Cut & Butt with flux core. Easier or harder?

[@ronkay7893]

I was that guy. I learned to weld with an old stick welder on heavy metal when I was young. No real training, just some old timers giving me some pointers and then turning me loose. Years down the road I decided to work on my old rusty truck. Found out quick that I couldn't weld sheet metal with the stick. Yes, I could glue floor panels in from metal cut out of an old hood, but it looked like crap. Blowing holes everywhere. So, I bought a cheap flux core from harbors freight. It was better, but still looked bad. I couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong. So, I saved my money and bought a Hobart mig. It was such a difference. I really could weld. I thank you for this video. It was something everyone should see. The only advice I can give anyone about flux core is Bondo is your friend.

[@vicferrari9380]

When I was cruising in the 80's there was a old feller that was cutting in I think it was some Cadillac outer fenders on to a Vega or something. He was doing it with stick cuz it's what he had. He had it out most weekends. It wasn't looking to bad. In the dark. I wonder if he ever finished it .

[@leetotty7703]

Working with flux core is all about prep, and patience. The metal has to be clean, it has to be at least 20 ga. or thicker, and you need to take your time. Flux core burns hotter, set up is critical, but it can be done.

[@leebarker539]

I'd rather see you out there trying, making mistakes, interpreting the results, and gaining facility with something new. You are a good teacher who still is learning. Definitely worth the time to watch this video. Thank you.

[@laurensmith1828]

You never cease to amaze ,nice work once again!

[@johnwesner3935]

Hey Tony, I've never used gas. I've got a Lincoln 140 Handler that has gas capability but I've never taken the regulator out of the box. Any previous MiG welding I did was out doors so gas was out of the question. Thanks to you I've just completed my sixth rust bucket including door bottoms. It's all I know and I don't see the need to change. It's great to watch you work and anticipate your next move. Anyone making comments about "doing it right" probably hasn't done much themselves. I'm 73 and enjoying everyday, cutting out and replacing rust! Thanks for the years of tips and if you need any about flux core, let me know!😅

[@cato9tales141]

Thank you Sir, ^^^^ that right there.8^)

[@minnesotatomcat]

You nailed it bud, it’s not always restoring sometimes it’s just repairing. A lot of vehicles really aren’t worth a full restoration but they all deserve to be repaired so they’re safe to go have fun with 👍

[@firstlast-ty4di]

I agree. And, when "repairing" there's no shame in using a little bondo to hide those low spots.

[@thomaswhite3831]

@@firstlast-ty4di No Shame, is the key to freedom right there .

[@davegallucci9327]

Good video, it explains a lot! Tony I was at a cook out at a local body shop today. Your name came up amongst the guys! Everyone enjoys your videos😊! Keep up the good work. West Greenwich Rhode Island . USA There was some nice cars there too!😊

[@roycejones3548]

Thanks. You give this old man encouragement to keep going with my welding. Seeing you make welds no better than I do. Really give me the knowledge that I can finish my old 1952 fleetline. Thanks again.

[@markturner5996]

This video explains a whole lot as to why I only had marginal success with flux core..now I don't feel like the Lone Ranger! Thanks Tony!!

[@nealesmith1873]

About the delay. On my small flux core welder I was noticing a delay. Then I noticed that when you press the trigger, the wire feed activates, and then when you press more, the arc activates. So the fix was to just press it all the way in quickly. Now I get no noticeable delay. Always enjoy these videos and they are big reason why I will soon be doing an actual repair! Thanks for the teachings.

[@jamesblair9614]

Your experiment with flux core will be an eye opener to many, so this video is well worth while to watch.

[@charlesloar3210]

I have a Lincoln Weld Pak 140 purchased when they first came out, maybe 15 years ago. It is a MIG but have only used flux Core on it. I am now welding sheet metal with it, with good success. I have welded 22 Ga. with it. It really likes 18 ga. for easy welding. This is a great real -world video. I am 69 years old and still learning. I did a fender notch in a Willys Jeep, and it worked out very well.

[@PatPal-qu3sj]

I do it with flux core with high heat & a very small gap works great :) hardly no grinding& nice flat welds! Penetration is great since I’m welding at 80 amps ! I have both types of welders gas & gasless & prefer the flux core now that I’ve mastered it 👍👍👍thanks for the vid Fitz:) !!!

