Fix Your Flux Core Setup: The Complete Guide to Setting Up a MIG Welder for Gasless Flux Core

There is some nuance to it. Nearly all MIG welders can run self-shielded Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) without shielding gas. Here's a guide to setting it up the right way!

*Impress your friends with your amazing welds*

*Gear I actually use*
HTP Welding Machines are some of the best I've used. They aren't the cheapest, but they may be the best value considering the quality, performance and customer service you get:

*Not so Fine Print*
Welding and metalwork can be dangerous. While I try to set an example of safety, these videos are for entertainment and general education and do not provide all the information you may need to work safely. Tim and TimWelds LLC assume no responsibility for the outcome of anything you choose to do. This description contains affiliate links which provide a small commission on sales at no cost to you.

[jerryleejohnsonjr]

This is hands down the best channel for the beginner, thanks Tim!

[beeftimer]

I really like how you show how to use your mig tool simply by doing/showing as opposed to spending unnecessary time talking about it with a bunch of superfluous information. Showing is plenty straight forward enough, so thanks for that.

[joshuacaylor]

You are a blessing to the welding community. Thank you, Tim!

[ebinmaine]

Tim, thanks very much for taking the time to record and post your videos. Several years ago I picked up an old Lincoln tombstone welder and got myself to a point where I could stick two pieces of metal together.
Just recently I've decided to simplify my life and go to a flux core welder for smaller work.
Your channel has been instrumental in both of my learning curves and I greatly appreciate that.

[deangarner]

This one. Out of all I've watched, is the one that will get me welding. Thank you, sir

[joedyeranch]

Tim, thank you so much for these incredibly informative videos. I used to weld a lot when I was younger and have been away from it for some 25 yrs. Your videos help tremendously with me reintroducing myself back into the game. Really like your no nonsense approach. . Keep up the good work

[Dr.CandanEsin]

You never miss the most convenient detail during your presentation. I learnt a lot. Thank you!

[g.tucker]

Great explanations of both 'how' and 'why' with absolute clarity.

As usual!

Thanks, Tim

[miszced]

Thank you for using the more proper term "selfshielding" vs gasless. Oddly enough gasses are produced once the flux core ingredients are decomposed through the weld arc, just like stick electrodes.

You handled instructions of feeding of the wire through the drive rolls, cable & gun assembly well! Just a point of interest (maybe to speed setup) Is not to remove the contact tip but straighten the wire with your fingers for 3 to 5" to remove the inherent cast just before insertion into the drive rolls. Most contact tips are countersinked for the wire to find a tapered entrence into the tip. If the wire gets hung up you'll have to remove the contact tip to feed the wire manually.

The two small diameter selfshielding fcaw mentioned :
1) T-11 are single pass round about
2) T-GS are general single pass

[andrewford]

Hey Tim, I finally got a welder and would like to thank you for your amazing content which has helped me feel confident enough to give it a go, and get underway. My first attempts with flux core were hideous but within 10min I was doing way better. I credit you for helping me with the theory side before I got my hands on a welder. Cheers

[colinleslie]

Thanks Tim! I'm just getting started with welding and I've been watching a lot of your videos for the last couple weeks. I think I'll probably pull the trigger on one of your courses pretty soon here but I'm super excited about this upcoming series of flux core videos as that's what I'm starting out with.

[adrianramsey]

Hey tim. Im from Trinidad and Tobago i just got a flux mig welder an your Channel is the best ive come acorss . Thanks .

[reloadnorth]

I use a 25 year old Deca mig welder (from Italy) for flux core, and my 2 year old Lincoln mig pak 180 for mig

[loyikbobda]

This is a very good video thanks Tim.
Now I have one question. Please can you show us how to flux core settings for any thickness on this type of mig welder

[RogierYou]

Thanks for the lesson! Tip look at the lens not the display 😊

[jackdawg]

I bought an elcheapo flux core mig welder and it is honestly a mighty little machine. I hardly touch my arc welder these days.

[mariastrus]

Hi! thanks for all the detailed information for us, beginners. Could you talk about what gets connect to what and the surface to work on. Some people talk about using a wood work surface but then what do you connect your clamp to? thanks a bunch.

[philh]

So I have never flux welded. Can you still do the same method as mig (stacking dimes) or does it have to be like yours in the video looks like you didn’t do any movement but just dragged it. But it looks good for sure

[beccacciahunter]

Excellent videos!! I have one question when I weld flux core I have to much spatter . Any tips? I have change to negative but still the same😢

[philh]

Maybe that’s the issue with I’m having I got a mig welder from my dad it has a plastic as you called gasless nozzle on it not the metal one. Will that have an effect of mig welding?? I know the welder I use at the garage I work my welds look close to your but the one at the house is like poop. Yes the polarity is correct. Maybe it’s the nozzle