You Can Weld! - Flux Core Welding Basics - GardenFork

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How to flux core weld with the Harbor Freight welder. My first time welding with flux core solo, wanted to share with you. Welding vids: goo.gl/l01tJN Sub here: goo.gl/3zM702
This is a cheap flux core welder that actually works quite well. Similar to MIG welding, but without having to buy the argon gas tank. I am using the Harbor Freight 90 amp rig that sells for about $100. This rig is for your average weekend DIY project person, it welds thin metal easily. My advice is to take a class and/or practice a lot. Be sure to follow all safety rules and wear safety gear! You can damage your eyes and burn your skin.
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4 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 682

@SUPERSONICCULEBRA 4 года назад

Attitude is everything. I learned more from someone being humble than from an expert not being relatable. I like this dude.

@olbear9984 4 года назад

Great Vid. Am an 84 year old learner also. Don't ever give up. Noah had years to learn how to build the ark, improved along the way. Have wood working shop. New hobby, welding. Learning. Keep up the good work. We are never to old to learn new things, skills. God bless. 🐻😍

@hotliks40 2 года назад

whoa.. just told my son that I was learning somethinng new at 69 and thought that was cool... you got me beat...luv it

@MrDanoconnor 4 года назад

Gotta say, this is the MOST Honest, No B.S. Video I have watched in a long time. "Book 'em DanO'"

@jlogsdon4546 2 года назад

I like this guy. He doesn’t talk down to ya and I like that he is as clueless as I am. But everyone sucks starting off. This helped me a lot. Thanks man. You got a new subscriber 🤙🏻

@josemadrid7932 6 лет назад

Imagine how great "we" all would be if we shared the knowledge and gave time to serve others as most of these reviews have done? Mostly positive didn't see a negative one and there is such thing as positive criticism which is pointing out a way to improve! This is kindness and we all grow together. Thank you everyone for not slandering someone whom is learning. :) You're all awesome! :) :) :)

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Gives us hope Jose! Many thanks.

@SmokyRibsBBQ 7 лет назад

First you have to learn what is molten slag, and what is molten metal. Once you can see the difference then you want to look at the puddle that the molten metal is making and from there you will be able to get the proper travel speed, and know if your tying into the top and bottom of the base metals you are trying to weld together and also you will be able to keep a uniform bead. Same width and height. You are absolutely correct about the proper angle of the torch while you are welding so the flux builds behind the actual weld and not in front of it which does nothing but create a bunch of turbulence within the weld puddle and causing the metal not to fuse properly. You also want to keep a close distance from the wire to the puddle as you can. Closer the better, and that is especially true with stick welding. I've been a pipe welder for 38 years so this comes easy for me, and I didn't mean to butt into your business but thought I could give you a few tips.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

very much appreciate the tips here, thanks for taking the time. friend of mine welds helicopters, so i can appreciate the skills. thx!

@timthemechanix 5 лет назад

Thanks for the education. I was about to laugh at this guy because my welding was about as the same. But reading your comment it helped me to run a couple decent beads today. I feel there's hope, yours and the other comments, Next I'll learn my plasma cutter!

@Budsmokenpimp1 5 лет назад

Im gonna agree to this. Actually going ot now to put a few beads down to practice that added info will help

@TheFalconJetDriver 5 лет назад

I appreciate your comments because I am experiencing the same poor welds as his and I haven't taken any classes, unfortunately I do not have a mentor to help me so Here I am Thanks for your comments.

@jangler007 5 лет назад

Been working with wood professionally for over 18 years, now getting into metal. I’m about where you are. All tips on vid and comments help. Thanks for showing us that we, as men, aren’t just supposed to ‘know’ how to weld instantly.

@randcanad1749 3 года назад

Well I can say I am trying to teach myself how. An I can say I like the fact that you are trying to show people as you learn yourself. Thank you sir. You said the two thing I needed to know. Thank you again sir.

@jaydendavis7596 6 лет назад

Very brave of you to put your first tries on youtube. Nice to see so many people with helpful advice rather than a bunch of negative comments. My welds with my first everlast welder weren't all too great until I got a bunch of practice in. Keep it up. You are getting better each time you do.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Yeah Jayden, gives one hope for the good guys of the world. Thx!

@josemadrid7932 6 лет назад

"WE" grow by sharing the knowledge and helping others with it. ;) I agree on how most of the reviews are all helpful and not bashing someone whom is learning. :) A+ to all!

@isabelpatton5567 4 года назад

I am fairly new to the you-tube circuit and my son was the one that thought I would appreciate it because I love learning from others and sharing knowledge! I'm a nurse by profession and soon to retire and I have been wanting to learn how to weld! My mother was a Master carpenter and always said that you can do anything with the desire, right teacher and knowing that skills come over time and accepting correction and learning from it! Also had an aunt that is a mechanic and another cousin she own her own lawn service. My husband appreciates these attributes because I don't always wait for him to fix things I find a way or ask around and learn from someone! With this RU-vid connection it's like I have a extended family and I feel so blessed because I have learned a lot from your video and the comments and so glad the comments are positive because my grandma always said keep your mouth closed if you aren't saying anything positive or to help the situation! Very grateful! God bless.

