5 Tips To Better Flux-Core Welding

[@colauty2598]

A honest guy trying to help.... excellent vid ... cheers mate !!

[@ManCrafting]

Col Auty thanks.

[@siouxzee59]

I have never welded before, but when my husband passed away in February 2020, I pulled out his 90 Amp Flux Welder & never realized that the flux wire actually fed thru to the nozzle. I remember when my Daddy welded, occasionally, he would take the end of the nozzle & hold the wire seperatly dipping it in flux as he went on. The deck has broken on my Husq zero turn mower & I was hoping to try my hand @ welding. Thank you for your informative videos! I may not conquer the world, but just maybe @ least a mower deck.😁

[@ManCrafting]

Bobbie Williams-McClelland that’s awesome. The first thing I ever welded with my original welder was my Dad’s Mower deck. It was god awful ugly as welds go, but it outlasted the mower. Good luck and let me know how it goes. 👊🏼👍🏼

[@cuervojones4889]

OMG! Me, too with the mower. I have an ancient relic (Ranch King Pro) and the deck looks like Swiss Cheese with one of the deck wheels MIA. Learning to weld so I can get the giant holes fixed and put the wheel back on. Good luck to you!

[@hgj2019]

Here’s another marking tip. ONLY use silver streak (or “prismacolor” silver), soapstone, sharpie or a similar permanent marker, or a scribe / scratch awl. NEVER use a common pencil. The graphite will corrupt your weld. Sounds odd, I know, but it will.

[@ManCrafting]

Great tip. Thanks.

[@EpicManaphyDude]

carbon alloys

[@hpt08]

The most important tip I can give is to cover the top of your welding helmet with a flap of cloth that goes over the back of your head. That way the sun doesn't ruin your view of the weld.

[@andybutler6968]

I use it too... excellent... except one day welding "above".... the cloth caught on fire..... Why is it so hot in the helmet??? lol

[@hpt08]

@@andybutler6968 makes a change from finding your jeans are on fire though 😂😀

[@peetky8645]

i wear a cotton hoodie and pull the hood over the helmet

[@peetky8645]

wearing a cotton cap is good too, it keeps grinding stuff out of your hair so it doesn't drop into your eye.......ouch metal in the eye

[@ManCrafting]

I have one that attaches to the front since my beard is way longer now as well as one from behind. That makes a huge difference for any stray light. Supper helpful.

[@clydemeeks6744]

Been welding for 11 years and do it as a career and you made some good tips for people starting out. I love everything about welding

[@ManCrafting]

Clyde Meeks wow. Thanks. I am with you. I love every minute that I get to weld. I want to learn TIG next. Only had 1 opportunity to try it. It’s a whole new ballgame.

[@TheFirstAmendment]

@@ManCrafting it's a blast ! It's my favorite type.

[@ManCrafting]

God is my fortress VerHalen I definitely like it, but I will wait until I learn how to TIG before I make up my mind on which is my favorite.

[@WHEREVER-I-ROAM]

​@@ManCrafting TIG to me ,is like GAS WELDING ,WITH A FOOT PEDAL

[@steelmill2928]

Been welding for 35 years I've never used jel or spray get your heat dialed in that's the main thing lot of people don't realize you can use your wire speed as heat control

[@melgross]

Steel Mill the gel and spray are very useful. But most anti spatter sprays don’t work well, and that gives the business a bad rep. I get mine from McMaster-Carr, I forget the name offhand, but it works very well.

[@LBCAndrew]

Anything that can cut down the splatter and crap from flux core is nice. Being a welder for 35 years i'm guessing you're using shielding gas, which in that case these products aren't helpful really.

[@markcobb6561]

If you need the flux tip to see, you don't have enough wire out. Recommended to have a half inch. The gas nozzle will keep you from arcing out your tip. Cooking spray works as well as splatter spray and if you have to have nozzle gel, again, your not allowing enough wire to be outside the tip. The absolute most important thing is abc, Always Be Comfortable. Relax, don't put a death grip on the gun. Better beads through relaxation. If you can't find the serenity in welding, the focus that makes the world disappear, you will never be happy with what your doing. After 40 years, loving what you do is what makes the best projects, that is the truth of my career.

[@taylorsellers5244]

My dad told me the same thing, add once I got comfortable (literally, of course, I mean physically relaxed and comfortable, not "confident in my technique" lol) before starting a weld, I've been doing much better, and able to concentrate on the puddle rather than how I'm going to shift my body enough (or little by little) without moving the torch and screwing up the bead 😂

[@anthonymarino4260]

@@taylorsellers5244 so true

[@polomontana1]

Thank you tried flux core welding at trade school hard for me to get a grip be steady in my travel angle and distance from base metal to nozzle too close a lot of splatter inconsistent welds

[@genuinedickies99]

"the focus that makes the world disappear" - This guy knows.

[@Chrisc9467]

A really helpful video with real hands on advice. Also your video is produced in a grown up way , very clear and no crazy music. Thank you bud.

[@ManCrafting]

Chris Candlin thanks. Sometimes though, I do use crazy music. 😊

[@Chrisc9467]

@@ManCrafting LOL just warn me in the title of your new vids, now I am subscribed to ypour channel

[@tonyharper8056]

As a beginner I find this type of vid very helpful. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks for taking a minute to comment and let me know it helped. I appreciate it.

