How To Weld Flux Core [FCAW] - Setup and Troubleshooting

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This is the footage from a live video I did on Instagram / maker.table yesterday covering how to weld flux core FCAW. I tried to get some good arc shots by using a 10 shade over the camera but the footage did not turn out, I need to try something else to give you guys a better view of the actual arc. So this video should help you get started welding and troubleshooting any issues you might run into while learning. I go over the welder settings, technique, and common problems when learning to weld.
#makertable #diywelding #fluxcore
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Website: www.MakerTable.com
Facebook: / makertable1776
Instagram: / maker.table
Snapchat: / maker-table

[@adeh503]

This is the best flux core tutorial on KZbin by a mile 👍👍

[@vangreg34]

Just came to say the same. All the weld.com videos couldn't simplify as well as this one 👍

[@6Sally5]

Totally agree! I’ve watched a bunch of vids and nobody explained this nearly as good

[@theguillotinemafia]

Yup

[@emostorm7]

Yes

[@emostorm7]

This is what i was looking for! Thank you!

[@kendalstewart5308]

This is one of the most accurate tutorials that I have seen, I am currently in the medical field I have been there for 15 years now, prior to the medical field I was a combination pipe welder for Brown and Root For 13 years. This guy knows his stuff thanks I saved this went to favorites.

[@summersoldier3311]

Those were some really good tips that I haven't seen on any other video. My understanding of heat input and wire speed has been enhanced!

[@anthonyscott16]

You have no idea how much this vid has helped me. Thank you so much for putting it together!

[@billssmithy7352]

My first FCAW how-to vid. Only wish you had included close-ups of the welds for better visualization of good vs. bad welds.

[@MakerTable]

I still haven't' figured out how some of these guys are getting clean arc shots. It's really tough on a camera, cuz there's so much light.

[@mikemc1114]

Great video for us beginners. The best I have seen for home non-pro welders. This guy knows what he is doing! Thanks.

[@travistravis7190]

I been looking around at every youtube fcaw weld vids trying to find shit out. This video is by far the most instructive and informative. great video!

[@MakerTable]

So glad to hear this, thanks for taking the time!

[@usernamemykel]

So, you've out-shitted yourself from this video?

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

Howdy there, I've got a basic 100 amp gasless mig. I use 0.08 mm flux core wire. For years i had no idea how to weld. My welds were mostly terrible. After watching your video, finally got it right with some practice. I repaired my zero turn ride on mower. Deck was damaged/cracked. My welds looks pretty good. Thankyou very much for your excellent tutorial video. I'm now looking for anything to weld. 🤣😂😅. Cheers from 🇦🇺👌🏻👍🏻...

[@MakerTable]

That is an amazing story! It really makes this all worthwhile to know I'm helping to spread the joy of welding around the world. Happy making!

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

@@MakerTable my main concern was flux mixed in the weld seam compromising strenght. Love my welds now. Thankyou again 👍🏻👌🏼👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@benkanobe7500]

I have watched and also purchased CD's on FCAW as I am a brand new Harbor Freight 90 Amp beginner. I learned so much from his hands explaining the "Shelf" and "Filler Metal" puddle. Summed it up great for me and now I know what to look for. I am still just trying to make good welds on scrap, but look forward to making my own welding table. This is really great Teaching. The Guy is a natural (and funny too). Thank You !

[@MakerTable]

Thank you so much for the awesome feedback! I'm really glad I could help you out a little. No need to spend money to learn welding if you are trying to weld for yourself. Check out Chuckeee2000 and welding tips and tricks, they both taught me a lot of good tricks on here. Good luck and don't expect it to come fast, it took me thousands of hours under the hood to get where I'm at today and I still have room to improve. Just enjoy the process!

[@blancoazcracker365]

watched alot of welding videos and none mention the slag shelf so i never thought about it,thats a great explanation,ive had the lincoln 140 ,110volt for a few years and have only used .35 flux core,hardest for me is getting wire speed and voltage to work together

[@justinlyle7831]

I've watched about 100 videos. This is by far the best. Most folks aren't sharing the fine art that welding is. Thank you sir. 💪😎

[@vorton100]

This is great! Thanks for the tutorial. I have had a welder for over a year now but I have been scared to use it cause I don't want to get the settings wrong. This will help greatly. I have been wanting to extend my go kart and hopefully I can get it done this spring using tutorials like this.