@davescarpetti 5 лет назад

Thanks for sharing your experience in your learning phase. Vids that are idealized from pros aren't nearly as useful for most people coming to RU-vid to learn. Thanks again!

@davehoward2791 4 года назад

Great video, thanks! Like you I'm new at welding, haven't done any since stick welding in shop class in high school back in 1978, but I went today and bought a HF Titanium 125 flux core welder. Haven't brought it home yet as they were sold out from the Black Friday sale but it's on its way and will be here in a few days. So I'm still reading books and watching YT videos trying to learn as much as possible. One thing I've picked up is to replace the ground clamp with a better, heavier one for a better connection, resulting in greater penetration on your welds. After I watch the videos I read all the comments from the more experienced guys, which is a great learning tool. Thanks again for the real world input, it gives all us noobs hope that we too can weld!

@cerij4242 5 лет назад

Finally someone who welds like me! I am not alone, brave to show yourself starting out but practice makes perfect.

@tombauder8489 5 лет назад

You are definitely not alone, I'm with you

@christophergrove4876 2 года назад

I am RE-ACQUAINTING myself with welding. I had a modest stick welder a few decades ago, so this is helpful to get back up to speed, so to speak. One thing to note. Your "awful" weld SEEMS to be, NOT JUST because of the gap, BUT because you JUST dragged. If you drag a short bit and then push back a tiny bit in a very slight arc and then drag some more and then push back a bit, you create a weld puddle. This builds up a more substantial weld, allows time for the heat to sink into the mass of the steel and pushes the weld puddle into itself and under the slag. (STICK welders are simpler in ONE sense in that you don't have to worry about the wire FEED SPEED) Thanks for this encouraging video! -Cheers!!!

@Nangjelovski 7 лет назад

The reason your first weld was bad is you were going too fast you were too far from the metal ( you want to be really close to the metal like 1/2 inch or less) and always remember to look at your "pool" it tells you alot about how your weld is going ! hope this helps oh and also try putting one hand on the table while resting the other one on top it will keep your hand steady!

@Nangjelovski 7 лет назад

and always point at the thicker and bigger surface it will keep you from blowing holes when you have space between two metals

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

thanks for taking the time to let me know, appreciate it. i will be doing more welding (and practice) this weekend. good steady hand tip!

@markstevansen542 7 лет назад

A steady hand and an eye on what to look for are the secrets to a good solid bead. Keep on practicing. That is the only way I found I could get better with my everlast. Watching videos, reading books and going to classes only go so far without practice

@yeohjinhock325 7 лет назад

Nangjelovski uhh

@timthemechanix 5 лет назад

My welds looked about like this until I read the comments on the post, and yours too helped me get it good really quick. Thanks.

@timthemechanix 5 лет назад

Hey, have to throw some appreciation for you and all the welders who responded. Because when I saw you weld I began to laugh - not for reason you might think but it looks just like my last weld. Then I read to comments from experienced welders who explained it. Much thanks to all for the education. Trying to teach myself has only taught me how to master a grinder. I've had this welder for a few years, others use it in my shop but not me. Recently added 2 self darkening helmets and a plasma cutter to learn. I have worked on cars/trucks for 40 years and should know all this.

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Yes Timothy, it gives me hope for the world (which is pretty crazy right now if you look at the news). Nice how so many experienced welders have stopped by and added helpful comments. Usually this kind of vid would get haters and trolls, every time someone takes the time to comment it makes me smile. I just got my garage floor upgraded to actual cement from dirt, so am looking forward to more flux core welding. thx! eric.

@garyramoutar3966 5 лет назад

I love this guy.he is honest to begin with and very cool and carm in explaining what he knows.thank you for the encouragement in welding and in the machine as well.You make me want to give welding a try.

@scottc0510 7 лет назад

I'm a very new/novice, hobbyist welder. One tip i'd like to pass along (that I saw in at least two videos and have found to be true) is that if you're doing flux core welding you should use a flux core tip and not the conical, brass (or copper) MIG tip. The MIG tip (cone) only serves to concentrate the welding gas at the site of a weld. Obviously, if you're not using gas, there's no need for a "concentrator" tip. A flux core tip (the conical black one, that looks like hard plastic or rubber) is all that's necessary. A big advantage this affords is a larger viewing area of your arc and the spot where you're welding. It ALSO allows you to get into tighter spaces to weld. After watching those videos, I was convinced to make that change on my gun. It made a big difference. Bear in mind that if you have a flux core AND MIG (combination) machine, and you decide to buy a bottle of gas and set it up for true MIG, you MUST switch your tip back to the MIG style tip... I hope this helps anyone here who's a newbie like me and wants to improve their skills... :-)

@maaaak51 6 лет назад

The machine doesn't come with a flux core tip so people use the brass one to keep from touching the tip to the work.

@stevea5985 6 лет назад

Mike Klass I bought a Lincoln electric flux core tip , Lincoln electric wire , new ground clamp , Lincoln electric tips . I have the harbor freight 125 welder , I'm just learning to weld so I'm no expert yet this is the first video I've watched that showed metal prep before they welded . Oh and when my welder is powered up , grounded and ready to go , I don't get an arc until I pull the trigger other have said something different .