[@technicalitems731]

Do you aim for gap with the tip of the wire or the panel and whip over? How long do you hold trigger and tip to pieces? Small stabs? Wire brush in between every stab? Thanks

[@PatPal-qu3sj]

@@technicalitems731 aim for the panel don’t hold trigger long at all . Almost like a tac. No wire brushing till after all welding is done

[@denemillsom9860]

I had to laugh at 1:20:20 mark. The shake of the head said it all😂 I’m so glad you shared your experience with flux core, it’s absolutely horrible to use. The spatter, the cloudy residue the huge ark flashes and constant wire brushing🤦‍♂️, This is not practical for sheet metal, Even with your master skill and patience. We really love your honesty Fitzee, your videos are a precious gift.❤

[@clayeden1204]

I think encouraging these types of repairs on the cheap is the best way to also encourage the younger generation into the car scene since spending big money isn’t possible for most kids. And trust me we really need to encourage the younger generation or the car scene will fade itself out.

[@andysmith4667]

This is why I love this channel! After all these years Fitzgee is still keeping it everyday life with what people have around them to use! Using systems / equipment that people can afford to buy on a real life budget and shows the difficulties and ‘how to get around the situation’ that we all face !! For me this is the best channel on this platform KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!!

[@minnesotatomcat]

I bought a cheap no name flux core welder off eBay years ago, I think it was barely over $100. There’s no knobs or anything to adjust the power just 2 switches so you have 4 possible power settings, and then a wire speed knob. Anyways I have been fully impressed by the power of that little devil, it’ll absolutely get a good burn in on some pretty thick metal if you need. My problem was that even on the lowest power setting I would burn through sheet metal when doing body work. I ended up using a long extension cord and all that length of wire gave it just enough resistance to dull the power down to where I can tack and weld sheet metal without burning through. Overall I’ve been happy with it.

[@nealesmith1873]

Interesting solution!

[@srwilbur]

Sounds like heated floors in winter... 😜😁

[@Brazill253]

The fact you actually thought of that solution is notable to say the least.

[@minnesotatomcat]

@@Brazill253 thank you! A country boy can survive 👍 there’s a solution to every problem, sometimes you just gotta think on it for a bit.

[@rayhall4578]

big respect for people who patch panels, i think people have more skill repairing than simply replaciing

[@persistentbc6889]

First off Fitzee your channel gave me the confidence to even buy a welder and try! I use a Harbor Freight flux and yes it’s totally different from gas welding. After weeks of practice and learning my machine I got better results with time. There’s nothing I’m afraid to attempt with my little cheap flux. Thanks Fitzee for your channel you’re helping many of us do what we thought we could never do!

[@pantellissantorinios7378]

Yeah it takes practice with flux.

[@nrw34260]

Thanks for this. It makes me feel so much better about my welding.

[@bradavery8121]

I've been using a flux core from good ol harbor freight. Thing has worked great on all my projects for over 2 years now. I've had to use 16 and 14 gauge steel, but that's the thickness of the metal I'm working with on my bus. Love your vids, great tips and tricks

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

An honest man and that’s what I love about you Fitzee . Gotta be honest I know your not over happy with it but I’d be over the moon if I’d achieved anything near that 👌 brilliant video gives me confidence to carry on with it many thanks 🙏👍

[@goptools]

Hi Tony. I've been using flux core for my truck project for a couple years now. All my work is done outside which is part of the reason I've kept with the flux core. My experiences are similar to what yours are, plus I burn through frequently. It's not great but I've managed to do inner and outer rocker panels, cab corners, pickup bed floor and supporting crossmembers. For the most part, I'm satisfied with my results. It's not going to be a show truck, I just don't want it full of rust. Thanks for the video, I think seeing that a professional has issues using the flux core, makes me feel a bit better. My welder can use gas, and I will add that at some point. I also have a TIG welder that belongs to my son and plan to get more seat time with that.

[@NealTerrebonne]

Why don’t you have a cap on your tip?

