Welding With A 110V Fluxcore Machine! (Yeswelder Flux-135 Test and Review)

DC Andrade
6 Feb 202309:04

TLDRIn this welding tutorial, DC tests the Yeswelder Flux-135 on various steel plate sizes using a 6500-watt generator. He shares tips on using a flux-core welder, including amperage settings and the importance of stick out for heat control. DC successfully welds 3/16 and 1/4 inch plates but advises caution for heavier materials like 3/8 inch, recommending a gas MIG for structural work. The video is a practical guide for new welders, emphasizing learning through practice and failure.

Takeaways

  • 🔌 The Yeswelder Flux-135 is tested on various steel plate sizes using a 6500 watt Predator generator by Harbor Freight.
  • 🏠 It is suggested that running the welder off household power might not yield the machine's full potential and could increase the electricity bill.
  • 🔧 A smaller 3500 watt generator could suffice for the 110V welder, but the performance on lower wattage generators is uncertain.
  • 👷‍♂️ The video demonstrates using 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 inch steel plates for welding tests.
  • 🛠️ An eighth-inch thick cut-off wheel is recommended for rust removal and metal milling, being safer and more effective than thinner wheels.
  • 🔩 The Anvil bandsaw with a good blade is highly recommended for any upcoming fabricator's toolkit.
  • ⚙️ The welder has four settings for different types of welding, including Flex core wire, MMA (stick welding), and lift TIG welding.
  • 🔥 The welder performed well on 3/16 and 1/4 inch plates, but struggled a bit with 3/8 inch material, requiring adjustments for stable welding.
  • 📐 A short stick out is crucial for less heat in the weld puddle, while a longer stick out can lead to a more sporadic arc.
  • 📚 Learning to read the weld puddle is emphasized over relying on welding textbook patterns, as it provides real-time feedback on welding technique.
  • 🚫 For structurally dependent projects, especially with material thicker than 3/8 inch, a 110V flux core welder might not be sufficient and preheating is recommended.
  • 👍 The presenter is happy with the welder's performance for home projects and beginners, but advises caution for heavy load-bearing applications.

Q & A

  • What is the main topic of the video?

    -The main topic of the video is a test and review of the Yeswelder Flux-135, a 110V fluxcore welding machine.

  • What power source is used to run the welding machine in the video?

    -A 6500 watt Predator generator by Harbor Freight is used to run the welding machine.

  • What sizes of steel plate are tested in the video?

    -The sizes of steel plate tested are 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 inch.

  • What is a side tip provided for removing rust and mill scale?

    -The side tip is using an eighth-inch thick cut off wheel, which is less likely to blow up and works well for removing rust and mill scale, as well as paint.

  • What is recommended for cutting steel in the video?

    -An Anvil portable and stationary bandsaw with a good blade is recommended for cutting steel.

  • How many different settings does the Flux-135 have?

    -The Flux-135 has four different settings for different types of welding.

  • What is the purpose of the 'dragging slag' technique mentioned in the video?

    -The purpose of dragging slag is to leave less flux deposition behind the weld puddle, improving the welding process.

  • What advice is given for welding with flux core wire?

    -The advice given is to start with a short stick out, lengthen it as the puddle forms, and increase the stick out towards the end of the weld to prevent burning off edges.

  • What is the reviewer's opinion on anti-spatter spray?

    -The reviewer dislikes anti-spatter spray for an unspecified reason and prefers not to use it.

  • What is the reviewer's recommendation for welding projects above 3/8 inch material?

    -The reviewer recommends using a 220 gas MIG welder for welding projects above 3/8 inch material for structural dependability.

  • What advice does the reviewer give for new welders learning the craft?

    -The advice given is to learn to read the weld puddle, practice in various positions, not be afraid of failure, and to keep learning and accepting new ideas.