@TheRogerowen 6 лет назад

I was interested to read your comment about flux core tip (shroud). Cannot find these in the UK though.

@hectorcalderon3011 6 лет назад

Roger Owen go on eBay that's what I found them

@danhelmkamp1278 6 лет назад

Scott is correct, the conical tip is to catch/hold gas while mig welding.

@olbear9984 4 года назад

Talking about welding safety. I worked in maintenance at a local steel mill a friend I worked with were boots his trouser legs were put in. He got an extremely serve burn when slag went down into his boot. Never tuck them in , keep pant legs out side of boots. Great Vid. 83 year old hacker. Yes have this welder for messing around with. Ol Bear.

@FlannelAcres 7 лет назад

This is what I love about your channel. You take something I assumed to be too difficult and too expensive for me to try, and you show me that maybe I could do it after all. And you remind me that mistakes are okay, especially when trying something for the first time. (Not an easy concept for a perfectionist) :-)

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

yeah, this welder goes on sale all the time, check in at Harbor Freight for their 3 day weekend sales, that's when its usually cheapest. flux core welding is pretty easy to do, just practice on some scrap metal . thx!

@craigdixon4113 6 лет назад

Thanks for sharing, that’s guts. As you practice, you get better. At anything. Thanks again.

@vegasaxeman 5 лет назад

Great job my friend! No ego, just plain simple advice... Thanks for sharing your knowledge and time. God bless and take care...

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

thx! eric.

@tombauder8489 5 лет назад

I totally agree with you vegasaxeman

@f0rmaggi0 6 лет назад

I am an amateur myself. I have been taking a bunch of classes, especially with Mig- similar process. One thing I was always told and that works for me is don’t be afraid to push the fillet into the weld. Get the tip within 3/8”. Thanks for sharing.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Good info, thx for that.

@thomaspasqualone7584 5 лет назад

Interesting video, I have a flux core welder I got from Harbor Freight. I also took a welding class many years ago. Like you, my welds are not pretty, but as a hobbyist, they are functional, I don't worry much about appearance, more concerned with functionality. Thanks for sharing.

@darcykerr5060 4 года назад

Great video, nice to see someone who has no ego and admits he is learning . thank you . I found this video very helpful.

@titusdaniel 6 лет назад

I used to watch your podcast like 8 or 9 years ago before you stopped. Glad to see you're still making videos. I've always appreciated your willingness to try new things and share your experiences and encouragements. Keep it up!

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Hi Dan, we still have the GF Radio podcast, about 350 shows so far, on iTunes. we no longer post the videos to iTunes, it costs too much $ for the server for that. We now post the vids just on RU-vid here. our channel: ru-vid.com thx! eric.

@laurencomstock7364 5 лет назад

You are funny! You are honest and sincere as well. Anything a person wants to learn takes time and practice, I am going to be in the same boat as you because I’m buying the same welder and no experience either. Thank you for your video. It’s encouraging for me. I will have to watch your channel more. Thanks, Lauren

@maaaak51 6 лет назад

Just a note, whenever you are welding two fairly thin long parts you must clamp (or tack) them every few inches or the heat will cause them to separate as you weld with a gap that's hard to fill. When welding a thin piece against a thicker piece keep most of your weld on the thicker piece then "wash" it over onto the thin piece. The rest is just practice, practice, practice. I'm a professional welder with thirty years experience and I bought a 180 amp flux core harbor freight welder for home use. They work surprisingly well but the 90 amp machines are really too weak for anything but sheet metal.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Wow Mike thx for the great info and taking the time to watch and write. HF is now selling a DC Flux/MiG brand called Vulcan, curious if you know anything about them. Thx! Eric.

@DROY2004 6 лет назад

To start your weld, wait after striking arc & puddle up before beginning bead, puddle control is what you lack, it controls your speed of welding.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Thx Roy, appreciate the help! Eric.

@williefufu2985 7 лет назад

I have this same Welder and am happy to have it. My Welds look exactly like your First Weld, but it works for what I needed to Weld. I will take your Advice on finding Scrap Metal to practice on, I hadn't thought about that. Your Video helps a lot of People and the People with helpful comments contribute to advancing the Art of Welding, as you put it. I respect Welders more now that I have tried my hand at it.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

yeah, i have done some more flux core welding and have gotten a bit better. i think i have the wire feed going to fast. when it warms up i can work more in the garage and practice. thx!

@Soggz7785 4 года назад

Thank you. I too, am learning. I’m sure that understanding the machine settings better, is the first step.👍🏾

@chrissscottt 4 года назад

Thanks for sharing - my first weld looked exactly the same so I feel comforted.

@gardenfork 4 года назад

Yeah!

@supurbian 7 лет назад

Eric, i have a craftsman welder that i paid @400 bucks!!!. your welder for $100 is awesome!!! and does a great job...here's a thought for you... i went to salvation army and found an old leather jacket. i removed the lining and i use it as a welding jacket..i cut it to make it shorter...i got tired of burning holes in my clothes and burning my arms!

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

good idea going to the used clothing store, thx for that!

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

to continue on that thought, i should wear Goodwill store clothes when boiling sap too. i had on my carrhart coveralls and melted the side pant leg zipper because i was standing too close to the firebox.