[@frankgaletzka8477]

Hello Toni I buy a MIG welder 40 years ago . It is a long time and the welder still work and everything is fine . I never regret my expensiv decision a long time ago. Thank you for your work and the Video Greetings from Germany and the Harzmountains. Yours Frank Galetzka

[@andygreen1811]

Appreciate you doing that. You are a man of the people. I am still determined to master flux core. Luckily i have time on my side. Great channel. Crack on. Andy

[@georgefeener8682]

You do an awesome job with you explanations an I love your humility nice to see sir

[@OldBondoBilly]

Flux for Fitzee? FABULOUS! 😁😁 that welder is the problem my friend. I feel for ya when you talk about the delay😬😬

[@Hartzelhutch]

Thank you for your many great videos, I have learned tons from you. I really struggled with my flux core sheet metal welds until I took Bondo Billy’s advice and turned up the voltage and use quick bursts, that made a massive difference in the quality of my welds. On my Titanium 125 I set it for 1/8” thick stock and the difference in the weld is phenomenal.

[@ANip351]

Great video Fitzee. I've been using .8 fluxcore with my unimig 120 for 14 years now restoring anything that stands still. The trick is use a 1 size bigger tip, and angle the gun to push back at the molten steel as you lay it down. Using fluxcore on panels, you learn quickly the value of a wet rag and a good wire brush. God bless you all from Australia.

[@augienajera642]

Best advice ever!!! Always keeping it real Sir. Best channel ever!!!!

[@markk.4941]

I have always thought I was a terrible welder when welding sheetmetal with flux wire . After seing that your welds look just like mine I now don't feel so bad. I recently bought an Arccaptain Mig200 and am planning on transitioning to gas. Thanks for all your knowledge and tips!

[@mikestrashcan63mc]

Thanks fitzee I have learned a lot from this video and after watching this video I have sworn off Flux welding for autobody mig welding is the only way to go. I have to tell you thank you great info especially for the beginner out there if you had problems Flux core would discourage most beginners. Again thanks keep up the great videos.

[@BrucePierson]

That was an interesting experiment for you and very informative for us in what to expect when doing panels with flux-core wire.

[@kwagmire]

"So I'm gonna lap weld this" got a good laugh out of me. Very encouraging to know even the great Fitzee has troubles with flux core. Great vid as usual. If you're not on Reddit you should be Tony, I've been recommending your videos to a lot of people over in r/welding when they ask about how to do body repairs. Cheers, Fitzee!

[@nickminneti825]

Cut and butt on a budget: Step one, get a flux core welder on the cheap. Step two, get a wire brush with more than three strands left in it! Wow, Fitzee's a big time KZbin phenom and his whole shop he's got the same wire brush he got in shop class. It was painful to see him use that brush! Great tips and ideas. I had the same experience with weld through primer...it burns away too much. I soak it all in penetrol. Here's to sticking around to see what's next!

[@bruceaskin9645]

Penetrol is a great product , I use it a lot

[@bruceaskin9645]

Penetrol is a great product I use it a lot, And the best rust primer I have come across is also the cheapest, red oxide. Made a video about it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYrcdn2dZpiGprssi=E3TuZZ3BR9DavucN. It can also be used on exterior of cars , once its properly dry , overcoated with a regular car primer.

[@T3glider]

Weld through primer is not paint! Yes it “burns away” but in doing so it leaves zinc in the metal.

[@mikekopka344]

I am relatively new here and I love the demonstrations. Most people only like to watch work being done. Fitzee please keep up the demonstrations and lectures! I learned a lot from you. One thing that I heard about Flux welding, I have been researching because I just bought a second hand used once flux welder and from what I have seen in KZbin and various forums is if you get a lot of the flux slag try reversing polarity. Flux welders seem to function better with a negative trigger positive ground. I personally have not tried that yet, but I will experiment as well until I develop my own technique. Thanks for producing great and informative content!

[@edsmachine93]

I think for your first time using Flux core you did great. I always like how you make your repair patches. I always enjoy watching you work and the narrative while working. You are a great teacher. Thanks for sharing.👍👍

[@danfarris135]

Doing on the cheap was a way of life back in the late 70’s and 80’s. We were making our own patch panels from hoods and van roof, side panels. There were plenty of vans with rusted bottoms, but everything from the middle up was always good metal. We didnt have the cheap migs available yet so we either gas welded or brazed them on.

