Flux-core wire weld beads

[Joel_BC]

Okay, this is a question about flux-core wire welding. More specifically, non-gas flux core, .035" mild-steel wire. (And, yes, I realize I have more spatter and flux mess to clean up than with MIG.)

Question: Is it true (as seems to be my experience) that you'll be less likely to come out with the "stack of nickels" look in your bead with flux-core than with argon gas-shielded wire (MIG) welding? I'm welding square tubing or plate steel (mild steel), and using a cursive-e motion as I move along.

I'm not so much concerned with the cosmetics of the weld I wind up with as with the strength of it. But I'm wondering what, if anything is indicated by the more continuously smooth bead I'm getting (looks kinda like a bead of caulking out of a caulking gun). Is this normal, and is it okay?

 

[the_whingnut]

The "stack of dimes" is the cooled weld puddle. Should you see it? Yes and no. Your welds should have nice smooth edge on the toe of the weld with "c" shaped ridges from the puddle. If you manipulate the wire in a cursive "e" while pushing the puddle and maintaining a round puddle the welds will be fine. Its takes practice to do & keep in mind there is more than one way to skin a cat this is just how I weld flux core mig ( which is not often or for a job).

 

[Joel_BC]

The "stack of dimes" is the cooled weld puddle. Should you see it? Yes and no. Your welds should have nice smooth edge on the toe of the weld with "c" shaped ridges from the puddle. If you manipulate the wire in a cursive "e" while pushing the puddle and maintaining a round puddle the welds will be fine. Its takes practice to do & keep in mind there is more than one way to skin a cat this is just how I weld flux core mig ( which is not often or for a job).

Thanks, TWN.

Good to read your response. My Lincoln MIG welder is compact (though kinda heavy), but in any case I like flux-core for situations where I don't want to also cart a gas bottle around.

 

[Joel_BC]

Over the weekend, a long-time welder (flame, stick, MIG, TIG) gave me some advice. He said when running a MIG bead don't use wrist motion for "weaving" - generally speaking, lock the wrist and move the forearm at the elbow.

He likes 'drag' rather than 'push', though some other experts are the opposite. He prefers drag because he says it keep the gun hand cooler.

 

[the_whingnut]

Good point Joel! I forgot to say lock the wrist