[@grizmt7779]

I’m a woodworker, but I have been watching flux core welding videos lately, and am considering buying a inexpensive FCWer. Your video was educational, thanks.

[@ManCrafting]

Look at the Eastwood Mig 135. It was a quantum leap from the HF I had previously. That said, I know HF has a new line that’s better than they used to carry. Worst case you take it back.

[@cyrus13383]

Great tips, also cut the fluxcore wire before you start your next weld. It will make for cleaner starts.

[@ManCrafting]

-Cyru5- another good tip, which I typically need to do anyway since I bump the trigger all the time.

[@DanteYewToob]

Thanks! I'm new to this and picking up my own flux coreq welder on fathers day when the sales all drop. I'm trying to soak up information like a sponge!

[@marksmith5156]

I purchased a landrover discovery 1 cheap with a years mot had been fixed with newspaper and body filler now cut it all out to repair correctly I'm not a welder but now I'm getting the practice thrown in the deep end your video has helped me no end thank you

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome. It’s good to see that there are people that find this video helpful. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. It means a lot.

[@andrewbutler6390]

Good tips for the likes of me. It took me six months to figure out I should have been wearing prescription glasses behind my welding helmet,as I had come to the age when I thought the writing on packaging had become smaller. That silver streak pen and better ambient lighting could be my game changer. Like your style and thanks for your no bullshit presentation.

[@ManCrafting]

Andrew Butler thanks so much Andrew. Comments like these are the reason I continue to put out videos. 🙏🏼 🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@lloydtucker5647]

Thanks for posting. As a result of watching this video some time ago I spent $55.00 for an auto-darkening helmet to replace my $9.00 helmet (excellent tip - thanks). I replaced the copper nozzle made for gas shield with one made for flux core welding (excellent tip - thanks). I started using the anti-spatter spray (excellent tip - thanks). I still have to get the Markal marker. Again - Thanks for posting.

[@ManCrafting]

Lloyd Tucker thanks for taking the time to let me know. I appreciate it.

[@josepherwin8709]

Lowe’s has those markers.

[@Officer235]

When I took welding classes the instructor told us that it's a must to put the plastic tip on and remover the metal tip. This was to protect the gas outlets on the gun. Without the plastic tip to closely cover the gas ports they could get clogged with spatter. Really liked these tips. Definitely gotta get those markers! Thanks.

[@ManCrafting]

Officer235 another good tip. Thanks.

[@rayteems3535]

Are the plastic tips standard for flux core and mig and tig welding? Are the nozzles the same size? Where did you buy them? Does harbor freight sell them?

[@lonnieblackwell5107]

@@rayteems3535 Yes, Harbor Freight now sells them, Home Depot also.

[@theinvisibleartists4444]

I'm just starting out with a Harbor Freight flux core wire welder I have my hood my gloves well wire and I never would have thought of sun in the helmet obstructing your vision, but that's why I look at these comments there's a lot of information in them thanks very much. And nobody ever said anything about a puddle until recently now with the cameras we have you can see the puddles I understand a lot more about it.My dad gave me a book on how to weld I'm fixing to lay a stack of Dimes down LOL Again thanks for the information.

[@ManCrafting]

That’s awesome. I hope you are able to make some cool stuff. Thanks for the comment.

[@stevenpacheco1825]

I was introduced to spraying anti spatter spray on parts before welding them at the current place I work an my whole mind was blown lol. That’s a great tip that not a lot of people do or know of at all.

[@ManCrafting]

I agree. I’ve not seen it recommended much but for me it was a great find. Thanks.

[@FarmerFpv]

My first job out of high school was welding caster plates and casters on front loader debris boxes, used to weld up to 1500 a day. I learnt so much back then much more than I ever did going to school to get my AWS certification. Was outdoors in windy San Francisco so flux core and stick is all we could use. Did that for 6 years straight before they moved me into the shop repairing trucks and machine work. The job is like a hobby for me because I just love welding. Now I build Board Track frames on the side for fun. Those were great tips for people starting out, very clear explanations too! Happy Holidays from NorCal

[@ManCrafting]

Farmer Fpv thanks. That’s a lot of production work. I’m guessing you got pretty efficient in no time.

[@FarmerFpv]

@@ManCrafting yeah at first it was rough but then it just got easy, there's no quota of what I had to get done but I just like to work hard and soak up as much information as I can at the time.

[@pauledwards4837]

Had to chuckle when you said that about the only guy in a fabric store. I remodeled a rock-star tour bus and had to get ultra-suede and foam backing for all the walls and ceiling. Nobody asked if they could help me, so I had to ask for help. The total bill came to over 3000.00 dollars. I bet the next guy after me at that fabric store didn't have to wait for help.

[@ManCrafting]

Haha. That’s awesome. It’s true. I almost always have to track someone down to help. I think there was a couple years where they actually saw me frequently enough to know me but I only go there every few months now.

[@tomhales1564]

Thanks for the simple but effective tips. It's good to hear from someone who's just trying to get better skills without being too technical.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I wasn’t capable of being technical at that point in my welding journey.

[@Michael_00001]

Great video pointing out a lot of things I had to find out through trial and error over time.

[@davidblomdahl5518]

Thank you for making this video. I learned something really interesting in under 10 minutes that will change the way I weld for the better indefinitely. Preach on brother weldacraft.