[@stevenk1746]

I remember doing that. What a difference 40 years make. Lol

[@arccaptain-weld]

The video you made is really amazing! I can't wait for you to try our Pro series Flux Core Welder. You truly bring out the excitement in the Flux Core function. I believe this is also the fastest machine for beginners to get started and learn

[@rjung_ch]

Thanks for showing us the easy and hard parts. Cheers! 👍💪✌

[@jamesmonty2003]

I am a beginner and your videos have been really helpful. I am glad I got a gas mig and didn't try this with our cheap flux core. I got the Eastwood Mig 90 for $199 and a bottle of gas for about the same. It's more than a $150 flux core, but even for a beginner it has been way easier to learn on.

[@markasprey797]

I've had the exact same experience trying to flux core weld on sheet metal. You did get better as you went along. Thanks for the video.

[@donaldhalls2189]

Great job, I do find my welds are hard to clean with flux- core, done a great job, thanks for sharing, all the best to you and your loved ones

[@donnynardi7274]

Love watching you unleash your knowledge and your truthfullness, you aint hiding behind nothing Fitzee....now....onto another video ✌

[@TorBoy9]

Thanks for such an insightful flux core welder. it really sets the record straight that flux core is not an easy method to do sheet metal. It looks like stick is even more difficult. Your mig demo was light night and day.

[@amely8393]

Hello Fitzee, i always enjoy your videos, i am an amateur welder, i did get much better with a easyflux 125 from Harborfreight tools, and no i am not sponsored by them, i do have a number of welders from different sources, i bought a multiprocess from Arccaptain that was around 250 with coupons, it is Mig, stick tig and flux core welder, but the harbor freight machine has been good on the settings, you control your voltage to make it colder and your speed to feed as you need, the flux core wire changes from every source, every one behaves different, i believe is the amount of flux in the core to make the Oxygen displacement happen, i have used it to make solid welds on 20ga metal and got good results, keep up the good work and teaching and inspiring us, i have learned a ton from you and for that i am grateful, greetings from Tijuana Mexico....

[@AintScaredGarage]

Thanks for this, I use a flux core and I've got pretty good at it, on sheet metal, one day I'll get a mig, but I do all my work outside and then a breezy day will blow the gas away , but you have helped me out a lot , keep up the good work

[@superloopy24v]

I loved it and laughed so much when you just threw out the comment "I'm gonna overlap this, I've had quite enough of that". As a real novice who has mostly used stick on garden machinery and commercial waste bins I recently bought a parkside gasless, I know now not to waste my time trying to cut and butt using it.

[@johnwesner3935]

I found that slowing the wire speed on the lowest amp setting give me the heat without the bugger build up. Gives me less grinding. I'm not suggesting that flux is better it's just how I've learned to make it work. Yes, I see more imperfections than you with gas. I'll never be as good as you and I've accepted that. I learn something every time. Thank You!

[@persistentbc6889]

Exactly

[@dirtysalmonchaser]

thank you for making this video- eye opener using flux-core on sheet metal

[@dogpotter]

Thanks for taking the time to learn something new and teach us this technique. sometimes good enough is good enough.

[@theimpatientbrewer]

Thank you Tony, I had originally planned to do some welding on my old car with gasless MIG, but I could never do even a half decent weld. It was good to see that even you have problems using flux core. Watching your channel made me decide to buy a proper MIG welder and gas. I once had an old BMW welded up using stick, I was pleased with the result, but I can TIG weld better than I can stick weld.

[@BCole-bj4lv]

