was really interesting and I am justing getting started with welding. What are your thoughts on these two set ups? Do you prefer one over the other, or is it job specific? P.S. I found all this info at the Lincoln electric site, really cool stuff! http://www.lincolnelectric.com/knowl...sfluxcored.asp __________________ '84 Cherokee body welded to an '86 Blazer frame , fuel injected 350, 700r4 trans, np208 t-case, 44 front and a welded 14 bolt in the rear on 35" boggers, radiator in the rear, and a full cage