[@iankidd6654]

Hi Great tips. I have one I found really helpfully for flux core welding in the garage. Get a little desk fan to blow the smoke away so you can see what you are doing Regards Ian

[@ManCrafting]

Ian Kidd another great tip. I am going to add an exhaust fan to my shed setup.

[@jamiethomas4716]

Do that right away. The smoke certainly isn't good for you. It is one of the first things I did once I moved my everlast welders indoors.

[@JAM-zb2vh]

make that a must do like asp. welding gas smoke is not good to breath.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I agree. When I did all of my welding outside, I always had an overhead fan, but inside I don't. So I have a fan pulling air out of the shed which is ok, but not ideal. Need to get on that exhaust fan with a hose to the work ASAP.

[@daiiahi3403]

Your "ramblings" are great tips....Appreciate it.....I also am just starting to flux core weld and I find that there is no substitute for practice, practice, practice. Your tips make it easier to do my work.

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome. Glad it helped.

[@rjohnson5120]

Very helpful especially the nozzle. You can also cut back a mig nozzle if you don’t have the shorty. Pam cooking spray works for anti stick. Best advice I ever got especially for smaller machines - get a good solid ground connection to your work. Grind off mill scale and rust where you will clamp, and clean your clamp with a little emery paper or something. If your machine has a cheap little clamp, upgrade it to a high amperage clamp for just a few bucks. Or wrap each clamp jaw with copper wire so there’s more contact surface. Finally, make sure the workpiece has a good connection to the table if you are clamping the work lead to the table, and attach the work lead close as reasonable to where you will be welding. Low input 120v input welders need all the help they can get, so the better the circuit / lower resistance, the better. Reduces splatter and vastly improves weld. Night and day. Cover the back of your helmet to block out light and reflections in your hood. Good use of eye protection glasses. I’m going to try a pair that they now make with reading lenses

[@ManCrafting]

R Johnson great tips. Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Always appreciated.

[@Lucid-Fox]

Im not a professional welder either. I have a flux core welder and I like videos like this that teach me things about it.

[@ManCrafting]

Cool, thanks!

[@garriv777]

Just getting into welding and love the tip about the silver pen, thank you!

[@ManCrafting]

Glad it helped. Thanks for watching.

[@blueridermg]

I just purchased my first welder ( mig ) I don't know how to weld but I'm gonna try it out. Your video gave me this weird feeling that everything is going to be ok hahaha Thanks for the tips, great video and looking forward to watching others as a subscriber

[@ManCrafting]

blueridermg that’s awesome. Seriously, if I can do it anyone can. I’m not going to win any competitions but my welds look fine and everyone I’ve tested hold up great.

[@thomassinclair4675]

Thanks for your videos! I am an amateur welder also and found that if I preheat the area I'm going to weld it turns out much better.

[@ManCrafting]

I had to do just that on a buffing stand I built since the metal was so thick. You are so right. Hot metal welds a lot better. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@shihster88]

Thomas Sinclair do you preheat on 1/8" angle iron?

[@thomassinclair4675]

Yes I do, you can see moisture drying up as you heat it, and I have better welds.

[@shihster88]

Thomas Sinclair I'll give it a try thanks!! what temp do you preheat to?

[@thomassinclair4675]

I never checked, I just watched the moisture evaporate off then start my welding. I use propane or map gas in the small container you get at hardware stores.

[@anthonyscott16]

As a straight rookie, I found this really helpful. Maybe when I consistently get good results, I'll share my journey as well. Thanks Chad!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I always appreciate hearing from the people this was intended for. People who like me at the time are just searching for any small thing I could do to improve.

[@gunchief0811]

good stuff brother. I'm getting into welding late in my life also I'm a retired U.S. Marine and I did 21 years in Artillery but now I'm in welding college it's a one year program and I am looking forward to the career path . thanks for your vids... "MAN CRAFTING". cool term.... metal work is the deal bruh.. STEEEL!!!!!!

[@ManCrafting]

Bryan Calhoun congrats. I was Army and was attached to several FA units. Mostly M109’s. Where are you going to welding college? That would be an amazing change of carriers.

[@trplpwr1038]

You the man, Good Luck!

[@phillipmcgill7633]

Wow that sucks your a marine and now your welding??? So they didn't pay for your college ??

[@josepherwin8709]

As FabKevin says, “If it ain’t steel, it ain’t real!”

[@camerongorman89]

Bryan you need to look into the VIP program that the UA has they help veterans get into the trade....helmets to hardhats

[@yadzli69]

Thanks for sharing. Just bought a flux-core welding and your input is very helpful. Best regards from Malaysia.

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome. Good luck I hope you have success.

[@stevens.gardner2038]

Thanks for the help , I am just starting out . I am building a hot rod , and welding will help the project .

[@ManCrafting]

Steven S. Gardner good luck. Sounds like a lot of fun with a huge reward at the end.

[@raymondcasey5747]

Hi. Just came across your video. Thanks for the tips. I sell welding parts etc for a large company in Australia, thought I had it all covered, hadn’t even considered the reducing of the nozzle for better visual. GREAT IDEA, am going to pass this on.

[@stevenV57]

Having a party here, every time we hear "Anti spatter spray" we take a shot.