[@austinlane5533]

Don't be shy. Gotta run it to learn. You won't hurt anything.

[@arleybindschadler446]

learned a lot . Better than most at explaining in simple terms . I liked the explaination on the slag and where to keep it on the puddle .

[@MakerTable]

Thanks man! Keep running passes this is one of those skills that just takes lots of repetition to get really consistent.

[@Gitarzan66]

Thanks for this video. Its the best I've found on YT and I've watched a ton about welding. I'm 53 and I'm getting set up to do my 1st welding since 8th grade shop class lol. And that was torch welding. Your video has become my reference to recognize what I'm going to do wrong.

[@csul5961]

Brand new welder here. I got my flux core to feed the wire but it was not sparking at all. After a phone call to Harbor freight they told me you have to pull the trigger all the way in. This finally worked. I could find no instructions or videos to explain this

[@quirogaeric92]

You've heard it a bunch already but thank you for walking us through every possible mistake and explaining what to look out for and how to adjust the settings to make it work

[@MakerTable]

It never gets old, thank you so much for the kind words! It makes me so happy to hear people get excited about welding.

[@beergnome666]

I like the way this dude explains stuff. Concise

[@alisha75006]

If anything You're CERTIFIED welder from school of hard knocks it shows up in your effortless demeanor. I appreciate your effort.

[@rogerolsonmn]

I have watched over 100 videos some by actual academic welding trainers!!! O.M.G. you are the best...keep posting Thanks

[@MakerTable]

🤣😂 Just a 1st grader teaching kindergarten!

[@rmartinez2538]

Best flux tutorial I've seen yet. Subscribed after the first two mins

[@petemiller519]

Great stuff! Loved your 1/4" weld for 4" length is good for 70Kips. I am an retired structural engineer, and I always thought of weld strength in that form. Mind you, the factor of safety must be applied to those values....but that's another story. Loved your slag and filler metal puddle explanation. Best video on you tube. Thanks, and thumbs up! Cheers from Canada.

[@MakerTable]

Wow man, thank you so much! I'm glad this is useful to people, that was the whole idea behind getting on KZbin.

[@DS-lg2jb]

The best video I have seen yet, explaining on welding

[@zacgoudeau2053]

i was running 035 wire on my 110v welder. the tip on usuing 030 makes sense as to why i was having troubles welding 035

[@richbaumann2999]

This helped TONSSSS! Thanks for the super breakdown.

[@kellyvcraig]

Seventy years in and getting ready to strike my first arc. Have been to a lot of sites that helped, but lacked critical details critical to helping beginners figure out what the need to do. For example: 1) How much stick out? 2) How far do I need to be from the weld as I run my bead. 3) How do I start (e.g., do I strike and pull back with the speed of a Kung Foo martial arts eightieth degree black belt, touch a button on the gun and wave it over my head, reflecting on the information I gained in my Tesla coil researches, or. . . .? Lot of helpful information here (could still use help on number three ;) Appreciate your work, very much. Thanks

[@HarryJarrell]

1) 3/8 to 5/8 inch 2) Just keep the tip less than 3/4 of an inch from the work piece. The voltage will control the arc length. 3) All you need to do is press the trigger and it will start the arc. It is not like stick welding where you need to strike the arc, then pause for a second to let the puddle build, and drag the puddle.

[@simpson1672]

Thanks for explaining the polarity & the wire size. I’m looking at starting on a 110 flux core unit & then graduate to a 220 multi function unit, if I get proficient at welding. No one else explained the 2 items either at all or as well as you. The lesson in speed & heat was also great. Subbed & saved this video.

[@elainesmith5538]

I have just done an intro course to metalworking and the instructors did not recommend a flux core welder but after watching your video, I think it is the one I will go for as it does the job and is much cheaper than a mig. Thank you. I am saving this to watch again!

[@JaysonMatthews]

As a brand new welder fumbling around with his first machine, I owe you a few beers for this video, sir. Thank you kindly.

[@rayfalcone6897]

this is one of the best explanations on how to flux weld,great video,and good tips.....

[@seanpereira6961]

Many thanks for this, watched the video, spent a few hours playing around and the result was many times better than the last time. Watched it a 2nd time and took notes even! You earned yourself a subscriber, LEGEND!

[@MakerTable]

Wow thanks man!

