So I got a Lincoln Weld Pak 100 and have been using it for a while just with flux core wire. Man do these welds look like poop.

I've had the conversion kit K610-1 that converts it to MIG. New noozle, tips, gun liner, solenoid, tubing, and regulator. (mig spool too)

It says to replace the gun liner for the newer size wire, but I think my wire is the same for the mig and flux wire. Is it necessarily to replace this if the wire is the same?

Also which is better Argon or CO2? Cheaper?

What do I have to do if I wanted to swap back to flux core real quick? Just change noozles and spools?

What are the benefits of MIG compared to Flux? Ive heard less penetration so you can weld on thinner metals and the welds look a whole lot better.

 

I think that the liner should be ok, you might have to change the tip size for differing wires.

I could be wrong, but I think c02 is cheaper? And they work almost the same (somebody correct me if I'm wrong)

I personally like flux core better. I keep a wire brush with me, and my welds look the same as MIG.
When you are using gas, make sure you have a shield from breeze and wind and stuff.

 

pros of gas vs flux:

gas welds cooler. you can get the same penetration, but the heat zone stays closer to the weld. less warpage.

flux welds are usually porous. gas is a much cleaner weld.

gas has less splatter. less clean up.

now, as Taylor said, MIG welding sucks outside on a windy day. You really need to be protected from any wind. Also, the metal must be clean for MIG welding, no rust.


as for gas, I run a co2/argon mix. I exchanged my small bottle a few months ago. think it was $25. I personally would use a MIG setup over flux any day. Especially if the welds are exposed for people to see, or working with thinner sheet metal to keep the warpage down.

 

I do all the welding in a garage so I don't really need the windproof characteristics of flux core.