Just wondering which is better. Years ago, I used an old Lincon arc welder. It worked fine except in my inexperience I would often burn through the metal I was working on which was primarily 1" square hollow steel tubing.---It was probably 1/8th thick.
Anyway, I am considering buying a welder for light houshold and Fiero work-----read that--welding engine mounts and cradle.
Should I get a flux core wire welder or an arc stick welder?

Thank you
Jeff

MIG, wire welders are more versatile.
Get one that you can use a shielding gas with, plus with wire you will be about to use smaller wire for thinner metal.

flux core welding demands absolutely clean metal becasue dirt will react with the heat an result in weld pores.
the weld will be uniform in strength. flux core is used in the out of doors. it creats its own gas shield during
flux burning. mig welding is very versatile. i can use it on very thin metal .032 to 3/16 on a 135amp miller unit.
also when the flux is burning it is harder to see the weld puddle, making it more difficult to place the weld.

I use a Century 80 flux core wire feed welder with good results. I would prefer a MIG though for reasons already stated. I have the same trouble as you when trying to use a stick welder on thin metal.

Well,
money vs power---it seems you can buy an arc stick welder that will basically weld a railroad rail to the side of a cement truck for the same money it costs for a mig that is limited to 1/8 in mild steel. I would like to be able to weld 1/4in brackets for motor mounts. Why should I put out $500 up for a mig welder---if a stick welder that costs half the money will do the job? Just wondering what the benefit is??
Also, if a cheaper fluxcore wire welder says it is for steel up to 1/8in----does that mean that even with multiple passes---it won't safely weld 1/4in???

Some types of wire dont require shielding gas, I think the only time I would every hook my shielding gas up on mine is if im welding alluminum.

I never tried to do more than 1 pass my guess is if it only does 1/8th inch is to go very very slow on the weld of course Im not sure how hard it is on the welder but most is built with a thermal safty switch. And mine is very hard on the electric bill if used alot.

[This message has been edited by 86fieroEarl (edited 05-04-2004).]

quote Originally posted by jeffndebrus: Well, money vs power---it seems you can buy an arc stick welder that will basically weld a railroad rail to the side of a cement truck for the same money it costs for a mig that is limited to 1/8 in mild steel. I would like to be able to weld 1/4in brackets for motor mounts. Why should I put out $500 up for a mig welder---if a stick welder that costs half the money will do the job? Just wondering what the benefit is?? Also, if a cheaper fluxcore wire welder says it is for steel up to 1/8in----does that mean that even with multiple passes---it won't safely weld 1/4in???

bah...just weld both sides

hi, years ago i bought a mig , wire feed, flux core welder (gasless) and never looked back. i prefer flux core, dont have to buy gas, really never needed it much, other then aluminum. flux core is a little messier, more splatter but it works good on rusty stuff, after you clean it up a bit, i always buy a 1lb roll of flux core wire roll, even though its says it will hold 11lb roll, that would last forever, as i do not do major welding, the tips i use are .035, .030?, .025.........just try not to breath the gas , and use the helmet to protect your eyes..........good luck......................

ps mine can be converted to gas , i just never got around to it.........................

[This message has been edited by silver86se (edited 05-04-2004).]

The answer is to buy a mig outfit that can also use the flux core if you desire. That's what I have, and have had for years. It's a Hobart unit that I paid a little over $700 including the tanks. That way you can weld just about anything you run in to.

quote Originally posted by jeffndebrus: Anyway, I am considering buying a welder for light houshold and Fiero work-----read that--welding engine mounts and cradle. Should I get a flux core wire welder or an arc stick welder? Thank you Jeff

A welder will be more money than buying Bubbajoe's mounts, Last i heard the two mounts were about $150

Bubbajoe's mounts= No welding at all required.

Ed

I have a craftsman wire welder (did not even buy the gas kit) and use the flux core wire. I use it all the time and have used it to butt weld my exhaust system (16 or 14 ga) and man times up to 1/4" steel brackets. Just make sure you clean up what you are going to weld and buy a good brass ground clamp... makes all the difference in the world!

I also have had a Lincoln 220 stick welder for 5 years... never even plugged it in. But when I get around to building a car trailer, it will see some use.

I bought an 80 amp mig with 20 lb tank 18 years ago thru harbor freight.. I've welded in floorboards, rocker panels, torque boxes, trunk floors, and frame rails with it on (at the time) my 69 mach 1 and it worked and still works great... go with the mig not stick cause mig is MUCH more versatile.....

PS fords rule........