@supurbian 7 лет назад

hahaha.we're so eager to work on a project we don't think about what we're wearing...i've burned a hole in a marino wool sweater!!!

@nathanblanchet2648 7 лет назад

Great idea about the leather jacket. I've put so many holes in my clothes using my everlast welder!

@ramwall1500 5 лет назад

supurbian how could you say it done a great job did you see the beads he laid down

@damianshaw3235 5 лет назад

all good advice from welders who do it for a living. for those doing this for a hobby, EYE PROTECTION, EYE PROTECTION, EYE PROTECTION, cant stress that enough. when hot metal hits your eye it burns a crater that doesn't fill in until your eye ball has a surface similar to the moon.

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Thanks Damien 👍!

@SladesVWBeetle 6 лет назад

I bought the same welder. I tried for my first welding experience and was horrible so I blamed the welder! Lol My buddy who is a welder by trade stopped by and tried it and was surprised how well it did. He tweaked it a little and told me to practice!!

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

The practice is the key. I slowed down the feed and turned up the power to High. and I keep the copper cone on now, it keeps down the splatter and keeps the flux gas focused. good luck!

@rodneywoodworth 6 лет назад

I bought a brand new flux core welder 3 days ago and haven't taken it out of the box yet cause I'm scared I won't do it right. But after watching your video I know now that I can make some mistakes and not worry about it. Thanks for such an informative and honest video, I can't wait to unwrap my new toy.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Yeah!

@edpontiff8448 5 лет назад

Keep practicing , you will get better , thanks for sharing your effort !

@kurtfoster286 2 года назад

This guy is awesome so honest!! Going at it in real time. i’m an amateur but I got one tip for you need to change that tip to a gasless tip.

@MrTommy001 6 лет назад

I finally bit the bullet and took the leap of faith - I bought this same Harbor Freight welder. I've always said, "If it comes from Harbor Freight and it has an electrical cord - don't buy it". I'm giving it try, just in case they've upped their game. So far, it's been too cold for me to try it out. I will be doing my welding outside between my two sheds. I got some fiberglass drapes to hang on the walls (to prevent me burning them down - ha). Your vid is helpful, and I will watch a bunch of others. It can't be THAT hard - given enough practice on junk metal before I actually NEED to weld something important.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Good to hear Mr Tommy, read through the comments here, tons of good tips. Thx!

@brookswade5774 5 лет назад

I just bought a HF 125 flux core for $89. I’ve never welded before but I’ve watched it done for hundreds of hours on the job. Anyone with good, simple pointers who would like to chime in, I would appreciate the help. What are the most important things a beginner needs to know, other than safety, to be successful as a weekend-hobby welder. This video helped a lot. Thank you.

@zod-engineering-welding 5 лет назад

If yours is similar to the one in this video: !Use a respirator! I can't stress it enough. I posted pictures on a welding forum of one I used, and you would not believe the smoke particles that it captures! 3M 7502 half-shield with 2097 or 2297 pancake filters! 1. Don't use the nozzle. That is for when you are MIG welding with C25 gas and solid wire, not with gasless flux core wire. What you do need are the appropriate sized tips. For your machine 0.030" wire will work great. I use HTP E71T-11 gasless flux core wire (when I must outdoors) and it runs great. 2. If you already bought the wire, what brand/diameter did you get? make sure you get the same size tips. 3. Contact Tip to Work Distance (CTWD) is critical. No closer than 1/4" and not farther than 1/2". 3/8" is usually ideal for gasless flux core wire. 4. Use a drag angle of about 15-20°. You always drag the puddle to keep the slag back. 5. Practice on metal no thinner than 1/8" thick. 6. Make sure you have a proper grinder at hand, preferably two; one with a hard disk to clean the millscale/rust off before you start welding (and for the ground clamp to make contact somewhere as well). The other grinder should have a 4.5" wire wheel so you can clean the spatter BB's and slag off the weld bead. 7. Make sure you use a decent helmet so you can get a clear view of the puddle. You will need lots of outer lenses because when you have your face 10-12" from the weld joint (as you should as a newbie to get a good look at the puddle), it will get bombarded with spatter, and you'll need to replace them often. 8. The finished weld bead should have some convexity to it in the middle, but it should not be crowned up too high (no more than about 1/8", 1/16" crown is more ideal). the outer edges of the weld bead (the toes) should not cliff-dive down into the base metal, but rather a shallow slope. If it's crowned up too high and the toes are not wetted in, you might be going too slow, or your settings might not be adequate. Remember, wirefeed is amperage (for penetration), the voltage pushes the weld bead downward by flaring and spreading the arc. 9. It's hard to explain with words, you really need to find someone local to you, who has already been welding with gasless flux core for a few years preferably, to show you with your machine.

@brookswade5774 5 лет назад

Oscar Sanchez Jr, BSc. Sir, I do appreciate your advice. A respirator is a good thing to have. It came with .030 wire and tip. I understand the things you are trying to say and that’s exactly what I was looking for when I posted asking for advice. My welding will be strictly an as needed thing, when things break or a small project comes along. I won’t do a lot of welding but I do want to learn the correct way and safest way. Your advice is very much appreciated and I hope you’ll feel free to give any advice you have. Thank you so much.

