Welding sheet metal with flux core vs gas shield welder ?

[Rick_B_86]

I converted my old (old) DC stick welder into a scratch start TIG. 300 bucks got me most everything I needed (torch, hoses, regulator, fittings and connectors) Plus another almost 300 for the tank of argon (150ish for the tank, plus 120 to fill). Now whenever I need more gas, I get it from the local farm/weld supply place. We deal with them for work a lot, so it's convenient for me.

The reason I went this route is that 95% of the welding I've ever done, has been TIG (and 95% of that has been stainless steel). I learned to weld on a scratch start, I'm way more comfortable with it. I've tried doing some of the sheet metal with flux-core (usually when I run out of gas and I want to finish the last 2 inches of weld *shakes fist*) and haven't gotten what I consider to be good results. Beads are huge or it'll blow through, splatters everywhere, smoke and fumes. Now that's likely me or my settings, but like I said, I'm used to TIG.

 

[Bar50]

All I can say if get the best welder for you money, or wait and add to the $300 budget. Get a welder that uses gas, or the opton to upgrade later. Fluxcore is not pretty but is strong...gorilla weld...it prefers, as other have stated really clean prepped areas to work. I mentioned stitching, as using a MIG is so easy...tacking ot stitching seems backwards for sheet metal.

Good luck.

Don't forget social media and pawnshops.

 

[pontiacgp]

if you see a welder for sale in my area and you want someone to check it out let me know

 

[EME_Mack]

I've been using a Lincoln Mig 140 from crappy tire, they go on sale every now and again for $500, and it comes with a regulator if you decide to get a bottle later on. It has done great so far for all my sheet metal needs and even welding frame metal using flux core. I used flux core in the beginning of my build and its manageable but requires more grinding to make pretty. If you have 220v the Mig 180 is only a couple more bucks. I would stay away from any of the master craft or power fist welders from princess auto. they use plastic parts for the wire feed and don't have much in the way of adjusting your heat.

 

[wonderboy24]

i used to be a fab/welder. always used mig. i am a plumber now and bought a flux core welder when i replaced my floor board. complete junk i ended up buying a miller mig. much better. hobart makes a mig that isnt to bad.

 

[64nailhead]

Nice welder but way out of my price range. I have a $300 budget ATM, so selling some other stuffs and doing some side work to raise the rest of the funds. Hoping $500 all-in will get me there with something used or maybe I can find someone willing to barter.

Trading emails with a guy selling a Lincoln Mig15

http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welder-110vac-135a-output.html?fee=7&fep=5075&SRCCODE=PLA00010&product_id={12011}&adpos=1o1&creative=99675667380&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=Cj0KEQjw4MK_BRC1n6KTtezikbIBEiQA872hYZnnV7K1k8Q8sKylnZnTwMfYAW7L1RAHU5eL8Zj2cmQaAmTi8P8HAQ

I bought one of these over 4 years ago and have run at least 20 spools of wire through it. I've even used it to weld stainless with trigas. For sheet metal and exhaust work it's the cat's a## as far as I'm concerned. I picked up a $30 cart and I spend about $50/year on gas. I would recommend it to anyone that is a homegrown DIY'er.

The only downside is it does not have enough juice to work on anything over 3/16". But I'm rarely doing anything like that. Another nice feature is that you can unhook the tank and throw it in the passenger side of truck and head off with it to work somewhere else.

Of course I'd love a 220 Miller with a spool gun, but I don't love the price tag - it just doesn't make much sense to have something like that sitting in my garage.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I bought a Lincoln MIG w/gas just to do the bodywork on my Bonnewagon. I considered it a long term investment and I was absolutely right. I use it all the time on all kinds of things. I finally broke down and bought an 80 cu ft Argon/CO2 tank for it so I will not run out in the middle of a job. I absolutely agree that you should save up and get the best you can the first time. Even though I also have a cheap HF stick welder as well as an Oxy/Acetylene torch, they all have their place and I am amazed how much I use I get out of them. But with the MIG I was doing great welds immediately.