Change of wire

[scotto75]

Hi,

Been welding with copper coated wire with no real issues, but ran out and started using one of a few larger 5kg reels of what looks like ordinary steel coloured wire which I had been given. One had some winds with a bit of rust, but the reel I used looked pretty clean.

Anyway, with this wire I get quite a bit of splatter and a white staining (slag?) around the weld. Also, the welds aren't as nice. Not sure how best to describe them.... Clumpy? Bally? Bit convex.

What is this wire? Could it be flux or just old?

 

[Appyasme]

What has it got written on the reel?

 

[Bladevane]

Could be flux cored wire.

 

[mike 109444]

Sure some one did say that flux core if bent will "snap" where as solid will just bend, don't know if this is true as never used fluxed core.

 

[Appyasme]

With Flux Cored wire when welded and, if the parameters are correct,the flux should just lift off and not need any chipping.It could be that you do have flux cored wire.Gas is also an issue.Argon/Co2 is the norm

 

[the snooper]

With Flux Cored wire when welded and, if the parameters are correct,the flux should just lift off and not need any chipping.It could be that you do have flux cored wire.Gas is also an issue.Argon/Co2 is the norm

the flux cored gasless wire doesn't leave any slag behind like rods do

 

[Appyasme]

Not had much experience with gasless wire,I wouldn`t advise it to anyone,just my opinion.In our applications we will only use Flux Cored wire which has a written procedure,it could be that scotto has been using a Flux Cored wire and it is not giving the results he wants and yes Flux Cored Wire will snap if you bend it.If you have the correct set up it is the most friendly wire a welder can use.

 

[the snooper]

Not had much experience with gasless wire,I wouldn`t advise it to anyone,just my opinion.In our applications we will only use Flux Cored wire which has a written procedure,it could be that scotto has been using a Flux Cored wire and it is not giving the results he wants and yes Flux Cored Wire will snap if you bend it.If you have the correct set up it is the most friendly wire a welder can use.

I don't like the stuff either used it a couple of times on someone else's machine and told them to get rid, its more expensive and messy

 

[Appyasme]

Why is it that sales people can go out and sell such rubbish as gasless wire.If there is anyone on the Forum please could you answer

 

[the snooper]

Why is it that sales people can go out and sell such rubbish as gasless wire.If there is anyone on the Forum please could you answer

it probably has some good use like very windy places where a shield isn't possible

 

[Appyasme]

Scotto,throw the wire away you are using and go for a simple Copper Coated Mig wire,all your problems will be sorted.Once again these guys on the Forum are brilliant and will help you,that`s why we are here.Good luck!!!!!

 

[Appyasme]

Do you mean in the Gents Loo

 

[scotto75]

The reels have nothing on them. I'm no columbo but that was the first thing I checked.

It bends but does not snap.

I'm using straight CO2, and have good results with the 0.7kg copper coated stuff from weldequip.

My welds look pretty similar to the pics of flux core welds on this site. I will try and play with settings and gas flow a bit and see if I can improve it. I have four reels of the stuff and not sure what else to do with them. If they weren't so heavy, I'd be half tempted to stick 'em on eBay and put the money towards some ultra max.

 

[Appyasme]

Here we go again!!!

 

[scotto75]

Just missed your post Appyasme. I think you may just be right....

 

[the snooper]

is it magnetic, stainless ?

 

[Appyasme]

Did you say that there was rust on the wire?

 

[Appyasme]

Snoops you have got it in one,use a magnet.

 

[Appyasme]

I hate you snoops you allways beat me.I will see you in the palyground at play time for a scrap

 

[Appyasme]

Looks like a small reel off an orbital welder.Polysoude or AMI?