I love flux core welding

Yesterday I was welding a trailer that carries a mold for a fiberglass swimming pool. The breeze was about 15 mph. 

Nothing else work this well in the breeze

I kept my old flux core machine for breezy outside work, comes in handy doing trailer work for sure

I can think of maybe 5,000 things I would like to do more than flux core weld. I guess I'm glad that somebody out there enjoys it though. 

I really need to try a roll of flux core with my welder. If nothing else, just to say I tried it.

It has its place, but FCAW is not what I'd call my favorite process. It's great in a breeze or when I don't want to haul around gas cylinders or I don't want to burn rod, though.

It is worth noting that at least in that top photo you have a lack of fusion. Those look to be some pretty cold toes and concave beads; you might try turning up the heat on the welder. 

I did turn up the voltage and wire speed and then made a second pass over those

I used to flux core but then I got a newer machine with gas.  I haven't tried it but I've heard of people using flux core with gas.  If you do that, will it still be all splattery like just plain flux core?  I've got an old role of it still in plastic that I didn't want to let go to waste.  

brandonsmash said:

It has its place, but FCAW is not what I'd call my favorite process. It's great in a breeze or when I don't want to haul around gas cylinders or I don't want to burn rod, though.

It is worth noting that at least in that top photo you have a lack of fusion. Those look to be some pretty cold toes and concave beads; you might try turning up the heat on the welder. 

Good observation.  You clearly know more about this than me.  I was gonna say it looked great but needed another pass or two.

ShinnyGroove (Forum Supporter) said:

I can think of maybe 5,000 things I would like to do more than flux core weld. I guess I'm glad that somebody out there enjoys it though. 

Same here. I have my flux core machine for it's portability, but for any other situation an arc welder is better. 

In reply to A 401 CJ :

There's no good reason to run shielding gas with regular flux core wire. You also risk trapping more silicon in the weld. If you want the best of both worlds (penetration of flux core but smooth bead profile without much spatter) you might want to look into dual-shield, known as FCAW-G. You run FCAW-G in DCEP like MIG whereas regular FCAW is usually run in DCEN.

Using shielding gas on regular flux core wire is a waste of money, really. Flux core carries its own shielding. 

I find that pre heating with a torch helps a lot when using flux core.  Once you start putting heat in the metal with your weld you are off and running.  
 

And always listen for the sizzling bacon sound.