[@pnp8849]

This is such an awesome video full of useful information for a new mig/fc like me. Coming from a stick I find mig/fc is so annoying delicate but I'm getting much better with your help. Thanksss.

[@pondacres]

You heard it already from others, but I'll pile on...this video is a fantastic resource for a flux core welder newbie. Great explanations, thanks very much for posting this.

[@phbrand8548]

I have learnt more watching this than by listening to hours of videos and other people thank you!

[@jonas_meyer_photography]

This video is pure gold, very well done. Simple and to the point with good examples on all the settings. Thank you!!

[@4WheelzMan]

best video about flux-cored welding for me so far thank you for sharing

[@paulhenson8308]

I,m in Australia and just watched this vid 3 times love your work mate best down to earth explanation I,ve seen keep up the good work. Best regards from down under.

[@MakerTable]

That's crazy your so far away, thanks for watching! I hope this helps you out brother.

[@markashlock8058]

Best explanation of shielding that I've heard. Thanks!

[@Cliff_P]

Thanks! great video explaining temp and wire speed. ps, to find out your wire speed feed rate with a "Relative" 1 to 10 dial i made a chart by going though each number ie 1,2,3,4..... and feeding wire for 6 seconds then measuring with a tape measure, and multiplying by 10 to get your inches per minute. ie, say on setting 2 you get 5.5 inches of wire fed in 6 seconds x 10 is 55 inches per minute . cheers,

[@sktyby]

"And uh, you're fucked" best quote of the video. Great tutorial. I watched several times.

[@rtoebak76]

You have people that read books and learn from it. And people that learn from seeing it and feeling and listening. I am more the second type. But do read a lot. Thanks for the video.

[@MakerTable]

I'm just trying to pass along some of the stuff I've learned over the years. I think welding really comes down to practice and muscle memory. Once you learn all the theory (out of books) you still have to get under the hood and chase that blue light for hours and hours before you can actually do code level welding. Good luck man, I wish you the best!

[@outwhitu08]

This is really one of the best instructional videos out, for all the beginners out there, he really knows what hes talking about, good job brother! And subbed too!

[@marylenetan1396]

Lincoln electric

[@alexrodriquez6451]

Just got some flux core wire for my everlast welder. Looking forward to finally being able to weld in the wind.

[@MakerTable]

Do it bro!

[@nyinfamous2k2]

most helpful video ive seen so far, thank you

[@jaylynk6484]

Thank you for the tips. You have a great way of explaining different variables and troubleshooting them

[@teyroo9133]

Thank you for explaining all you did. I had so many AH HA moments watching your video thank you!!! Best flux core video on Ytube.

[@Agustin-jo8mv]

Wow. That flux explanation was beautiful. haha. I've tig/mig welded before and am trying to weld like mig, but dragging. Only put down like 8 inches of flux weld so far, gonna mess with it a bit more tomorrow. I was pretty sure I needed more heat and after watching this video, I definitely need more heat. Didn't get anything too bad, but the weld was a bit cold, although it still laid down nice and even with my pace. Thanks for the video!

[@TypeRafa]

Awesome video, very helpful for beginners like me! 👌

[@baronratfish3865]

Great Video! Thank You! Life long Plumber here. Just bought a welder and trying to learn/self teach with you-tube. You do an excellent job of explaining.

[@MakerTable]

Baron Ratfish thanks brothet, good luck on ur journey! I learned so much about welding on here. Just keep running passes and you'll get it figured out 👍

[@markletts2000]

Glad I found this,.you wouldn't believe the grief I've had trying to weld flux core..😳🇬🇧

[@hectorcalderon3011]

One bit of advice if you don't mind me telling you is when you weld with flux core you constantly have to wire brush or wire wheel the Weld and the area keep it clean or it will not come out very well my suggestion is to have a wire wheel on an angle grinder have it ready at all times so every time you tack weld or run a bead you can clean it at instantly once you get used to it it's like anything else second it becomes second nature

[@janettewilson5685]

Thank so much for taking the time to share your wisdom. I was shown how to weld by a professional. I worked with him, hard facing huge chain rollers. We welded all day every day for weeks. Unfortunately my mentor didn’t explain in such detail the art of welding. It’s taken along time to make it possible to further my education through the university of KZbin. I can finally watch to my hearts content. After many many welding videos, this is by far the best. I make horse training videos, I know how much effort goes into a video like this. So I greatly appreciate your effort. Love your work. Thank you. Just one little thing, I can only watch on my phone. The screen is tiny and my eyes are getting old. Could you please show better close up shots of the welds? Kind regards Janette