MY 2 Cents: I structurally weld all the time with flux core, stick, and occasionally mig. You, Kyle and Chad inspired me to work on cars. I used my friends $110 Harbor Freight flux core and repaired my car. I had a ton to do and this cheap machine just sucked, period. I did a lot with 16 gauge and it wouldn't weld worth s..t. I borrowed another welder, a Hobart Handler 190. I think I had .035 flux core in it. It welded much, much better but on 22 or 20 gauge sheet metal it made one want to pull ones hair out as well. It did ok on 16awg. One problem is that if the flux cools too much then it insulates the next feed of wire and the wire pushes the gun back. One needs the amperage high enough to get a quick melt but not too high. Too low and you get a pile of weld. The timing and duration of the pulse is crucial and ... the next pulse must hit the last. Move too far and the pulse blows through the material, pulse on the old pulse before it cools enough and you blow through. Wait too long and you have insulating flux and the wire feed to the side and blows a hole. Flux core, even .030 just plain sucks, sucks, sucks. I ended up laying upside down or sideways and tig welding two rockers on my car. That sucks as well but for different reasons. After all that I bought a mig welder and rented a tank and welded sheet metal. It is a game changer. Mig welding 20 or 22 awg metal with .023 wire and mig gas is easy! My suffering ended and I'm a happy man. I first tried .030 wire on my mig machine but after trying .023 (as you always suggest) and it plain works. The weld is cool enough to easily pulse the metal. You don't blow holes all the time. You don't have to deal with the slag and glass insulating against the nest pulse. It works just as you show it work .... nicely. Mig weld with .023 and be happy; be very happy.

[@fitzeesfabrications]

Very well said and thanks for sharing. Good information here

[@tonyrandazzoe8210]

Im teddy with the '70 ford van(remember?)...we spoke about 2 yrs ago about its rusty hood.you said to take the whole hood apart.i am limited to mig / flux core so i really apreaciate this video.oh....and im moving thos month finally...

[@tonyrandazzoe8210]

Was that from you Tony?

[@SpockmanPhotos]

Love your teaching and channel Fitzy. Would love to see you do the same type of process with using a TIG as well. The TIg process would be a great method for a great teacher like yourself to demonstrate also.

[@WilliamKirton-v8k]

Fritzee, you are so right about the average guy. like me, small flux core welder, a few harbor freight cut off wheel, grinder and some clamps and hand tools. I bet that's like 90% of guys doing stuff to there car or truck projects at home are doing that way. your theory of pieces and one at a time. Really breaks it down to all of us. so we won't get scared get pieces that make a whole. you inspire a lot of us, not to be afraid to tackle something that might seem to large for us. your work is amazing, your knowable approach is perfect. you take the time to show and tell us how to do it and the simple amazing way to do it simple. keep them coming buddy, your truly a great fab guy who know how to do it with like 5 tools....

[@bigskychevyguys8842]

Thanks Tony for being real and humble and patiently enduring the frustration that some of us experience. What you needs to say is I might as well go gets me a co2 bottle for my 120 v Lincoln and be less stressed and ends up with nicer looking work ! Tips were great !😁

[@LeeRichards-o4w]

Fitzee is always 'Keeping it Real' Thank you for another great video

[@ronwalsh]

I really like this episode since you can feel that Fitzee is really trying hard not to just throw that door into the woods. I am kind of glad I spent the extra bucks to get a MIG welder. Thanks for taking us along on this most stressful episode.

[@BrucePierson]

As far as I know, you can only get 030 (0.8mm) flux-core wire as the smallest size available. I have never seen 023 in flux core. It also comes in 035 (0.9mm). That's what's available here locally, but no doubt it comes in larger sizes for industrial use. My welder will handle 0.8mm and 0.9mm, but I have only ever used 0.8mm (030). I've been using gas-less MIG welders for about 32 years now and I've done a lot of work with them over the years. I did the rockers on my 1982 Mitsubishi Express van using 18 gauge computer case material. I have yet to start on my 1964 EH ute (small pickup truck), which is 18 gauge. Your door repair today will be very useful and give me some ideas on doing similar repairs.

[@domenickpace3450]

Thanks for sharing. Started with flux core only about a yr now. Have butt welded lower quarters,rockers, next goin to floors pans might also do the lap weld also .Still trying to get better at it frustrating at times but watching u motivates me more.

[@dayslife]

Great video Tony. and nothing that a smear of fiberglass can't fix to look mint ....

