flux wire welders?

[fl250540]

Anyone use them to weld frames. i have one but have only used it on exhaust. Just wondering if anyone knows of a type of wire that can be bought to use on go kart frames? Thanks

 

[tvaughan]

You will probably have to use flux wire? its strong enough for a frame, but the welds turn out uglyer then a stick or co2/argon welding i would sugest (which it will take double the time) you weld it, then grind down the weld, then weld it again thicker, and grind it again. just so you know that the steel is firmly melted together.

 

[r97]

Flux core wire feed welders (fcaw) work beautifully for welding steel go kart frames. As long as you keep within the machines limits, have a bit of practice, and a good wire brush (on an angle grinder is best) you should be very happy with flux core.

 

[karl]

You will probably have to use flux wire? its strong enough for a frame, but the welds turn out uglyer then a stick or co2/argon welding i would sugest (which it will take double the time) you weld it, then grind down the weld, then weld it again thicker, and grind it again. just so you know that the steel is firmly melted together.

Not necessary at all. 1 good pass and thats it. Should be as strong as other processes, but not look as good. And dont grind down your welds. Waste of time. r97 is right.

 

[tvaughan]

Not necessary at all. 1 good pass and thats it. Should be as strong as other processes, but not look as good. And dont grind down your welds. Waste of time. r97 is right.

Thats what i would do because of the lack of experience with flux.

 

[karl]

Thats what i would do because of the lack of experience with flux.

I own a flux welder and used it alot.

 

[r97]

Here is my opinion on the topic; If you don't even want to look at your welds do you want them holding your frame together? Just keep practicing, you WILL get better. Only two sensible reasons I can think of for grinding down a weld are to either reduce weigh, or allow for clearance.

 

[tvaughan]

Here is my opinion on the topic; If you don't even want to look at your welds do you want them holding your frame together? Just keep practicing, you WILL get better. Only two sensible reasons I can think of for grinding down a weld are to either reduce weigh, or allow for clearance.

actually, not true at all. you grind down welds to make the apperance of the peice of steel look more appealing. once the weld is done right, the steel is already melted together. having your weld stick out another 1/8 inch does not do much for strength.

 

[karl]

actually, not true at all. you grind down welds to make the apperance of the peice of steel look more appealing. once the weld is done right, the steel is already melted together. having your weld stick out another 1/8 inch does not do much for strength.

If you want to spend all the time, electricity, and grinding wheels for nothing, go ahead. I can make some pretty good beads with flux core. No need to grind them down. Practice instead of just grinding bad welds down.

 

[tvaughan]

If you want to spend all the time, electricity, and grinding wheels for nothing, go ahead. I can make some pretty good beads with flux core. No need to grind them down. Practice instead of just grinding bad welds down.

This is a SUGGESTION. That is kind of what he asked for right?

 

[r97]

When did I mention anything about strength? (Actually, Cannondale ground down welds to increase strength on there bicycle frames). I suppose If its worth your time to grind down the welds to have a smooth joint then go ahead, but I personally like the look of a well done bead.

you weld it, then grind down the weld, then weld it again thicker, and grind it again. just so you know that the steel is firmly melted together.

actually, not true at all. you grind down welds to make the apperance of the peice of steel look more appealing. once the weld is done right, the steel is already melted together.

Does anyone else see a a contradiction here?

 

[karl]

his is a SUGGESTION. That is kind of what he asked for right?

No. This got off topic. Any flux wire thats name brand (Lincoln,Hobart, ect) will work. .035 wire is a good size for frames assuming your using a 110v welder. Dont get harbor Freight or other garbage.

 

[r97]

Just wondering if anyone knows of a type of wire that can be bought to use on go kart frames? Thanks

If you have a flux core welder already, Lincoln innershield wire is good stuff.

 

[DustinWolfe]

once the weld is done rightQUOTE]

a weld done right doesnt require grinding

 

[jamilcobra]

No. This got off topic. Any flux wire thats name brand (Lincoln,Hobart, ect) will work. .035 wire is a good size for frames assuming your using a 110v welder. Dont get harbor Freight or other garbage.

I use this same setup and it works fine. There is more cleanup, but it isnt as bad as it sounds. I use a 180 grit sanding disc on the grinder to clean off the spatter and the welds look fine.

 

[mckutzy]

The need to brush/chip should be stressed, that for every bead, you need to brush/chip. This make the best use of this type of welder. Sadly there are some bad makes of this kind of welder. I have used flux core(w/gas) on a professional machine at my previous work, and they react about the same when not cleaned properly. It is a pain to brush ever time you stop, but this is the nature of the beast.
I have also experienced that having a good source of power is a good help. This allows the welder to not trip the breaker at striking an arc every time, but to weld with to the full duty time.

 

[crazzywolfie]

i have a flux core welder and i find it suits my needs great. i don't have a garage and i weld outside.
heres the one i have
http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...t+Flux+Core+Welder.jsp?locale=en#BVQAWidgetID
and here is one of my projects. it is only tacked together but beat the crap out of it and my tack welds have not broke yet.

 

[Majorpede]

No. This got off topic. Any flux wire thats name brand (Lincoln,Hobart, ect) will work. .035 wire is a good size for frames assuming your using a 110v welder. Dont get harbor Freight or other garbage.

My Harbor Freight worked fine on my Frames.

 

[fl250540]

awesome thanks...