Flux-Cored Arc Welding ("Gasless `MIG`")

[nelsonic]

We have been using our "Stick" welder #106 successfully for 18 months. The "problem" is that it's very "rough" ... the welds never look great and require clean-up. Miguel - our multi-skilled handyman - spends 10 minutes grinding down the welds for every 1 minute he spends welding. It feels like we are wasting a lot of time ... ⏳ == 💸

We are going to be doing a lot more welding in the near future for several projects. So ... I'm thinking of getting a Gasless MIG Welder - new machine/tool which will result in muuuuuuch cleaner weld joints and require less clean-up.

I've watched a bunch of YT videos already, e.g: https://youtu.be/TM8MDrZFz7Y

For me this makes sense financially because of how much time Miguel is spending on weld joint grinding ... I estimate that he will spend a whole day just "tidying" the welds on a single Bunk Bed. (which I'm expecting to have roughly 24 welds ...)

[nelsonic]

Gasless Flux Core Welding Basics for Beginners: https://youtu.be/zozvECWvcjk

[nelsonic]

In my Amazon (ES) Cart I have a shortlist of the MIG Welding Machines:

The HITBOX ones (Chinese brand) appear to be the best value-for-money. So I'm trying to find relevant/reliable reviews.

Review of Hitbox 200a inverter MIG welder https://youtu.be/A34vujxL1vs

However ... I'm leaning toward the STAHLWERK (made in Germany) for higher quality control and reliability ... 💭 Buuuuut there are a few negative reviews that are putting me off. 😕

[nelsonic]

There really is waaay too much choice ... 😕 I would pay someone with decades of experience to just tell me which machine to buy!

[nelsonic]

What I want: a Flux Core "MIG" (thought it's not really "MIG" because there is no inert gas being used!!) What I don't want: a "multi-mode" welder. Because we already have two good "MMA" welders!

The reason I want "Gassless" is because the person that will be doing much of the welding (not me) has zero experience of MIG and definitely doesn't have the attention-to-detail for TIG.

Perhaps I should update the title to "Flux-cored arc welding" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flux-cored_arc_welding

[nelsonic]

Side-note: These MIG Pliers are €150 in ES: https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/dp/B005K01F1S

But £35 in UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/-/pt/dp/B005K01F1S

I can't help but feel we are being scalped! 😕

[nelsonic]

I'm thinking of getting the STAHLWERK MIG MAG 160 M: https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/dp/B0C14JZCZ4

The reviews are good. A couple of bad ones. But that's to be expected.

There's a bundle with a bunch of things included: https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/gp/product/B0B51JWGN5

The STAHLWERK MIG 175 ST IGBT appears to be an upgrade: https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/gp/product/B07MVLPZCS/

Also tempted to upsell myself to a more expensive "pro" unit ... https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/gp/product/B09W353XX8

[nelsonic]

This is my Amazon Cart with the Flux Core Wire, a can of Anti-stick spray and a couple of MIG accessories I researched:

Going to checkout. 🛒 It's definitely not the cheapest welder. But equally far from the most expensive one. I expect it will meet our needs well.

[nelsonic]

Ok. I can close like 100 tabs now.

[nelsonic]

While closing tabs I came across this one again: https://www.amazon.es/-/pt/dp/B09WYFQJH5?th=1

The LCD is very detailed/precise for dialling in the settings ... 💭

But it's twice the price and doesn't appear to offer a significant benefit beyond the screen. Going to stick with my purchase. 👌

[nelsonic]

Meanwhile ... if you're following along: MIG Welding Basics For BEGINNERS!! How To Set Up Your Welder + Tips, Tricks & Techniques!! https://youtu.be/cB4irRaB_6s

[nelsonic]

Not expecting it to arrive until next week. (When we're away in Lx...) But When we're back will hit the ground running! 🏃