[@ManCrafting]

Steven V take 5 shots fast. 🤣

[@stevenV57]

@MG Stevens A welder watch party!

[@jaystern5936]

Excellent tips. You've addressed several problems I've experienced. I'll correct them immediately.

[@ManCrafting]

Jay Stern thanks so much. Glad you found it helpful. Always love getting positive feedback and helpful tips.

[@user-lm8fx6kc1b]

If can reverse the polarity on your machine, go DC negative, makes a difference on spatter.

[@markhubanks3715]

All great things to keep in mind. Thank You!

[@gr8dvd]

As a virtual craftsman (so far), I see several comments preferring gas v. flux core, presuming b/c of the cleaner welds. What's the downside of gas... equipment expense, consumables more costly, gas volatile, other safety concerns? Meanwhile making note of great ideas, links really help too... many thanks for sharing.

[@ManCrafting]

+David S for me it was the startup cost of adding gas, the logistics of picking it up, uncertainty of setting the gas up and I was welding outside which to my understanding could be a problem on windy days. Turns out to not be much of an issue. But is suppose startup cost would be the biggest issue. You'll need to invest in a tank and then pay for filling it.

[@gr8dvd]

Since I tend to accumulate old tools, I'll have to price gas (tank, regulators, etc.) as I'd prefer getting equipped with one setup if not too pricey for an avid DIYer. The other factor is I'd like the versatility of welding stainless and aluminum in addition to steel.

[@nathanb7260]

its the same as buying flux core wire. they even out. mig wire is super cheap but flux wire is very expensive.

[@nathanb7260]

yes sir. the cost of gas is supposed to equate to the cost of flux core. granted, some people pay way more than others. for instance, i used to buy 2 pound spools for 20 bucks, now i buy 10 pounders for 50. if i could run a 33-lb then i would do that but my main process of choice is stick welding.

[@fair2guy]

Hey David, there are 3 ways to weld mild steel on a wire-fed machine; GMAW (mig), FCAW (flux core), and dual shield (FCAW with gas). The three differ partially in the way the weld puddle forms and penetrates, and also in appropriate environmental situation. GMAW- must be used with minimal wind exposure. Must keep nozzle pretty close to the work piece, which may inhibit view of the arc depending on position. Easily read weld puddle. The silicone that forms does not obstruct view of the puddle much under the hood, so "pretty" welds are a little bit more manageable. You'll want a wire wheel to knock off the silicone pockets between passes. 75/25 argon/CO2 mix welds nicely, and has minimal spatter. 100%CO2 tends to have more spatter, but deeper penetration. Overexposure to argon is possible, but easily avoidable by ventilating well and not breathing next to your weld :) FCAW- preferably used outdoors in windy, or less forgiving environments and is common for new construction. smaller wire (0.030-.035) is more applicable for homeowner use but produces a lot of spatter and fire hazards. larger wire (.045) can weld faster, hotter, wider stringer beads and still maintain penetration and good profile; a combination of the inner flux and the arc force. Larger flux core seems to produce less spatter because the higher arc force. Slag will somewhat inhibit visual of the weld puddle's shape, making it more important to be able to read the arc, but will cool as a single piece- easy to clean! Lack of need for a shielding gas means your ctwd (contact to work distance, or stickout) has a much greater lenience. Change in ctwd will result in a voltage difference, and can be compensated for somewhat. BOTH- well, idk really. better protection, but too expensive for you and I :) in my experience [mig 3/8" open root 3g, 4g, (structural mig) and flux core at home and school] flux core is a little more practical for a wide open shop or just out and about. Its much easier to only have to worry about getting power to the site, unless you have a rig. Ability to weld without a nozzle and with longer stickout lets you get into some tricky nooks and crannies! In a small shop or shed- definitely MIG; fire hazard from FCAW alone is enough for me; that molten slag gets everywhere..

[@maihemrc]

Got our permit today to put in a 20x40 "storage building/shop. Talked to the wife about going to the local CC for welding classes, as we're both interested in artistic metal, and she's on board...so, welding in the next six to eight months or so. Keep up the videos, I etch stainless tumblers too.

[@ManCrafting]

20x40! That's a dream. I have an 8x16 that I may empty out and turn into a welding studio and get out of the covered patio. I don't think I use nearly that much space currently, but it still seems restrictive. It has a ramp currently, but I'm thinking of adding a large deck or patio area for projects that need more space. I only have 110 run to it, so that limits me, but it's only 40-50ft to the covered patio where I do have 230 if I need it.

[@gordon4385]

maihemrc make sure you wire it for 220 volt 50 amp service!

[@ManCrafting]

maihemrc how's the shed coming along?

[@nathanthreeleaf4534]

A few things I have also heard which can prevent spatter when flux core welding: keep your wire between 3/8" to 1/2" max beyond the end of your nozzle, this will also keep you tight with the work and keep you from straying too far away and lastly, if your welder allows it, try switching the polarity on your machine to DC-negative (straight polarity). This apparently reduces the amount of spatter significantly.

[@ManCrafting]

I’ll have to try it on that machine. I have new welders now, so I don’t use the Eastwood that much. Mostly if I need to take a welder somewhere.

[@elfpimp1]

DC negative,???

