#1 Tip and Trick to Improve Flux Core Welding

DIY PRO
2 Apr 202304:15

TLDRThis video offers top tips to enhance flux core welding. It emphasizes the importance of removing the nozzle for better visibility during welding, except for MIG welding with gas where it directs the gas over the weld. For MIG machines used with flux core, it suggests switching to a flux core nozzle to protect the gas holes from spatter. The video also recommends anti-spatter spray and nozzle gel as game-changers for reducing spatter and maintaining the welder's contact tip, making the welding process cleaner and more efficient.

Takeaways

  • 🔧 For beginners, removing the nozzle can improve visibility and ease of welding.
  • 🌬️ Keep the nozzle when MIG welding with gas, as it directs the gas over the weld.
  • 📏 Consider using extra long contact tips for MIG welding to avoid obstructing the gas flow.
  • 🔧 Switch from a MIG nozzle to a flux core nozzle if you're using a MIG machine for flux core welding.
  • 🔗 Ensure the nozzle matches your MIG gun's connection type, either threaded or spring-loaded.
  • 🛠️ With a flux core only machine, you may not need a nozzle at all for better visibility.
  • 💡 Flux core nozzles protect the gas holes from spatter, a common issue in MIG guns.
  • 🧪 Anti-spatter spray and nozzle gel are recommended for reducing spatter and maintaining the contact tip.
  • 🚮 You can apply anti-spatter spray to the nozzle or tip, but nozzle gel provides more even coverage.
  • 📋 Check the dimensions of the nozzle before purchasing to ensure compatibility with your equipment.
  • 🔄 Regularly clean the contact tip with a wire brush after dipping it in nozzle gel to maintain its effectiveness.

Q & A

  • What is the main issue beginners face when welding with a nozzle?

    -The main issue beginners face is that the nozzle gets in the way, obstructing their view of the weld.

  • Is it recommended to remove the nozzle when welding for everyone?

    -No, it's not recommended for everyone. It's advised to keep the nozzle when MIG welding with gas, as it directs the gas over the weld.

  • What is the purpose of the gas that travels through the nozzle during MIG welding?

    -The gas that travels through the nozzle during MIG welding is used to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination.

  • Can you use extra long contact tips in MIG welding?

    -Yes, you can use extra long contact tips in MIG welding, but they should not stick out too far to ensure proper gas coverage over the weld.

  • What is the difference between a MIG nozzle and a flux core nozzle?

    -A MIG nozzle is used for gas-shielded MIG welding, while a flux core nozzle is a specialty nozzle made for flux core welding, designed to protect the gas holes from spatter.

  • What should you do if your MIG gun didn't come with a flux core nozzle?

    -If your MIG gun didn't come with a flux core nozzle, you should check the description below the video for recommendations and purchase one that matches your MIG gun's connection type.

  • Why might a flux core only machine have a nozzle even if it doesn't need one?

    -A flux core only machine might have a nozzle for aesthetics or to provide the option to modify the machine to hook up gas in the future.

  • What are the two game changers for flux core welding mentioned in the script?

    -The two game changers for flux core welding mentioned are anti-spatter spray and nozzle gel.

  • How can anti-spatter spray help in flux core welding?

    -Anti-spatter spray can be applied to the weld area before welding to prevent spatter from sticking, making it easier to clean.

  • What is the purpose of nozzle gel in welding?

    -Nozzle gel is used to keep the contact tip clean by preventing spatter from accumulating on it, allowing for easier cleaning with a wire brush.

  • Can anti-spatter spray be used on the nozzle or tip instead of nozzle gel?

    -Yes, anti-spatter spray can be used on the nozzle or tip, but it may not provide as even coverage as nozzle gel and could potentially get on gloves or the gun.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Improving Flux Core Welds by Nozzle Adjustment

The script discusses the common issue beginners face with welding nozzles obstructing their view of the weld. It humorously suggests throwing away the nozzle but then clarifies that there are situations where it's necessary, especially in MIG welding with gas. The nozzle directs the shielding gas over the weld. For MIG welding, using an extra-long contact tip can be beneficial, but care must be taken not to extend it too far to ensure gas coverage. The script also advises on switching to a flux core nozzle if using a MIG welder for flux core welding, which is designed to protect the gas holes from spatter. It provides guidance on choosing the correct nozzle based on the type of connection on the MIG gun and emphasizes the importance of checking dimensions before purchasing.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Flux Core Welding

Flux core welding is a type of arc welding that uses a consumable tubular electrode filled with flux. The flux serves to protect the molten weld and the electrode as they are heated and melted. In the context of the video, it is the main focus of the discussion, with tips and tricks provided to improve the welding process.

