Learn to Make (Perfect) FLUX CORE Welds FAST:( How To Sack Dimes)

AC Designs Garage
10 Feb 202446:05

TLDRIn this instructional video, the host from AC Designs Garage demonstrates how to effectively and swiftly perform flux core welding using .030 wire on a 3/16 T joint. He shares tips and techniques to enhance the welding process, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness similar to prep for painting, and showcases different welding patterns like whip and pause, stacking dimes, and zigzag methods. The video is an educational resource for those looking to improve their flux core welding skills.

Takeaways

  • 🔧 The video is a tutorial on how to effectively and quickly weld using flux core welding techniques.
  • 😎 The presenter uses 0.30 wire for the flux core process and demonstrates how to set up the welding machine for flux core welding.
  • 🛠️ Anti-spatter coating is recommended to keep the workspace and materials clean for better welding results.
  • 🔥 The welding machine used in the video is an Arc Captain Mig 200, which is set to specific voltage and wire feed speed settings for optimal flux core welding.
  • 💡 The importance of using the correct polarity (DC electrode negative) for flux core welding is highlighted to ensure proper arc ignition and weld quality.
  • 👷‍♂️ Safety precautions such as wearing protective gear, including gloves and a respirator, are emphasized due to the flux core welding's smoke production.
  • 🛑 The video explains the process of cleaning the metal surface to remove mill scale for better adhesion and cleaner welds.
  • 📏 Techniques like cutting a slight bevel on thicker metal pieces are shown to improve penetration and weld quality.
  • 🌀 Different welding patterns such as whip and pause, stacking dimes, and zigzag methods are demonstrated to achieve strong and clean welds.
  • 👀 The presenter shares tips on maintaining a consistent gun angle and travel speed for better control and weld uniformity.
  • 🔍 Post-weld cleaning with a wire brush is necessary to remove slag and inspect the quality of the weld.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is teaching the viewers how to make perfect flux core welds quickly and efficiently.

  • What type of welding wire is being used in the video?

    -The video is using 0.030-inch flux core welding wire.

  • What is the purpose of using anti-spatter spray in the welding process shown in the video?

    -The anti-spatter spray is used to prevent spatter from sticking to the work surface and the weld pieces, making cleanup easier after welding.

  • What type of welding machine is being used in the video?

    -An Arc Captain Mig 200 welding machine is being used in the video.

  • What is the difference between DC electrode positive and DC electrode negative in the context of MIG welding?

    -DC electrode positive is used for solid core MIG welding where the gun is the electrode and the ground clamp is negative. In contrast, DC electrode negative is used for flux core welding where the gun is on the negative side.

  • What is the recommended voltage and wire feed speed setting for the flux core welding demonstrated in the video?

    -The recommended settings are 19.1 volts and 6.0 meters per minute, which equals 236 inches per minute.

  • Why does the instructor recommend cleaning the metal before welding, even when using flux core welding?

    -Cleaning the metal before welding is recommended to ensure a better quality weld, similar to the preparation one would do if they were going to paint the surface.

  • What type of gloves are being used for the welding process in the video?

    -The instructor is using mechanics fabricator gloves for the welding process.

  • What is the instructor's opinion on flux core welding compared to other welding methods?

    -The instructor initially had reservations about flux core welding due to common negative opinions, but after using it more, they started to like it, especially for body work and similar applications.

  • What are some of the welding techniques demonstrated in the video?

    -The video demonstrates several welding techniques including whip and pause, stacking dimes, and a zigzag pattern.

  • How does the instructor ensure the cleanliness of the welding area and the weld itself?

    -The instructor uses a wire brush for cleanup, anti-spatter spray to prevent residue, and practices good housekeeping by keeping the work area clean.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Introduction to Flux Core Welding Tutorial

The video begins with a host welcoming viewers to a welding tutorial focused on flux core welding using 0.030-inch wire for a 3/16 T joint. The goal is to teach efficient flux core welding techniques and tips for quick setup and strength. The host mentions using anti-spatter to prepare the workspace and tools, and introduces the Arc Captain Mig 200 welding machine being used in the tutorial.

05:01

🛠 Setting Up the Flux Core Welding Equipment

The host explains the setup process for flux core welding, including the importance of using the correct wire and preparing the welding area with anti-spatter. Details about the wire spool, tension adjustments, and the necessity of using a wire adapter kit are provided. The video also covers the differences between flux core and solid core wire setups, emphasizing the need for correct wire feed speed and voltage settings.

10:02

👷‍♂️ Safety and Welding Techniques Overview

The host discusses safety precautions, such as wearing appropriate protective gear and using a respirator due to the smoke produced by flux core welding. The video demonstrates the process of cleaning the metal of mill scale using an air grinder and paint strip discs, emphasizing the importance of a clean surface for better weld quality. The host also shares personal experience and preferences regarding welding gloves and helmets.