@beeefbeast 5 лет назад

Great video, great constructive comments. Gives me hope for the world.

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Doesn’t it though? I am so happy to see all the helpful comments, it too gives me hope. We are more alike than we are un-alike. Thx! Eric.

@knottreel 4 года назад

This actually helped me more than the instructions by professionals. They would go down a lot of tangents about very technical stuff.

@dylanbennett3851 4 года назад

I'm by no means an expert on welding but I think u may have ur polarity backwards hints the splatter and rope like bead, make sure with fluxcore u have ur gun on the negative terminal and ur clamp on the positive terminal. Now when it comes to using gas u want it opposite, gun on positive and clamp on negative. Thanks for the video and props for documenting ur learning process! Hope this helps! U should see way less splatter and a flatter weld, and yes ur absolutely right about pulling with fluxcore! I was taught the saying "if there's slag u drag"

@gardenfork 4 года назад

Thanks Dylan, appreciate the info. I upgraded to a DC welder. I’ll post a vid soon. Thx!

@dylanbennett3851 4 года назад

@@gardenfork no problem, I actually had mine backwards when I first got into fluxcore and hooking them up right made a world of difference! Cant wait to see some videos on the DC!

@brianunderwood3109 7 лет назад

Your video popped up as a recommendation from RU-vid because I've been watching welding videos lately. I just bought the same welder for $85 and have been teaching myself how to weld. Practice does make perfect. I can honestly say that even using the flux core wire my welds have improved drastically. I've found that anything over 7.5 is too fast for this little welder. I keep mine at about 6-7, max setting for 1/8" steel and she works like a dream. Thanks for posting this video.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

Good to hear Brian! there have been many constructive comments on this video and i have learned a lot. i've gotten better as well. i am intrigued with the idea of converting the welder into a DC flux core, i've seen some threads about that. thx!

@brianunderwood3109 7 лет назад

I've seen the same thing with the DC conversion, it would definitely help with the splatter. Have you tried the spray that helps the splatter not stick? Eastwood has a video and they use it. Curious.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

+Brian Underwood hi Brian, I haven't bought the spray, but am intrigued by the DC conversion. That would improve the machine. Thx!

@marakeshg8112 4 года назад

If you think that first weld was bad, you should have seen my first attempt. Uff-Da! It looked like something out of a 1950's monster movie. Thanks for all the help. It gives me confidence!

@Ungovernable74 7 лет назад

I have the same machine and I did my first weld putting a hook on my tractor bucket. It's harder than it looks and I have a new respect for welders.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

same here, i am getting better, but its a real art to weld. thx!

@shanegarcia7157 4 года назад

Great video . Learned a couple things. Also I was told you don’t need that huge copper tip. Removing it makes it easier to see the puddle. FYI if you haven’t heard of this already.

@georgedass5419 3 года назад

Your tips are on point, from what one needs to have to do the welding and why they are important..... Great man

@artderamo8053 3 года назад

Great video!!! I just bought a flux welder at harbor Freight, you taught me alot thanks!!!

@Starkster50 4 года назад

I bought a Chinese welder off Amazon although Harbor Freight has good beginner's welders, mine is dual voltage because usually anything over 90 amps keeps tripping the breaker so using 240 volt actually gives you better weld performance. Mine is 140 Amos, 120/240 voltage, gas/Fluxcore, and has a 60% duty cycle @100 amps on 120 volts, 60% @ 140 amps on 240 volts. At @ $225 seems to be a good price for a versatile beginner machine. 50-140 amperage range. Good video.

@JollyMcStanson 4 года назад

Your first weld is is exactly what mine always look like. I also burn through a lot. Great video.

@jh9903 7 лет назад

Eric, good video, very brave of you to show your first weld...lots of keyboard cowboys jump all over that. a little more practice and you will see a huge difference. also you may wnt to consider earplugs as a hot ball of slag in the ear is no fun.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

yeah, i took a chance showing the first welds, but i wanted to get more people to learn this craft too. i figure the keyboard screamers will start soon, but what can you do? appreciate your kind words here. thx!

@moncorp1 7 лет назад

Keep with it. We all started somewhere. Practice, practice, practice! Like the top poster said, get that tip down next to the weld and slooooow down. You're on your way! And one other thing, that wire that comes with those Horror Freight welders is crap. Get you some Lincoln or similar as soon as possible. You can get it at the big box retailers.

@vincent69vega81 6 лет назад

Only way to learn is to pick it up ! I think you good .

@TheDavid2929 5 лет назад

Jim Hadden keyboard cowboy 🤠😂 love that.

@prdoane1 5 лет назад

Jim Hadden you are a good guy. GardenFork I like your style. Thumbs Up!

@robertsamaniego5896 6 лет назад

I have that same welder . It has helped me a lot with work on my cars. No more going to an exhaust shop to have work done. I was like you at first then realized you need to get closer and slow down. It was almost as if I was afraid of the spark. lol

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

yes Robert, i've gotten better, and the comments on this vid have helped me a lot. good luck! eric.