[@MakerTable]

Thank you so much for the great feedback! I have been trying to get a good arc shot for 3 years. It has proven to be a real challenge for me. I'm mostly self taught with the camera stuff and I got my first DSLR a few months ago. So now I'm trying to build up a collection of lenses and filters to test out. I'll get it worked out one of these days 🤞 Keep running passes, try different positions (vert, overhead, diagonal) a lot of it is muscle memory.

[@janettewilson5685]

Maker Table Thank you for your reply. I’m keen on photography also, so I really do understand it’s another whole new dimension to get a grip on. Really appreciate your effort to advance your photography skills. Thank you 🙏

[@ricardomontes373]

Nice welder, easy to use and reliable like no other. Hobart is the best.

[@STCSTW]

Good explanation of wire speed, heat, etc. Could use zooming in of welds for a better visual. Overall learned a bunch.

[@Complex_fire333]

😆😆 When he said, "Get rid of that mfer... (chucks sheild) Well, I might need to go find that when I have to switch to mig.."

[@peterbrockhoff857]

Thanks for the great video, can't drive (medical reasons) to get my argon bottle filled, have a project I need to get done. This flux core should do the trick hopefully!

[@AvadGroup]

Great video covered a lot of stuff that other didn't. Thank you so much I finally figured out I was using the ring wire because I was using the wrong wire.

[@MakerTable]

Keep trying new stuff until it works out, the rest is all about getting under the hood and committing it all to memory 👍

[@bryanrocker5033]

Thanks for the tips and what not. I have been looking for good flux core welding help but everybody seems to focus on GMAW. One suggestion I can make for you is make yourself a filter assembly or a good vent to the outdoors....

[@kenspix]

Great video, very informative. I learned a lot just watching you show the differences between the heat settings and the wire feed. Thanks for sharing.

[@markthompson1134]

great video it show you what your doing wrong none of the other videos do thanks good video

[@k33501]

Kudos....By far the best video explaining how it all comes together.

[@nonamebrand8771]

Get setup for real good closeups of your work. Lots of closeup detail. Great video.

[@randomschittz9461]

I thought welding caps were not necessary until a spark flew in my ear. 😆

[@PeterSteward]

Thanks for the video, its probably the best and most helpful Ive come across. Really appreciate your time and explanations.

[@FM-hv6zc]

Very good explanation for newbies..Thumbs up!

[@christophermclaughlin2323]

Awesome video

[@ricardomontes373]

Remove the spherical effect on your video because it is a little uncomfortable on the eyes. That a side, your information is solid. Thank you for sharing.

[@MakerTable]

Thanks for the feedback man! This video is when I first got on KZbin. All I could afford was a knock off gopro camera, so a lot of this stuff was shot with a fish eye effect. I now have a proper dslr and all the goodies. Maybe I should make an update to this video.

[@havenz1067]

Thank you so much! Very informative video the best one I've seen yet!

[@theguillotinemafia]

Best vid on the subject. Thanks, mate.

[@InTheFleshInc]

This video won my subscription, awesomeness

[@JeffWilliamsNetwork]

Great video! Learned more from this than any other. Thanks for taking the time!

[@RJSoftware2000]

Excellent explanation of the slag catching up to the puddle. Subscirbed

[@MakerTable]

Thanks for the sub! I'm trying to find the time to make another video soon.

[@elijahtaylor8351]

Thanks for the video. I've been looking for an intro video for someone who wants to learn how to use my everlast welder.

[@anotherdave5107]

Lincoln Electric says in their KZbin videos that you have to remove the ball from the end of the wire prior to every time you pull the trigger or you'll start out without any flux. This could be you're '... it started off bad then I hit my stride..." problem .

[@PnwOnTour]

✂️ 💣 ✂️

[@phantomwalker8251]

for a homi dont matter,if your being inspected,x rayed,it matters.

[@loon1952]

Great video from someone wanting to learn. I guess that somewhere in all this there is a happy medium one learns with time and experience for great welds. Thanks

[@AlexRodriguez-bb5bu]

I bought some lincoln flux core wire for my everlast welder. I can't believe the difference it makes over the cheap generic wire,

[@omarfarsha5886]

I've just received my everlast welder. Thanks for the tip!