[@nathanthreeleaf4534]

@@elfpimp1 yeah, you run your gun to the negative and the ground to positive. There are dc inverter machines where that's already done for you, but any machine that has the detachable connection lines, you should run DC negative for flux core welding.

[@Rusty-Brown_]

@@elfpimp1 my flux core came as dc neg

[@elfpimp1]

@@nathanthreeleaf4534 ah, thank you!

[@scottmckenna9164]

Good tips, well spoken. Thank you.

[@ManCrafting]

Thank you. I try. I appreciate the kind words.

[@Mercy4theMartyr]

Close your eyes and listen to this guy talk. I feel like Bill Paxton (actor) is giving me flux core welding tips. :)

[@daxinventor3542]

Excellent video. Your humility will make you a master welder. Keep at it guy.

[@ManCrafting]

Dax Inventor thank you. I am still working at it.

[@davewallace5008]

It is termed 'tip dip' for obvious reasons; just weld for about 30 secs and dip the tip into it. Like a flux it keeps the tip cleaner for longer and helps reduce spatter sticking. I prefer vegetable oil in a spray bottle rather than all those 'anti-spatter' sprays, it works well especially if you need to keep the bb's out of a place that is hard to get at. I rarely use it on gates, fencing and so on, but for professional jobs that require absolute cleanliness, I tend to use the vegetable oil.

[@angryfloyd9235]

im sorry but machine settings and whip angle eliminates spatter. if the BB's dont come off with chipping hammer go to settings.

[@michaelburke6552]

I use pam and it works great as for the tip you don't need any cover on it if you make a holder to put your gun in that doesn't leak put cooking oil in it when you need to just dip it. if your tip gets to much spatter on it just use your grinder with a floppy disk on it. Hope these little tips help.

[@mitchellgarcia3532]

awesome tips. didn't know spatter spray or nozzle gel was a thing

[@ManCrafting]

Mitchell Garcia thanks. I was surprised as well. I guess that's the problem with not having been taught.

[@nathanblanchet2648]

I use a bit of spray on cooking oil as anti-spatter when welding with my everlast welders. Works pretty good!

[@ManCrafting]

Nathan Blanchet cool tip. Thanks.

[@audioentertainment]

Dollar store cooking spray is way cheaper too

[@gerrymatheson4020]

audioentertainment if it keeps spatter from sticking does it interfere with the actual weld at all?

[@PinHolePip]

I'm new to welding and need all the help I can get. Thanks for the tips.

[@ManCrafting]

PinHolePip if you haven't added gas, do it. I drug my feet for far too long for whatever reason. It's so much better.

[@PinHolePip]

I hear ya. As soon as I can afford it. For now ... I'll make the best with what I have.

[@aartistic8340]

Very helpful video! Concise and informative, the kind of tips that are actually helpful to amatuers like me. Thanks, SUBSCRIBED!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks for the kind words. I try to share the things I learn along the way. People that are true experts often are so far past where I am in the learning process they don't even consider these things to be anything more than common knowledge.

[@FreeRkelly7374]

I’m just learning to weld, starting with a cheap flux core, these helped me a lot even years later👌🏻

[@ManCrafting]

Awesome. Thanks for letting me know. Glad it helped. 👍🏼

[@brocluno01]

If it's a DC machine, INE flux core wire will help a lot with less spatter, smoother beads, and easier arc control. Especially good on smaller machines. Soap stone works well on steel with mill scale, light to medium rust, any surface that is rough. Silver streak is good for smooth surfaces. You prolly need both if doing basic farm type field repairs (where flux core shines, not getting blown away by breezes). An orange galvanized marker (paint pen) is good to keep around too :-)

[@ManCrafting]

That’s a great point. My first was the harbor freight 90amp and it was AC. I was going to do a video on converting it to DC, the bridge rectifier was bad. So I trashed it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@miltongwelch2707]

I may need to do some flux core welding with my everlast mig welder. I'm lucky to have stumbled on this video.

[@ManCrafting]

Milton Gwelch thanks for watching. I hope it helps.

[@edbarreto366]

You are a great presenter

[@ManCrafting]

That is a very kind comment. It's something I strive to get better at. On camera it's not something that comes naturally for me. Thanks.

[@ilokozBuilt]

love the video. i just got in to wielding again i use to mig weild 15 years ago and stop. and and now i just got a flux weilder , Awsome tips. keep up the videos..😊😊

[@ManCrafting]

ilokozBuilt thanks for taking a minute to comment. I really appreciate it.

[@luciferbritesun6976]

excellent tips especially the tip about the tip lol and the silver street, ill definitely be picking some of those parts up thank you sir . Great useful video, very helpful thumbs up bro, subbed

[@ManCrafting]

Manny Mack thanks! I should have more videos on welding very soon. Thanks for watching.

[@toddnaplestileguy]

Great Video,Im just getting started,I bought a lincoln buzz box and a Lincoln gasless mig welder,I am going to build a small very functionable welding table /stand/storage that rolls ,I'm the biggest rookie out of anyone lol messed around just to scratch some paint off my brand new trailer because I didn't have any stock around and it's made out of quarter inch so I used it to get a feel for it lol I'll grind n clean it up later ;) Thanks again for the video,I learned some great information

[@fakiirification]

for flux core, in my personal experience, needs to be run a little hotter than you think and wire speed needs to be a little slower than you think. too much wire speed and you get spatter city. quality wire is also important. that horror freight wire is garbage. use it to tie up your bales and lash barb wire onto poles, but not for welding. flux core is a very similar process to stick welding. if the flux is poor quality or insufficent quantity, you will get bad welds.