@XPFTP 4 года назад

folks who come across this video.. learn from him.. as he said he isnt a pro.. but ... he is the 1st video ive seen who ground down the area he was welding.... always grind down area u wish to weld.. its one of the most importain thing... flux core doesnt clean surface for u .. good basic video to learn basics.. also.. do the mods to this welder to turn it in a DCEN.. it well make this welder 100% better..

@cspann831 7 лет назад

Thank you for increasing my confidence! I've worked around trained welders for years and I can handle a machine if it is set for me {mostly aluminum) but never had any formal training. I was told to get a gun, some scrap, a helmet and teach myself on an old Miller with only volume and tuning knobs, I'm pondering a couple models from Harbor Freight to enhance my little growing handyman side gig. If it weren't for them or Craftsman tools a lot of us would-be garage hacks would have to do without. I've heard some good things about these machines for just the sort of jobs I might be doing- amateur work. BTW amateur doesn't necessarily imply inexperience or low quality. The word comes from amore- to really love what you do... Chuck

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

wow great to hear! i have to go get some more scrap myself. adjusting the machine settings is still a challenge for me. thx!

@waltcam7134 6 лет назад

Thanks for showing on how to get started with Flux Core Welding. You have really helped Me.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

good to hear Walter, the key is take it slow. i found that i used the high power setting and a medium feed speed. thx!

@debrad9968 7 лет назад

thanks for that!!! Boy, you certainly live in a very beautiful place!!! You are blessed

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

i am lucky. getting better at welding too!

@gagawill 7 лет назад

Excellent job Eric keep at it, a tip from my experience with flux core is once you have tacked your work, remove the magnets! they really affect the weld pool!, and I always wear an old hoodie with the hood up as sizzling molten metal on your head should only be experienced once lol.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

excellent tips, thanks for that. most of my hoodie sweatshirts are beat, so that will be perfect. did not think about the magnet affecting the weld pool, but yeah. thx!

@garymcnay8529 4 года назад

I love your attitude towards learning. Thanks for helping me out...first welds are on the way.

@ronaldrider4444 5 лет назад

i have a century 70 amp that is 20+ yrs old. not much duty cycle but still going. also 80 and 170 amp hf.flux and mig. love them. i am still missing up all the time .hang in there and you will find yourself looking forward to welding jobs that need doing.

@97kt69 5 лет назад

Great vid. Just got a wire-feed flux core welder after using a Lincoln AC buzz box for occasional repairs and small fun projects over the years. My first project so far was putting casters on a filing cabinet to put my new welder on and storage for welding supplies. My first try was worse than yours, lots of burn holes but managed to fill em in with the tap n go method lol. I too welded some thicker angle iron to the cabinet then welded the casters to that. Never too late to try something new and will have lots of fun playing with this thing. Thanks for the vid looks like we have something in common lol.

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Exactly Steve, one has to try! Thx!

@malcolmlane-ley2044 4 года назад

Thanks for this, I bought a similar machine and your video has been very useful to me, I also learned somewhere else that as these basic machines only have a high or low power setting you can regulate the heat by going for a thinner wire, say 0.6mm for thin metals to prevent burning holes

@scottc0510 7 лет назад

An additional tip when doing flux core is to use "anti-spatter spray"... It doesn't guarantee against or prevent adhesion of the "BBs" of molten metal to your workpiece, but it definitely helps minimize them and therefore hastens cleanup of your welds.

@kongoboi8 4 года назад

Very good info. I thought I was the only one making ugly weld lol. But I learn something looking at how you weld. Thank you.

@Michael-nx7im 7 лет назад

THANK YOU,SOMEONE WELDS LIKE ME

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

there you go!

@williefufu2985 7 лет назад

Me too :) I will practice when I have the time. I have this same Welder from Harbor Freight. My Welds look exactly like yours do.

@theodorebowers9737 5 лет назад

This was just a good old plain down-to-earth excellent video thank you very much I enjoyed it I'm learning myself I just bought a welder harborfreight Tribune 200 multi weather thanks for all the help buddy I sure need it

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Hi Theodore, how do you like the Tribune?

@juliangutierrez2001 6 лет назад

Thank you for taking the time to put out this video. Great advice on using long sleeves and what you dont mind getting ruined.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Good to hear Julian, i set the welder on High and the wire feed to 3. build up a pool of metal and work slowly and move the wand in small ovals. practice and you will get better! thx, eric.

@ianbullock218 4 года назад

Hi, Well done for showing your first attempt. I have been welding for 30 years and its that simple solution, practice makes perfect. A bit of advise,, you are to far away from your work with the torch,,,and also to fast as you are pulling. Play with your setting ,,amps and wire speed for the gauge of the material. Also try pushing your pool. A gap of that size is not really a issue, you just have to control the weld being laid down,, then you can start laying some dimes :)

@gardenfork 4 года назад

Thanks Ian! I recently took a welding class, so am improving.

@sawman209 5 лет назад

I like your video. Very well done. You are correct about the wire feed speed. Too little will cause the welds to be not continuous. I would also recommend stick welding as it is a great method of welding because of the versatility. Great video. Thanks for sharing!

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Have yet to do stick welding , thx for the suggestion thx!

