Polarity

[rustymini]

I was just wondering what would happen if you tried to weld with the polarity set incorrectly for the wire (i.e. gas cored wire set up for gas) would you just get a rubbish weld or are you likely to damage your machine?

 

[keith19]

There are a few threads on this if you search in the site box.

Scott's post below seems pretty conclusive:

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=5057

 

[TechnicAl]

some self shielded wires run on DC+ so they are fine obviously
Some will also work on DC+ even though designed for DC- but they may be spattery and burn through thin steel.

here is one that runs +ve but its not exactly made for hobbyists
http://www.lincolnelectric.com/en-u...-Innershield-InnershieldNS-3M(LincolnElectric)

Cant remember if I ever tried solid wire MIG on the wrong pole

 

[BillJ]

are you likely to damage your machine?

No.

 

[schnappi]

FWIW, I'm running flux-cored on a gas-only MIG (ie. wrong polarity) and can weld thin stuff ok with it.