[@mobius-1503]

Which ones are quality flux wire. Im running hobarts .35 and do get some spatter. But figure its prolly me 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@fakiirification]

@@mobius-1503 I've had good luck with INE brand. Of course your results may vary. Part of preventing excessive splatter is also in good prep work for the joint. 0 splatter is near impossible. But with the right wire and settings you can get it down to minimal impact where all you need to clean up is a wire brush.

[@mobius-1503]

@@fakiirification thanks. Will do and will pick up a roll of INE and try it out

[@studio9400]

Great tips! Much appreciated. Especially love the nozzle comment. Had no idea that you could switch them.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful. It made a big difference in me as a newbie being able to see what I was doing.

[@keonteconcepcion449]

Amazing tips for a beginning welder, thank you! Especially the anti-spatter spray, I wanna have decent looking welds (as best I can with my skills lol) and spatter just ruins it with my cheapo harbor freight welder!

[@ManCrafting]

Keonte Concepcion I can totally empathize with that. Thanks for the comment. Good luck getting the welds you are wanting. It will happen.

[@johnbooker4430]

I can wield great with my Harbor freight welder 125 nothing wrong with my Welds No splatter at all just started welding a month ago

[@ManCrafting]

John Booker that’s awesome. I’m probably a slow learner or I’m not practicing enough.

[@carlwillis5505]

Pam cooking spray also works well, or any generic cooking spray, and much cheaper than anything you will find at a welding store. And at the end of the job, it comes right off, with brake cleaner/paint thinner/mineral spirits.

[@jasonbyrd703]

Not bad tips man. I weld for a living and these tips along with others from professionals should help a beginning welder a lot!

[@ManCrafting]

Jason Byrd thanks. There are tons of pros including my buddy Jodi teaching technique. They are who I learn from.

[@doug3805]

Very helpful tips, thanks

[@ManCrafting]

Doug awesome. Glad it helped.

[@CorDizzle89]

Awsome video, very helpful, well spoken, clear and understandable, thanks

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks so much. Very kind of you. Glad it helped.

[@coltonsites3802]

I still remeber my welding instructor said rule number one to welding is comfort lol . Just wanted to share some wise words

[@ManCrafting]

That’s actually a great tip. Thanks.

[@mrneedmoe1]

This is the best flex core beginner vid thanks

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks for taking a minute to comment. It means a lot.

[@andrewelliott123]

Love it keep up the good work. Merry Christmas my friend.

[@ManCrafting]

Thank you. Merry Christmas to you as well! 🎄🎁🎅🏻

[@jgeronimo4051]

Great video mate thanks more welding tips God bless your family🙏😊 👇

[@Gavreeli]

Use a fan to keep the smoke away from your face. Not so much a tip to make better welds, but you won't be sucking fumes.

[@Gavreeli]

Yes. I use a 3M masks witht he 2097 filters because are very easy to breath in, fit neatly inside most welding hoods, and well, they really filter out all that crap. Check it out www.reddit.com/r/Welding/comments/5rg570/3_or_4_weeks_of_grinding_mild_steel_and_welding/

[@joandar1]

I agree that fumes are a hazard . I prefer to use the fan blowing away from the weld as opposed to blowing towards the weld. The reason for this is it draws the fumes away and wind on both gas and gasless does play a part in he job at hand. Just my thoughts, cheers from John, Australia.

[@ManCrafting]

Gavriel Dorian I have an overhead fan I use when I welded here. I've moved to a shed and building a fume extractor is a priority. Thanks.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks John. I like the idea of an extractor. I'd love a professional one, but that's not in the budget. I'm designing a DIY version.

[@ManCrafting]

Demo Rcr I have a 6in tube with a fan connected to pull fumes now, my new table (3 years old now) is 30 x 30 so down draft may be a little tough. I’d love to see your setup once you post it. Give me a heads up. 👍🏼

[@boblittle2529]

I'm like you - not a professional (or even experienced DIY welder). Something I found out kinda the hard way is don't buy cheap wire. I thought "wire is wire" but it ain't. Good quality, name brand wire made a big difference for me.

[@ManCrafting]

That is one of those issues that happens by accident I suppose. Fortunately I’ve not been in that situation, but I’ll keep it in mind. FYI. I have actually gone to welding school in 2021 for 4 months full time. I’m a little better now than when I made this video.

[@ESCAGEDOWOODWORKING]

Yeah dude, great tips!!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks Eloy, come on up to my shop and hang out. We can work on a welding project together.

[@HenauderTitzauf]

Super great intro commercial with the kids and their antics. Great vlog, thanks for posting and sharing with us. You got a new subscriber and a high five.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. Glad you found it helpful.

[@joseboquitasdelacoronilla7648]

Great info, but a little bit of welding would have helped, me see the real McCoy. But I gave you a like because of your great intention to help others. Thanks

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind in the future. But back then, nobody needed to see me weld. 😉

[@tammylull8903]

LOL I am a woman learning to weld and I also own a cricket! Hey thanks for the great tips!