[@CrockasaurusHD]

That estwig slag hammer is the bees knees! That's what i use for school!

[@MakerTable]

Derzy DaWelda I love that chipping hammer!

[@harrypavon5081]

Hell of a good video bro thanks

[@ezza88ster]

Best practical guidance I have seen. Nice work. Cheers. Btw I like the swearing, it's the 'man safe-zone '

[@MakerTable]

ezza88ster thank you very much!

[@philjohnson8634]

great vid, best I've seen on flux core by far

[@bryanbisimotopinas345]

Finally found my slag coverage problem.

[@stevefromlondon9175]

Thank you so much for making this video easy to follow & learnt a lot as I'm going to be buying one Regards Steve UK London

[@austinlane5533]

I run .035 and 0.30 flux in my 110v every other day. Never a problem.

[@Mito125RR]

Damn! I learned so much from this video its unbelievable! Outstanding! Thanks

[@MakerTable]

Wow man, thank you! Keep running passes bro 🤙

[@MarkDecamps]

Your random cussing cracks me up. Very well placed!

[@MakerTable]

Mark Decamps ha ha ha, I'm just trying to scare away the sensitive yuppies!

[@Tore_Lund]

I got the cheapest Wallmart flux core AC welder and hated the sputtering. So I got a second had 90A bridge rectifier to make it DC with negative on the wire and positive on the clamp. It made a world of difference, it could suddently make clean welds. Also standby voltage is now18V instead of 14V previously, so striking is easier and also think it transfers slightly more heat now. So even with the crappiest hobby welder, I'm getting satifactory seams, both sheet and up to around 1/4".

[@MakerTable]

Ur a beast! I have no idea what half that stuff means but it sounds like ur hacking a cheap welder and turning into a badass machine 🤘

[@usernamemykel]

Superb.

[@CHixon]

You recommend 030 wire for 120V systems and 035 wire for 240V systems. I would think, but not sure, that an 035 wire might be good for 120V power welding thin auto body sheet metal.

[@kevlarshanahan1087]

Looks like you make gantries, where do you sell them, what is their primary use? Thanks for the welding tips, I learned a few things!

[@BIGMOTTER1]

Great "down to earth" instructional video. Take care.

[@StagArmslower]

The wire speed scale doesn't represent real wire speed, it's just percentage of maximum speed. Max speed is about 700"/min half scale about 350" and so on; it can be tested with timer to know exactly

[@johnmacmillan627]

Thx very much. Very helpful

[@KingcoleIIV]

Love your use of language, we would definitely get along haha, great tips I could really understand.

[@bastion9514]

Thanks mate, great explanation to some of the problems i was gettin' with my machine but didn't know why. Was about to kick my FCAW to the kerb was gettin' so pissed off with it, will try more adjustments now i know what to look out for. I'm tryin' to weld sheet metal so any further advice would be much appreciated - Cheers mate

[@danielmyers5940]

Great video!

[@garrydrussell]

This rookie thanks you!. I get it, time to go practice!

[@MakerTable]

You got this!

[@ceasar3696]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@pol_khol____6405]

Hi, im beginner in welding at home. I just bought mastercraft flux core welder, can you advise 1-how long the wire should be out from gun ? 2- how close the gun should be when welding?

[@michaelniceguy4042]

I mig and tig galvanized and stainless you have a great tutorial it would be great if you could bend to show strength or even break to show the layers

[@swccbakersfieldca2076]

Great vid man very clear and easy to understand. Keep them coming

[@MakerTable]

SWCC Bakersfield CA Thank you very much!

[@Complex_fire333]

You're an awesome teacher. Thank you ..

[@JR-yr8xm]

Agreed with nyinfamous2k2 and outwhitu08, best instructional video i've seen so far. You're a great teacher. Just got my little Century (Lincoln) FC-90 Flux core welder. I'm excited.

[@jmy7622]

It would be nice to see something about dual shield welding

[@fireblade95]

I need to weld a couple of holes in a motorcycle mudguard , it's less than 1 mm will flux core work? Thanks

[@MakerTable]

Yes, as long as it's steel

[@fireblade95]

I'd best buy one then!