[@DUDE72341]

Keep N it real one mess at a time.. Thanks fitzy..great content...appreciate no commercials as well..great job..👍

[@joelshipley5883]

I'm one of those structural welding guys. Certified, Stick, MIG, TIG, etc. I have learned every bit as much from this channel as all those years doing structural. I believe a 110 (115 I'm a Yank) welder with .023 wire and the bottle may be the best for doing bodywork. I currently run a 220 Miller with .023 and Argon/Co2 mix, and after years, and many Fitzee videos, am OK repairing rusty sheetmetal. Flux core is good to repair a bush hog out in the field. We used them to build handrail in Colorado. Stick is fine for some things, too. Use what you've got, but yes, to do bodywork, get on the bottle, or if you're fancy, TIG. (I want to be fancy, but have MIG in the tool box, too). Cheers, Fitzee for keeping it real.

[@380.motorsports]

Great tips in this video. So glad you did this and commented along the way your experience. Nice to know I’m not the only one that has experienced the same things trying to do a little sheet metal repair with flux welding.

[@ScottHiland]

Thanks for this, Fitzee. I've got a multi-process machine that I use flux-core on for repairs around the property and little else, and I feel a little better knowing that it's just a challenging setup to make it come out pretty at first blush. I agree that like all things, the more time you spend getting used to it, the better the outcomes.

[@bradwolfgang1037]

Fitzee - This one “ hit the hail on the head “ my ‘75 Dodge D100 swept line will be going down this same road - starting with the doors. I can’t wait to see your “budget truck” project. I too have “industrial shelving” ( a large “free” pile ) - great job - stay on this road - it’s perfect! 👍 😊

[@KaM-bb1fk]

fitzee you really are the man. I really enjoy your videos and how real you are about this type of work

[@christopherconrad4156]

I did flux with a Canadian Tire welder for years. Kept my beaters on the road solid but not pretty. Doing my old truck now I switched to gas. Once you get things dialed in what a difference. The learning curve from flux to gas was a struggle for a bit, but worth it. I still say I can weld but I'm not a welder. And yes wire quality makes a huge difference.

[@tonyandjackieholmes9546]

Love your vids Fitzee. No tripe and great tips Looking forward to the truck resto

[@WolfiePeters]

I don't have any experience with flux core, but what I've found is that good equipment makes a huge difference. I struggled for years with a couple of cheap migs and honestly thought I had little ability to weld. Recently, I bought an R-Tech (I live in the UK) and suddenly mig welding is easy.

[@bluethunder1951]

Great tutorial! I’ve done both solid wire and flux core for over forty years, my go to is .025 with auto gas for thin panels and .035 for heavy structural welds. Like I always say it takes lots of practice to master either in all kinds of situations.

[@tonywinton7949]

Amazing lessons, thanks for taking us along as you learn too. Thank you for not only sharing your knowledge but the willingness to show your mistakes for our benefit. I appreciate and respect you, thanks tw

[@roberthoy9922]

Being an Ironworker, my primary wire used is .072 flux core. It is for production work structural steel. Yup. It is a pain and very slow process when using it in one’s own little shop. .030 is the smallest wire one can purchase. It’s dirty and definitely not recommended for sheet metal work like what you are doing. That being said. You are absolutely correct about starting out and being broke. Pretty much the only way most young or even older guys just starting out can get along. The heat is crazy for such light material, but it can be done and also end up looking good. It just eats the hours off your watch. Really do enjoy watching your content.

[@lars5671]

thank you fitzee. i only weld with flux core because gas prices in norway are insane, the prices are increaced 90% because of emission fees... but now i am confident like never before!!!!

[@PapiDoesIt]

My first experience with flux core on sheet metal wasn't great. I was welding on a school bus and kept blowing holes through it. But boy is that welder great at angle iron! I turn it wide open and fry the bacon. Bought it for just a little over a hundred bucks at Harbor Freight. Watching you do it has given me enough confidence that I might try flux welding some sheet metal again later today on a mid 80s Toyota truck.

[@joescully566]

I feel that you made this one just for me after my recent FB posts and the comments I received!! 😅😊. Thank you Tony, Joe, ❤❤❤

[@gregneymeyer5220]

Kudos on giving it a try on behalf of the hobbyist, and encouraging the low buck methods, but I dislike flux core so much, I haven' t touched mine for a couple years. Actually found a very reasonably price used MIG and am happy as a clam. There is no dirtier weld than flux core.