@BradsWorkbench 5 лет назад

Some days I can lay bead after bead down and think, hell yea I got this. Others I struggle the entire time. Only way to get better is keep trying and see what works and what doesnt

@sdix3770 5 лет назад

I agree with the gentleman bellow. You were to far out from your weld, 1 inch to a half inch. Next, by the look of the weld there is the possibility of having a reversed polarity. Flux core is usually electro positive. Next is your gun angle, a 90 degree angle will work for stingers. Slow down your welding and watch the fill. Push your weld puddle. Let a puddle build then slowly push it. If you have a bad root the rest of your weld will be weak! Keep up the learning!!! It’s a great skill!!!

@webywebprods8828 4 года назад

Hm..i really like your video.More people like you and World will be better for all of us.Thank you

@williammanning3174 7 лет назад

I have the same welder and it does a good job if you know how to use it. It was cool to see your beads improve throughout the video. People kept telling me to increase the wire feed speed and that doesn't work with that welder. Normally it does because expensive welders combine the output current with the wire speed control. The Harbor Freight 90 amp flux core welder on the other hand, doesn't. I have found that setting wire speed above 8.5 just causes the wire to come out faster than it can be consumed and it bumps into the weld. Thanks for the video. Remember to keep your eye on the puddle. The puddle will help you determine how fast to travel. There are 5 things to always be aware of...puddle, stickout, travel speed, work angle and drag angle. Have fun!

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

+William Manning good points. I too found the wire speed too fast. Thx!

@paulgroadey4235 4 года назад

Great video....from ENGLAND !

@gardenfork 4 года назад

Yeah!

@JamesCouch777 3 года назад

Except for the time I spent in welding classes I have always used a stick welder but I am thinking about getting a MIG just for fun. Thanks for the video.

@halseyballistic 6 лет назад

Thoroughly enjoyed your video. Great job on your instructions and comments about the fluxcore welding. We all have to start somewhere and it is good to have the knowledge and the skills will come in time with practice. Thank you for your time to post your video. I know a lot of new welders or soon to be newbies appreciate this.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Hi Halsey, thanks for taking the time to comment. It is a learning process! and its starting to get warmer here so I can work in the garage again. thx! eric.

@quentinkave8442 5 лет назад

I like to have my other hand on the end of the welding gun really helps stay steady👍👍

@chadandrews98 6 лет назад

Thanks. I am a “nubie” too. You can get a smaller nozzle since no shielding gas needed. I am trying INEFIL wire.

@carloscontreras5228 2 года назад

I love this. I’m just starting out myself and using the welder is just like this every time. First weld is bad then by the third or fourth time it looks kinda better lol it’s all a process 🍻

@telly115ify 5 лет назад

Oh and awesome video love the learning process. I'm no expert but best advice is stay posotive and keep learning.

@paulvanreenen6986 4 года назад

Great fun watching you. Connection with your audience is great. I bought the identical welder.

@ASAPJermz 4 года назад

People need to stop saying that flux core welding is only for "light" application's. There's some guys who use it strictly on heavy industrial repairs and I also know people who use it to weld thin sheet metal on cars. Every welding application has it's pros and cons, as well as it's nuances that make each process more beneficial given certain circumstances and variables. If it couldn't hold respectable tensile, it wouldn't be an available option..

@TimZeTerrible 4 года назад

Outside in the wind it's an industry go to 🍻📐

@aljotock 5 лет назад

I weld with flux core but take that ‘shroud’ off the welding head, so you just have the disposable tip with wire feeding out. I saw others on RU-vid do it and it’s ALOT easier and welds come out better too. Let’s you get into tight corners too. All the best 👍

@damianshaw3235 4 года назад

i'm seeing lots of home welders looking for tips. here's a few little extra's. if you have an automatic shield, make sure it's set dark enough and try keep your precious eye's a bit away. try an old school shield then judge your automatic shields darkness by that. before you start your weld be sure you can go from start to finish comfortably. a denim jacket will stop your arms getting burnt. fire is a regular hazzard so have something ready just in case. if your shield stays dark after you stop welding then somethings on fire. if replacing car panels, an airline can blow out had to reach fire's, the protective wax on cars panel's goes up quick. a clean surface always takes the best weld and equal heat on both metals will give a better weld. i've been mig welding for a living for over 30 years but i'm new to flux core so i too have learned stuff here.

@kellyvcraig 4 года назад

Good tips, but had to snort at "if your shield stays dark after you stop welding then somethings on fire. " Immediately came to mind, "check your arms."

@scottryan5369 6 лет назад

Good effort Eric, I'm just starting out in the world of welding (gasless mig) and like you I've been learning a lot on what not to do and still have a long way to go but I'm seeing good improvements now that I have a slightly better understanding of how to set the welder up properly and how to adjust it for the diff types of metal thicknesses etc, still a long way to go but happy with my progress and as others have said we all have to start somewhere and I'm sure the "experts" were once where we were so don't let them put you off, just keep at it.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

thanks Scott, yeah, i keep learning the settings are the hardest part. I am welding my sap evaporator tomorrow. thx!

@nicholasjheinz7461 3 года назад

Congrats on trying and putting yourself out there.

