I had a small ~$200 Lincoln 120v/88 amp flux core wire feed for about 3 year's, 90% of the time it did really nice work for down pipes and cat backs. But I had to give it back. So I just picked up a Hobart 140 mig, cant wait to try it out. That one was $450.

I was tempted to get a Clarke they were cheaper, had a free cart and just more amps per dollar. But I did some reading up on fab forums and every one said the Hobart does a way better job and is more reliable then the clarke.

What was your old flux welder? Maybe it's just the way you hold it or the speed you travel.

 

both times i flux welded i "rented" a carke 130 mig from menards (home depot type store) both times i got pissed at my poor welding and returned them

is tig welding stick / arc welding? does that need gas? ya i dont know ----.. somthing that can weld exhaust/ charge pipes somewhat easy is all i need

 

This down pipe and charge pipe was made with my flux core Lincoln from Home Depot. It was only $200-250.

 

thats pretty good man, i dont think i have the patience for flux, or maybe ive just had bad experiences, but the one time i picked up soem raggedy old snap on mig with gas and layed the best bead i ever did 1st try

 

I all comes down to prep work. Yeah flux can lay down some mean bird ---- but so can everything else if not cleaned up good. Hell just a wire wheel across whatever your gonna be welding is gonna help out tremendously. I think it's just the fluxcore and usually weaker welder just doesn't have the power to get through dirt and ---- to lay down a good bead as a more powerful welder could.

 

X2.
Paint and grease does'nt help much.

 

are the smiley ones good for tig, or some i stay away from smiley tigs?