[@ronaldalyea1136]

That was a great video Fitzee! Flux core is so dirty ad splatters everywhere, I can't tell you how many wire brushes I have laying around the garage. I have two flux core welders, I have been able to do your cut-n-butt with them after much practice and I have been using the 24 grit to clean the welds up. I thank you for that tip as well. I now understand what is going on between the tack welds, thank you for that added information. I will try to wait patiently for your next video, I always start checking in advance for your videos!

[@bkon4675]

First time with mig 170 amp harbor freight. Did a lot of trials on sheet metal with flux core. Not all flux core wire is the same. Tried several brands, including the wire the mig welder came with. I struggle with them, too hot for my liking. Got a tip on Forney 42300 Flux Core Mig Wire .030 for welding sheet metal. Huge difference. This wire made it a breeze. Just saying I found the brands of wire very different. For sheet metal, I'll be using Forney brand. I used the nozzle on, kept it close just about touching or actually touching at a 45 degree angle. After practice I welded a10 inch slice in the metal of my GMC rear lower quarter, butt welded using compressed air to cool. Weld looked good no holes, good penetration back and front, no warping.

[@justjake8873]

I started with a Princess auto 110 flux core on sale for $98, it did what I needed and stuck metal together when I needed it to. Have since moved up to a Lincoln 180 Mig Pak with gas($650 on sale at Cambodian Tire and another $150 for the bottle and gas) and love it. As you said had to stay within my means, but moved up a small notch when I could. That said the ol’ Prncess auto flux still comes out more often than not when I need a quick weld and dont want to or cant run out the 220v line.

[@raywagner8016]

Excellent video Fitzee. Once again, full of valuable information.

[@garryburton-bz2nc]

A picture is worth a thousand words, The grin at 1.25.25min says it perfectly,

[@StingrayBay]

Thanks Fitzy, one thing you can't use Mig or Tig for is welding outside in the wind, that's where flux core and stick shine. Most of us don't have a big shop we can take the project into so alot of the welding is outside. Yes it its frustrating but not as bad as gas that shields sometimes and not others.😂 Keep up the great videos, Mark

[@tonyjones8729]

Hey Tony I use Flux all the time and I found when welding sheet metal tack it in to place then I use a wire wheel in a drill and as I tack I will clean it as I go. Not only does it keep the work clean but it helps with ground issues

[@dandiy4958]

Great video, thank you taking the time to show all the issues involved.

[@leonardgilbreath9004]

All I've got is flex core and I've welded in patches and it is messy and time consuming that's why I'm getting a mig gas welder good info for this thanks for sharing thumbs up 👍

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

Same here. I just use mine for welding things where the splashes and bubbles don't matter too much - the garden gate. I've wondered if it's feasible to retro fit a gas shield to a flux core welder use for welds where I want neater results.

[@kurtmiller7945]

Thank you, for let me see, that a pro like you can struggling. Like your videos as always,cheers Kurt

[@patrickm.8425]

When I went from flux core welding to MIG, it was like I stepped into heaven!! I will never go back to flux core unless there is absolutely no other option! BTW, what size wire do you normally use when you're MIG welding sheet metal? P.S. Yes, this is an art, and I consider you one hell of an artist! I do this stuff for myself on my drag S10 as a hobby for fun. But I can sit and watch in amazement for hours at all of the different things you can work out and make look like new again or just create something you're wanting and don't have! It's a pleasure, and I'm sure there are many, many people who appreciate you sharing all of your knowledge with the rest of us mere mortals. Thank you Fitzee!

[@tommyprince9931]

Pretty damned good Fitzee. I'm a beginner with a new Lincoln 180, haven't bought a bottle of gas yet, will put that off until after I use up the flux core wire that came with the welder. Thanks a lot friend!

[@cato9tales141]

Fluxcore is all I need for serious rust repair. Thanks for your experiences Fitzee.8^)

[@stephensklein6952]

Fitzee, I really appreciate this vid. It has confirmed what I was already thinking about getting gas for my Lincoln 140A. I did some work on putting a flux core patch in a fuel tank and I struggled like you did with porosity, seeing previous welds and blowing through. I eventually want to do some panel repair on my 80's Hondas. Going to def get gas and some .023 wire! Thanks again sir.