[@ManCrafting]

Tammy Lull that’s awesome. I’ve been teaching one of my daughters to weld and she is picking it up really quickly. I hope she pursues some classes in the near future.

[@rayfalcone6897]

nice tips thanks for sharing......

[@ManCrafting]

Ray Falcone thanks for watching and taking a moment to comment. I really appreciate that.

[@leocadena6844]

Great tips! You answered several questions I had like that nozzle, never felt like it was the right tip. Thank you!

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks Leo! Glad I could help. Thanks for the positive feedback.

[@freelance8668]

Mig welding is probably thee best way to weld anything. Once u know what youre doing,.. sky is the limit

[@oldtimer4567]

Free Lance MIG/Flux Core is the way to go if you don't want to bother with developing the skill to stick weld. MIG/Flux Core doesn't require much skill. A chimpanzee could just about MIG or Flux Core weld. Fact is, if those Flux Core welders weren't abundantly available & dirt cheap, AND "stick" welders were about all anyone could find to weld with, you'd definitely see a whole lot less "DIY" build or repair videos on KZbin that involved welding. Nither MIG or FluxCore are "the best way to weld", they're just "the easiest way to weld" with very little skill level.

[@ManCrafting]

I agree, the threshold to entry is very low with the low cost MIG welders and with a decent one, you can weld lots and lots of projects that previously would have been impossible. I'm not building skyscrapers or pipelines. I'm sticking two pieces of metal together so I can make a repair, or a stand or a table. Maybe some artwork.

[@user-neo71665]

I didn't know what a wire welder was till I was a teen. I learned on a stick and while I'm far from great I'm a much better welder because of it. MIG takes a lot less skill to weld, in turn ARC takes less than TIG. They all have their place where they have a better strong point but ARC and TIG will always be better than MIG. MIG is so popular because it's low learning curve not because it is better at anything.

[@crystaljoleen8183]

neo 71665 Very true. If you learned stick welding first. Your ahead of the game. Stick welding in my opinion is the hardest. In welding school stick comes after torch welding. Then gmaw.

[@timthetoolman4575]

I too discovered the tip for Flux Core wire. MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE! So much easier to see.

[@Christophersanchez1326]

I had a argument with my dad about taking off the cup at the end of the flux core wire feed welder. in a tight space just take it off.

[@mancraftinglife6224]

It's more important when your using gas. No question.

[@Christophersanchez1326]

can I get that in writing and hand it to my dad LOL.

[@mancraftinglife6224]

Just do it. lol Action speak louder than words. I've seen plenty of videos from Jody and welding tips and tricks remove his so he can get better video of welds. No detriment to the weld. Jody knows a whole lot more than me.

[@Christophersanchez1326]

I agree.

[@mikeford963]

Depends on the wire. If you're using self shielding(most DIYer's use this) you don't need the nozzle at all. If you are using dual shield wire you require the nozzle to direct fas to the weld puddle.

[@sethjohnson6539]

Yes I remember seeing guys that would put the cloth on the back of their head under the welding helmets and that does help but adding some light lighting is probably the the best remedy

[@ManCrafting]

I have one of those now. I used it during classes.

[@longevitywelding]

Hey Chad, sweet vid. Let us know if we can be of any help!

[@ManCrafting]

LWELDS.com thanks! Will do.

[@Aaron48219]

Thanks man! I'm just getting into welding and buying both 100 ampish stick and fcaw. I don't have 220 and only concerned about stuff like auto panels and exhaust. Thanks for the tips! And remember, just coat the tip! ;)

[@ManCrafting]

Aaron D awesome. Thanks for watching. Good luck.

[@mattcollier1712]

pam works good too.

[@ManCrafting]

Matt Collier good tip. May be the same thing.

[@MountainCrestFarm]

I really appreciate the tips, especially about the nozzle. I actually bought a Lincoln flux core nozzle and then didn't use it because all I did was pull the gas nozzle off and TRY to put the flux core nozzle on. You know the result...it didn't fit. It wouldn't go over the tip. I thought it was because Lincoln's were designed with different guns (total newbie here...duh!). Now I know it goes BEHIND, not over, the tip. Thanks!

[@ManCrafting]

Mountain Crest Farm glad it helped. Thanks for commenting.

[@diyman-kf3rg]

Good tips 👍

[@ManCrafting]

d.i.y.man thank you and thanks for watching.

[@markstevens1729]

As someone who wears glasses, I heartily agree on getting light on the work - and - taking my glasses off and getting closer to the work. Until I did that I wasn’t getting consistent welds.

[@ManCrafting]

It’s amazing how much more light helps vision issues. Thanks.

[@Rudofaux]

Grinder & paint, makes me the welder I ain't.

[@ManCrafting]

Rudofaux exactly. Woodworking as well. Caulking and paint makes me the woodworker or carpenter I ain’t. 🤣

[@user-ut9ln4vd5m]

The bigger the gob, the better the job... (where have I heard these before, eh?)

[@Hallsurfer2U]

Hey Chad ! Great video. I just bought a Mig / Flux Welder and looking for tips on how to use it. Really found your video down to earth and interesting so I subscribed. Been doing woodworking for a while and want to get into metal work. Presently building a welding cart but have not even plugged in the welder yet. I pick up trash and started with a BBQ for the main frame then some metal gazebo from another dumpster dive. Got some parts cut and cleaned up and ready to start so thankful for all your tips. Keep up the good work.

