Is it ok to learn MIG without gas?

[katfish]

I'm just starting out, I have a Mig welder but haven't got the gas bottle yet.

Is it ok to start practing with the flux core wire that doesn't need gas? Is there major differences between the two styles?

Thx

 

[shenion]

It is fine. Gasless is hard to see with the smoke but you cn work on getting the sound of the correct wire feed speed and power settings.

It will be messy with spatter and slag that must be cleaned up but does the job if needed.

 

[TVT]

shenion Is right. I learned without gas - I had it but forgot to turn it on. Wondered why I was getting so much spatter...

 

[Drains]

Don't forget to pull, not push the weld, so you're not trying to weld over slag.

 

[oxygen454]

Make sure you polarity is correct! If you are running gasless flux its normally reverse polarity. Meaning your ground cable hooks up to the positive and the gun to the negative.

I was sold a small welder that was normally sold for gasless flux. So when I put my hard wire in it, it burned cold and yellow.

Oxy

 

[katfish]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'm going to get a training DVD before I give it a go.

I did read in the manual about reversing the polarity.

 

[runnach]

Thanks for the replies, I think I'm going to get a training DVD before I give it a go.

I did read in the manual about reversing the polarity.

Where abouts central fla? I'm over next week, arrive Monday in Haines City. Give me a shout if you are close by, maybe help a little if you are nearby?

 

[Archie]

Where abouts central fla? I'm over next week, arrive Monday in Haines City. Give me a shout if you are close by, maybe help a little if you are nearby?

Now that's generosity!

 

[katfish]

Where abouts central fla? I'm over next week, arrive Monday in Haines City. Give me a shout if you are close by, maybe help a little if you are nearby?

I'm in West Melbourne, about 1 1/2 - 2hrs East of Haines City. That is an incredible offer.

If you have plans that bring you this way, I could definitely use the help. You'll see I have another post about my 1st attempt. Not pretty!

 

[Drains]

Ah, those college lecturers' summer holidays....

Still don't stop 'em from moaning though!

 

[runnach]

I'm in West Melbourne, about 1 1/2 - 2hrs East of Haines City. That is an incredible offer.

If you have plans that bring you this way, I could definitely use the help. You'll see I have another post about my 1st attempt. Not pretty!

Unfortunately a bit far, although an easy trip down US27. I am heading over with my son for 7 days only mostly business, with remaining time spent getting bladdered and trying to hit golf balls!!

Visited Melbourne two years ago, nice place katfish. Anyways, sorry you are just a tad far on this occasion mate!

 

[runnach]

Ah, those college lecturers' summer holidays....

Still don't stop 'em from moaning though!

Only moans heard from me is the fact that we do not receive sufficient holidays mate

 

[katfish]

Unfortunately a bit far, although an easy trip down US27. I am heading over with my son for 7 days only mostly business, with remaining time spent getting bladdered and trying to hit golf balls!!

Visited Melbourne two years ago, nice place katfish. Anyways, sorry you are just a tad far on this occasion mate!

I appreciate the thought, you're going to the right place for golf. Plenty of great courses around Orlando. It's summer and the rates are low also.