@cornfedtuber 5 лет назад

This is a good little welder. I am a rank amatuer myself and I cut my teeth on this. But, I live on a small farm and a lot of things need welded and this machine didn't quite have the... oomph call it, to do what I needed. I stuck with harbor Freight but, I moved up to the 170 welder. It costs about $50 more, requires 240 hook up so I wouldn't recommend it unless you specifically need it's expanded capabilities. It gives you the option to expand into Mig, lets you weld stainless, up to 1/4" (125 weld max is 3/16) but, I have welded 3/8" steel with it. It's just an all around better choice for me. A pro welder needs a professional machine. But, for folks like us, HF machinery makes a viable and affordable solution. Northern industrial's "Iron worker" brand makes another good starting choice too. I have one of their stick welders.

@cornfedtuber 5 лет назад

Correction to my comment; It isn't "Iron worker" it's "Ironton."

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Thanks for the info and taking the time to write anD share. I just upgraded to a DC flux core that I’ll post a video about soon. Thx! Eric.

@LoneWolf-yp2mo 4 года назад

My Man ! I wish you lived next door !! I just bought one of these what I call a "REAL WORLD WELDER" !! Those of us that aren't EXPERTS and can't afford a $1000 welder to do weekend warrior kinds of welds that will GIT-ER-DUN so we can use it again ! Wheel barrows, garden tractor trailers, lawn mower decks and so on ! I will TRY to make it pretty eventually but for now .... just get the damn lawn mowed ... ya KNOW ???? LOL !! Thanks a lot for some education that those BIG SHOTS had to pay for ..... LOL !

@687805 6 лет назад

Thanks for the video! I've also recently started to learn welding- as a hobby and to do repairs for myself. I'm no pro, but a couple tips that I've had good results with. If you can, practice with material that your welder can handle, but thick enough that you're not constantly worried of burning through. If you have to weld materials of differing thickness it will allow you to reduce your travel speed (therefore getting a good puddle and creating a smoother bead with less chance of burn through) if you focus most of the power on the thicker of the two pieces. Happy learning!

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Good tips Lazer, thx for sharing. Practice is key. Thx!

@megaeverything101 5 лет назад

nice to see a beginner welder.

@elfpimp1 3 года назад

Great vid. I'm also learning myself using the Chicago Electric gasless flux core welder 125. And same helmet, lol.. 😁👍

@SimonMacFarlane 7 лет назад

thank you so much for this video - makes me feel much better about my first attempts at welding (got the same one from HF). and I got a lot of good advice from the comments here.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

+Simon MacFarlane yeah some great comments here. I learned too. Thx!

@niborlollol 4 года назад

thats the longest arc i've seen in my entire life

@VinzofTay30 6 лет назад

Somehow I think this guy is a pro but by saying he's a amateur give real amateurs that self-believe and confidence.

@Jim-ie6uf 6 лет назад

I’ve been wanting one of these for a while. Maybe I’ll get myself one as a belated Christmas gift. Thanks for the demo.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Read through the comments. Lots of great suggestions and tips. Thx,

@aaronspaulding3679 5 лет назад

Great video, thank you for being humble. I’m a new welder as well, and your video helped!

@joeredd3867 7 лет назад

I always wanted to try this, when I had something to make and weld. Great that you made this video.

@gardenfork 7 лет назад

this welder goes on sale a lot, when they have their parking lot sale every few weeks. not bad for doing DIY stuff, or fix your mower. thx!

@1218russ 5 лет назад

Since these are a.c. machines there is a big learning curve. You will improve with time

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Thx William!

@awd3418 5 лет назад

leave the spool in its package when replacing, just pull enough wire to setup through the feeder. you wont loose a mile of wire

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Wow great! Thx for that. Eric.

@billssmithy7352 3 года назад

I wrap tape completely around the spool after freeing about a foot of wire. If my fingers slip while loading I don't get a bird's nest; I pull the tape after I close the tensioner and feed the wire through.

@rapunzeleh546 5 лет назад

exactly the same story for me... mine was Horrible Fright also... but mine can use gas... i did invest in a tank over a year ago - you could rent it for 6month periods but since i hadn't even gotten the wiring for the welder done, i figured better to buy the tank... i took a course... oooh, probably 7 or 8 years ago... only girl in the class - go figure!! but i only got it exactly that - once in a while stuff... i do remember from the class that with gas, the weld is less 'spitty'... but nice refresher (since i just got the wiring done and need to get off my butt and get the metal i bought turned into a pair of removable forks for my little tractor.

@gardenfork 5 лет назад

Good to hear. Forks are great for a tractor!

@garywestin6907 6 лет назад

I usually run flux cored wire through my everlast welder. I do a lot of welding outdoors where I can't control the breeze. Having a flux core welders is very handy.

@gardenfork 6 лет назад

Hi Gary, i have used this outdoors a few times, super handy, and powered by a quality heavy duty extension cord. Had not thought of the breeze being an issue, but yes, I imagine a mig welder would have an issue with wind blowing the gas. thx! eric.

@kavematt91 4 года назад

Reverse your polarity for flux core. Keep your nozzle about 1/2" from your work. When starting a weld, hold the arc still for half a second to build a puddle. Then, start moving at about 5sec./inch keeping the arc in the middle of the puddle.