[@ManCrafting]

Malcolm Hall enjoy it! If you have a decent welder you're going to have a blast.

[@Hallsurfer2U]

Still getting the hang of it. First project is a welding cart made from a discarded BBQ. Burnt a few holes on the first attempt as the metal is thin but picked up a few tips and will practice on scrap first.

[@christined.3728]

I'm a woman, what is this cricket stuff you're talking about? Am I a man trapped in a woman's body? LOL I liked the video, thanks.

[@rc3291]

Good video. I find people that are novices can sometimes teach better than professionals. Novices remember tips that helped them as a beginner where as professionals assume you already know them.

[@ManCrafting]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful. I agree. I often hear people say that they want to do a video on some subject but don't because the aren't experienced or there are people that have more experience. I do it so people know that they can do it.

[@emilygrosklags8729]

😂doesn't weld for a living but it feels like a job to your family

[@ManCrafting]

Haha.

[@dinorod1051]

Emily Grosklags realated to him I’m guessing lol

[@rodx5571]

nozzle gel, that was my question. just bought a century HC90. Yeah Yeah its a baby welder, but it gets great light duty reviews. For the first welder i ever owned, i think i did ok. its about 50$ more than the HFT counterpart, its a DC welder, great to learn on. Its made by lincoln. thanks for basics info. it helps.

[@ManCrafting]

My first was an HF 90. I upgraded to an Eastwood 135. Night and day. Let me know what you think of that HC90. I haven’t used one. I’d be interested in knowing if it’s a good low price alternative when people ask.

[@accelwell7018]

good job my guy......uh if you don't have your polarity correct with flux core it will wear you out.

[@ManCrafting]

Trent james Great tip. I'm not going to ask how you know that. LOL

[@accelwell7018]

With out knowing it I ran a machine DCEP for over a yeah...Hey these things happen in my life.

[@ManCrafting]

Trent james sorry I just chuckled pretty hard. I haven't done that specifically, but yea these things happen in my life too.

[@a0cdhd]

Anti spatter spray... Use kitchen oil in a spray can. Canola oil seems to work pretty well. Good thing is that you can get it anywhere

[@dannybailey5938]

LED flashlights are your friends also

[@ManCrafting]

Danny Bailey they actually make one that attaches to the nozzle. I haven't tried that yet.

[@tedpeek76]

I ran a 90 elbow into the brass nozzle. Tapped and threaded. Ran hose outside of gun and zip tied along torch lead. Installed flowmeter from eBay. Small 3 ft bottle of co2 argon mix Made a nice difference in my welds. Converting polarity so I can use real mig wire next.

[@ManCrafting]

tedpeek76 nice upgrade. Pretty dang ingenious.

[@Galaxy-Ben]

doing it wrong its side to side, its better than ovals or circles, try it for yourself

[@ManCrafting]

PandaQueen thanks. I've seen many methods in the past and side to side is definitely one that is used frequently. Thanks.

[@vintagetintrader1062]

Agree too, just the way gasless wire lays down, side to side works best I’ve found for all my welding, I’m doing everything from thin panel to 4mm steel RHS, building trailers. It keeps the molten pool more even and stops blow through. Doing circles with gasless increases the flux contamination as you weld into the previously welded area that’s just cooling.

[@chrisp5428]

Side to side (along the direction of travel) whipping could lead to slag entrapment, if you're unable to keep the wire fed right into the joint then a slight up/down motion as you drag is best.

[@jarekmace1536]

For the marking, my army unit just got Sharpies through supply. We found that black worked fine on aluminum and high shine steels, and we used silver on dark or painted metals. The silver almost fluoresced when the plasma arc got near it.

[@ManCrafting]

Jarek Mace I actually use that quite a bit myself. I always have a sharpie on me.

[@trplpwr1038]

This old dog learned some new tricks, thanks

[@ManCrafting]

trplpwr thanks. I appreciate the feedback. 👊🏼

[@onlyychevys]

You will love the difference when you do get the gas for mig welding! And that is not foo foo lol

[@ManCrafting]

onlychevys Williams I've gone gas and you're right. It's a huge improvement.

[@isellcatlitter]

gas is worthless in the wind, it all blows away.

[@kristianskov4841]

Wayne: If you wanna weld outside, only one way too go..... Stick......works every time...!

[@ManCrafting]

Yep flux has it's place.

[@ManCrafting]

I have the ability to do TIG on my Lincoln Electric MP210. I need to give it a try. It can also do aluminum. On my want to try list.

[@shep6123]

Very good saying I am a certified pipe welder I tag Meg I stick I did all of it almost 20 years old or more You do have good ideas that’s the main thing Gotta do you got it able to see it very good key parts clean you’re doing all right

[@ManCrafting]

Paul H Ford thanks I really appreciate people with more experience letting me know I’m on the right track.

[@mitsu6410]

cooking oil try this :)

[@ManCrafting]

I'll bet your right. I haven't tasted the Anti Spatter Spray, but I suspected it was something like SPAM. I'm not sure if there is a cost savings, but I figure if it's packaged for welding it's not likely to mess up my welds. I'm sure someone with a whole lot more experience would know, heck that may even be you.