💡Nozzle

A nozzle is a device that controls the direction or speed of a fluid or gas flow. In welding, the nozzle directs the shielding gas over the weld area. The video suggests that removing the nozzle can improve visibility for flux core welding, but it's essential for MIG welding with gas.

💡MIG Welding

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is a type of arc welding that uses a continuous solid wire electrode and a shielding gas to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination. The video explains that MIG welding requires a nozzle to direct the shielding gas properly.

💡Contact Tip

The contact tip in welding is the part of the welding gun that the electrode wire makes contact with to complete the circuit and start the welding process. The video mentions using extra-long contact tips for MIG welding to improve gas coverage over the weld.

💡Flux Core Nozzle

A flux core nozzle is a specialized nozzle designed for flux core welding. It protects the gas holes from spatter, ensuring the gas continues to flow correctly over the weld. The video emphasizes the importance of using the correct nozzle for the type of welding being performed.

💡Spatter

Spatter refers to the small metal particles that are ejected from the weld pool during the welding process. It can be a nuisance as it can contaminate the weld area and require cleaning. The video discusses the use of anti-spatter spray to reduce spatter.

💡Anti-Spatter Spray

Anti-spatter spray is a product used in welding to minimize the amount of spatter that sticks to the workpiece. The video suggests using this spray as a game changer for flux core welding, as it makes cleaning up after welding much easier.

💡Nozzle Gel

Nozzle gel is a substance used to keep the nozzle and contact tip clean by preventing spatter from sticking to them. The video recommends dipping the contact tip in nozzle gel periodically to maintain a clean and efficient welding process.

💡Polarity

In the context of welding, polarity refers to the direction of the electrical current flow. The video mentions that some machines allow changing the polarity, which can affect the welding process, but a flux core only machine cannot change polarity.

💡Fillet Welds

A fillet weld is a type of weld used to join two surfaces that are approximately at a 90-degree angle to each other. The video suggests that removing the nozzle can make it easier to perform fillet welds, especially in tight spaces.

💡Gas Coverage

Gas coverage is the shielding of the weld area from the atmosphere by a protective gas, which prevents oxidation and contamination of the weld. The video explains that maintaining proper gas coverage is crucial for the quality of the weld in MIG welding.

Highlights

Improving flux core welds can be as simple as removing the nozzle for better visibility.

For MIG welding with gas, the nozzle is essential to direct the gas over the weld.

Extra-long contact tips can be used for MIG welding to improve gas coverage.

When switching from MIG to flux core welding, use a flux core nozzle to protect the gas holes from spatter.

Ensure the nozzle matches the connection type of your MIG gun, either threaded or spring type.

For flux core only machines without gas hookup, a flux core nozzle is not necessary but can improve aesthetics.

Anti-spatter spray and nozzle gel are game changers for reducing spatter and maintaining the nozzle.

Anti-spatter spray can be used on the nozzle or tip, but nozzle gel provides a more thorough coverage.

Nozzle gel makes it easy to brush off spatter buildup from the contact tip.

Removing the nozzle can significantly improve visibility, especially for fillet welds and in tight corners.

MIG welding requires a nozzle, flux core welding with a MIG machine should use a flux core nozzle, and flux core only can go without.

Gas bottles for MIG welding can be an expensive investment, making flux core welding an attractive alternative.

Most people start with MIG welding due to its more significant initial investment.

Titanium and Lincoln machines often come with a flux core nozzle for aesthetic reasons.

If your MIG gun came with a MIG nozzle, it's recommended to replace it with a flux core nozzle for flux core welding.

Checking the dimensions of the nozzle diameter before purchasing is crucial to ensure compatibility with your MIG gun.

Subscribe for more welding tips and tricks in future videos.

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