[@swallowinn4410]

Hello Fitzie: just so you know and can pass on to your viewers. Princess Auto has .023 Flux core in there inventory. 11lb and 2lb spools sku 8132250, 8132284. The small amount of welding I do is always Flux core or Stick. I was somewhat encouraged to see many of my welds look at least as good or maybe even better than what you demonstrated. Thank you for the encouraging instructive video.Keep them coming.

[@gregorypeterson9]

Looks like mig not flux core wire are you sure?

[@swallowinn4410]

I do apologize to Fitzie and his audience. I have made an error in the wire Ii posted as Flux core. Unfortunately it is MIG wire. Thank you to the viewer who noticed my error.

[@donaldfisher8556]

The flux core machine I have, a Canadian Tire model, starts to work best on material as heavy as mower decks or furnace oil barrels; sheet metal is really tough to do. Thanks Tony

[@davekugler9758]

I think it would be a wonderful idea if you could put eye protection on your camera that your videoing the project so there isn't quite search a glare while watching your video great job learning a lot about welding. Thank you 😊

[@frankschwartz7405]

Hey Fitzee! I've been using only flux-core, although I've used MIG at work for years. The main reason is; the welding supply store is an hour round trip, and I don't go to that town often. I've messed around trying to butt weld, and I can do it, but when you put a light behind it....lots of pinholes. So now, I mostly flange and lap weld. it still comes out "flush" enough...and no holes.

[@BlueMacGyver]

I flux core welded my entire 1969 c10. It is doable, however, I used a lincoln 140 mig. Taking the tip off is essential to succeeding. The settings require testing on your particular gauge (18). I keep mine on 1.25 wire speed and A or B on heat. B for healthier metal and A for thin. This might seem like useless info, but it may help someone. I have completed my project and painted it too. I used the cut and butt method countless times. The body work and paint took me 2 years of weekends and afternoons because of the severity of rust and reconstruction, complete tear down and removed every inch of paint and bolts. Fitzee's methods really do work, even for flux. I wouldn't have been able to complete my 69 without his videos. The real trick in the end is to walk away when you build up heat in the panel/weld. Do some, walk away, come back and do some more.

[@BlueMacGyver]

Btw flux core wire from Harbor Freight is better than Lincoln for 18 gauge.

[@chrisrobinson8937]

Thanks for the perspective. You're 100% correct. Panels are not available for everything. Its REAL easy to own a 69 Camaro. You can just buy every part imaginable. But those of us that are sick of "catalog cars" have to actually do the work to build what we want. All the muscle car guys LOVE to talk about how "rare" their car is, because of the color or some other ridiculous reason. But it still shares 99% of the parts with everyone else. If you want a challenge.. own an old hearse, like I do. Made less than 50 of them. Coach built from the dash rearwardd. Tons of semi obscure Cadillac heavy duty parts. I'm even having to make my own weather strip.... Keep up the good content, for people that live in the real world, and don't have $25K to drop on a brand new body shell...

[@johnwesner3935]

You are absolutely correct. Flux core is hard the grind. I mostly use a grinding wheel because for me, I get less unwanted heat. I've start using Kyle Carter's method of welding about an inch and then grinding. I think part of that makes me slow down and let some heat out of the panel. Doing the welds I hit the previous spot just as it's loosing the red. That way I have better luck with the arc starting. And I don't lose track of where I am!😅

[@johndodd1362]

G’day Fitzgerald Like you necessity had me venture into flux core , I found that I had to frequently use a wire wheel in a drill and keep the areas clean where I was welding. All the best mate JD

[@faroironandcustoms6577]

Dang Tony!! I like to use my flux machine (Titanium 125 Harbor Freight) for tacking things in. It is super important to brush between welds to get that flux out of the weld area. (From my experience.) It takes allot of time for sure. Good to see you weigh in on this subject.

[@arthurcole2943]

george you are doing quite well for the first try with fluxcore ... i use it all the time mainly for the expense of bottles ,,,,,for the first try flux core is not easy on car panel's warpage is the biggest problem

[@Anthony-nw5zv]

Tony when you were cutting the old metal it seemed as though you were cutting aluminum foil, and yet you have succeeded in using flux core welding. And I can tell it's a much hotter weld than you are used to. But by golly you got it done 😊.