15:03

🔥 Live Demonstration of Flux Core Welding

The host performs a live demonstration of flux core welding, explaining the process of setting up the weld, including the correct gun angle and travel speed. Techniques such as whip and pause, and stacking dimes are introduced, with the host noting the importance of consistency and practice. The demonstration includes tacking the metal pieces, adjusting wire feed speed, and the use of a wire brush to clean the weld.

20:05

🛠️ Welding Techniques Deep Dive and Cleanup

The host delves deeper into the welding techniques, explaining the compound angle for the welding gun and the importance of maintaining a 45-degree angle with a 15-degree layback. The video shows the host performing different welding patterns, such as whip and pause, and stacking dimes, while emphasizing the need for a clean wire brush and consistent technique. The host also discusses the use of anti-spatter spray to facilitate cleanup.

25:06

📹 Arc Shot and Welding Technique Comparison

The host sets up an arc shot to visually demonstrate the welding process, comparing different techniques such as whip and pause, stacking dimes, and a loop-de-loop curs of feed. The video shows the host's preference for the whip and pause method due to its heat penetration and ease of learning. The host also discusses the importance of wrapping the start and end of the weld to prevent cracks.

30:08

🏗️ Wrapping Up the Welding Demonstration

In the final part of the video, the host wraps up the welding demonstration by showing the results of the different techniques, including the zigzag or 'Charlie Brown' shirt method. The host discusses the importance of practice and consistency, and invites viewers to share their preferences for the demonstrated techniques in the comments. The video concludes with a reminder to use safety equipment and a note on the benefits of flux core welding.

35:10

🛒 Conclusion and Recommendations

The host concludes the tutorial with recommendations for those new to welding or looking to upgrade their equipment. The Arc Captain Mig 200 is highlighted as a versatile and affordable welding machine suitable for flux core welding. The host also provides an affiliate link for the welding machine and discusses the benefits of using a regulator and shield gas for improved welding results. The video ends with a message of kindness and a reminder of the host's faith.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Flux core

Flux core refers to a type of welding wire that is hollow and filled with flux material. It allows for self-shielded welding without the need for an external shielding gas. In the video, the host discusses using flux core welding for various projects and provides tips for effective and fast welding using this technique.

💡Mig welding

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is a common welding process that uses a continuous solid wire electrode fed through a welding gun to produce a weld. The video mentions MIG welding in the context of comparing it with flux core welding, highlighting the differences in setup and technique.

💡DC electrode negative

DC electrode negative is a setting on a welding machine where the welding gun is connected to the negative terminal, which is typical for flux core welding. The script explains how to switch the machine to this setting for flux core welding, as opposed to DC electrode positive used in solid wire MIG welding.

💡Anti-spatter

Anti-spatter is a coating or spray used to prevent spatter, which is the unwanted small metal droplets that can stick to surfaces during welding. The host in the video emphasizes the importance of using anti-spatter to keep the workspace and workpieces clean.

💡Wire feed speed

Wire feed speed is the rate at which the welding wire is fed into the welding arc. The script mentions adjusting the wire feed speed to match the welding voltage for optimal flux core welding performance.

💡T joint

A T joint is a type of weld joint configuration where two members meet at a 90-degree angle, similar to the letter 'T'. The video script describes performing flux core welding on a 3/16 T joint, which is a specific application of the technique.

💡Welding gun

A welding gun is the tool used to hold and feed the welding wire into the welding arc. The script discusses the importance of the welding gun's position and angle during flux core welding, which is crucial for the quality of the weld.

💡Welding voltage

Welding voltage is the electrical potential used in the welding process to create an arc. The host in the video script specifies a welding voltage setting of 19.1 volts for the flux core welding demonstration.

💡Stringer bead

A stringer bead is a continuous, unbroken weld bead that follows the joint. The script refers to a technique called 'whipping paws', which is a method of creating a stringer bead in flux core welding by moving the welding gun in a specific pattern.

💡Zigzag technique

The zigzag technique is a welding pattern where the welder moves the gun in a zigzag motion to fill the joint. The video script describes using this technique in flux core welding to ensure full penetration and a strong weld.

Highlights

Introduction to flux core welding techniques and materials.

Using 0.30 wire for flux core welding on a 3/16 T joint.

Demonstration of wire feeding and anti-spatter application for preparation.

Setting up the Arc Captain Mig 200 machine for flux core welding.

Explanation of DC electrode negative connection for flux core.

The importance of wire tension and anti-spatter spray in flux core welding.

Cleaning metal surfaces to ensure quality flux core welds.

Differentiating between flux core and solid core MIG welding techniques.

Practical tips for flux core wire feeding and tension setting.

Safety measures and protective gear for flux core welding.

Techniques for starting the arc and maintaining a consistent puddle.

Welding at different angles to achieve optimal penetration.

Comparing different welding patterns like whip and pause, and stacking dimes.

The effect of wire quality on the final weld appearance and strength.

Post-weld cleaning techniques for flux core welds.

Evaluating the quality of different welding methods on flux core.

Conclusion and summary of key learnings from flux core welding.