New to welding - Flux core or Gas

[Lordspectre]

So folks I'm new to welding a few may have seen my intro. I wouldn't be doing any heavy welding at home a few minor projects like gate repairs / kids swing and see saw maybe and a barbacue. I wouldn't be doing anything crazy. For cheap running costs is Flux core or Gas more economical? I believe someone said something on my intro but any more info pros and cons be great please? Thanks in advance

 

[Miggy89]

gas is better in most peoples opinion its also easier however it is also more expensive to start off with as if not using alot then a rent free bottle would be better tho it requires a deposit thats what costs more, c02 may be good if you can get a deal with your local pub. i would steer clear of disposables they dont last at all so price soon mounts up. flux on the other dont require gas but can be more difficult to get used to plus you need to chip the slag off afterwords you will also get less spatter with gas

 

[Jan]

Having been given an in test CO2 cylinder I'm starting down that route for the moment. I do so little welding that the Argoshield Lite rental costs are killing me.

However I waved a magic wand over my gas only SIP 130 to give me both options, so I have 0.6, 0.8 and flux cored wire to use as I please.

 

[Lordspectre]

Having been given an in test CO2 cylinder I'm starting down that route for the moment. I do so little welding that the Argoshield Lite rental costs are killing me.

However I waved a magic wand over my gas only SIP 130 to give me both options, so I have 0.6, 0.8 and flux cored wire to use as I please.

Well will ya wave your magic wand over my wallet and add a few quid to it im honestly very pessimistic to the costs of running a welder at home so was looking at the best option between the two. Appreciate your feedback

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

I think rental costs me about 90 pounds for a year or something like that. Plus the cost of the gas on top of it. Depends how much welding you intend to do I suppose. I use arc the majority of the time, just a process I prefer. That could be another avenue for you to consider.

 

[Lordspectre]

For 20l mig gas for a 20l tank I pay €169 for first order then €69 per refill so don't know if it's more viable to go down that root or buy Flux core wire as needed

I think rental costs me about 90 pounds for a year or something like that. Plus the cost of the gas on top of it. Depends how much welding you intend to do I suppose. I use arc the majority of the time, just a process I prefer. That could be another avenue for you to consider.

 

[Chris Stevens]

So folks I'm new to welding a few may have seen my intro. I wouldn't be doing any heavy welding at home a few minor projects like gate repairs / kids swing and see saw maybe and a barbacue. I wouldn't be doing anything crazy. For cheap running costs is Flux core or Gas more economical? I believe someone said something on my intro but any more info pros and cons be great please? Thanks in advance

For things like that you may find a cheap arc welder is fine, and a good deal lower cost to run than Mig?

 

[Lordspectre]

I'm only starting a course to get the codes for Mig/Mag to start with. I may go and extend the course to get the codes for Arc welding if it's worth it?

 

[Chris Stevens]

I wonder whether you are a beginner to welding or not? If so do you understand the cost involved to get to a standard where you would be good enough to take coding tests?

 

[Lordspectre]

I wonder whether you are a beginner to welding or not? If so do you understand the cost involved to get to a standard where you would be good enough to take coding tests?

Hi Chris thanks for your concern but have got all the info I need in regards to getting a course completed and to receive the codes at the end. I have to admit my heart did stop for a second or 2 after hearing

 

[Jan]

If it were just a matter of cost effectiveness I think most of us wouldn't bother with home welding. It's an art form in itself that is well worth the learning which may even 'save' you some money in the long run.

I have stick, MIG and oxy/ace at my fingertips. I'm well on the way to a stocked workshop if you include all the other power and hand tools. A few more to get, of course: Plasma cutter, TIG rig, car hoist, etc.

 

[Chris Stevens]

Hi Chris thanks for your concern but have got all the info I need in regards to getting a course completed and to receive the codes at the end. I have to admit my heart did stop for a second or 2 after hearing

Wonder whether you are new to welding, or if you are experienced and have a job offer if you can get codes?

 

[Lordspectre]

Wonder whether you are new to welding, or if you are experienced and have a job offer if you can get codes?

Oh sorry misunderstood..... Yep I'm new to welding and very little experience apart from some tinkering with the father in laws welder with him a bit

 

[Lordspectre]

If it were just a matter of cost effectiveness I think most of us wouldn't bother with home welding. It's an art form in itself that is well worth the learning which may even 'save' you some money in the long run.

I have stick, MIG and oxy/ace at my fingertips. I'm well on the way to a stocked workshop if you include all the other power and hand tools. A few more to get, of course: Plasma cutter, TIG rig, car hoist, etc.

Hey Jan
Its for the odd bit of repairs around the house and the home place like for e.g a broken swing set and see saw in my mama my 2 kids use, plus a gate at the house nothing mental

 

[Jan]

I would guess that you are either of my age range or was (intellectually) suckled at the breast of someone of my generation. As Winston Churchill said. "Adopt, adapt ans overcome". We knew nothing of recycling, but we were much more likely to repair than replace.

Knowledge is its own reward!

 

[Lordspectre]

I would guess that you are either of my age range or was (intellectually) suckled at the breast of someone of my generation. As Winston Churchill said. "Adopt, adapt ans overcome". We knew nothing of recycling, but we were much more likely to repair than replace.

Knowledge is its own reward!

Such a poetic response don't know I'm 30 years old, what's the point in buying something new if can fix something for a heck of a lot less money....any have some fun in the process

 

[Lordspectre]

This thing about 'saving' money with home welding...

Yes, you can, and it needn't be a long term view either.

A swing set and seesaw was mentioned - that can easily be £200 to buy, and if you already have them that need repair they're scrap unless you can diy. Good luck finding someone (other than a favour from a mate) willing to come and fix them for you.

The first welder I bought saved me money in it's first afternoon with some MOT welding (yeah, ok, I didn't have to pay for training etc.)

A gate was also mentioned - an off the peg gate isn't particularly cheap, and if you have a weird opening (ooh-er etc ) then it's bespoke or a bodge filling gaps by posts unless you can diy.

Sure, many things can be lived without - you don't need a swing set and you can make a gate from a pallet - so technically it may be viewed as reducing outlay rather than saving, but still...

Many thanks for the detailed answer.The swing set I have a plan just worked out with the bro last night as a really DIY plan and now don't need a welder just a few bolts/screws and shovel handles will work wonders in regards to the gate I'd have to take a picture to show it to you but it's got sentimental value as it was the last thing my uncle(Mam's bro) worked on at the homeplace before he passed on 2 days later.... I understand your thought lines in regards to wants/need... the swing set i want fixed for the kids to play on while the gate more so for the family's emotional attachment I'd need fixed.I think it's the sense of achievement that is felt when you know you "fixed" something that is broken/worn out rather than just replacing that makes a DIY job so worth it in my opinion.