Outlines

00:00

🔧 Weld Testing the YesWelder Flux 135 with Different Steel Plates

In this video, DC introduces a welding test of the YesWelder Flux 135 on various steel plate sizes, using a 6500 watt Predator generator by Harbor Freight. He discusses the suitability of using household power versus a generator and suggests that a 3500 watt generator could suffice for the 110 welder. DC demonstrates using an eighth-inch thick cut-off wheel for rust removal and metal milling, emphasizing safety precautions. He also recommends the Anvil portable and stationary bandsaw for upcoming fabricators. The video then moves on to setting up the welder, explaining the different settings for various wire types and welding processes. DC begins welding with 3/16 inch steel plates, adjusting the machine settings for optimal performance and sharing tips on managing flux core welding, including slag control and the importance of stick out distance for heat regulation. He concludes the first part by assessing the weld quality and spatter issues associated with flux core welding.

05:00

🛠 Welding Quarter Inch and 3/8 Inch Steel Plates: YesWelder Flux 135 Performance

DC continues the welding demonstration by moving on to quarter-inch steel material, adjusting the welder to higher settings and emphasizing the importance of reading the weld puddle rather than relying on textbook welding patterns. He stresses the need for practice, experimentation, and learning from failure as key to mastering welding techniques. When attempting to weld 3/8 inch steel plates, DC notes the machine's struggle to maintain a stable arc and the necessity to manage the weld puddle carefully. Although the welder performs well, he advises against using a 110 flux core welder for structurally dependent projects involving material thicker than 3/8 inch, recommending a gas MIG welder for safety and quality. DC wraps up by discussing the learning outcomes from the experiment, suggesting preheating for heavier materials, and recommending the welder for home projects or beginners. He invites viewers to support his channel and other businesses, offering a PayPal link for donations.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Fluxcore Machine

A fluxcore machine, also known as a flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) machine, is a type of welding equipment that uses a continuous, tubular wire filled with fluxing agents. This type of welding is known for its versatility and ability to weld in all positions. In the video, the Yeswelder Flux-135 is tested, which is a 110V fluxcore machine, demonstrating its capability to weld various thicknesses of steel plates.

💡Predator Generator

A Predator Generator is a power source device, often used for outdoor activities or as a backup power supply. In the context of the video, a 6500-watt Predator generator by Harbor Freight is used to power the fluxcore welding machine, indicating the power requirements for such a welding setup.

💡Steel Plate

Steel plates are flat, rectangular pieces of steel that are used in various construction and fabrication projects. The video discusses welding different sizes of steel plates, such as 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 inch thicknesses, to test the performance of the fluxcore welding machine.

💡Cutoff Wheel

A cutoff wheel is a type of abrasive disc used for cutting through hard materials like metal. In the script, an eighth-inch thick cutoff wheel is mentioned as a tool for removing rust and milling skills, highlighting its utility in preparatory work for welding.

💡Bandsaw

A bandsaw is a power saw with a long, sharp blade consisting of a continuous band of toothed metal stretched between two or more wheels. The video recommends an Anvil bandsaw for its performance in both stationary and portable setups, emphasizing its importance in a fabricator's toolkit.

💡Amperage

Amperage refers to the amount of electric current flowing through a conductor, measured in amperes. In welding, amperage settings are crucial as they affect the heat output and thus the welding process. The video discusses adjusting amperage settings on the fluxcore machine for optimal welding results.

💡Slag

Slag is a byproduct of welding that forms on the surface of the weld as a layer of waste material. The script mentions managing slag as an important aspect of fluxcore welding, as it can affect the quality and appearance of the weld.

💡Stick Out

In welding, 'stick out' refers to the distance the electrode or welding torch is held away from the workpiece. The video explains the relationship between stick out and heat input to the weld puddle, and how adjusting this can influence the welding process.

💡Puddle

The weld puddle is the pool of molten metal that forms during the welding process. The video emphasizes reading the weld puddle as a skill for understanding the welding process, rather than relying on fixed welding patterns.

💡Anti-Spatter Spray

Anti-spatter spray is a product used in welding to reduce the amount of spatter, which is the small metal particles that are ejected during the welding process. The script mentions the welder's personal dislike for this spray, indicating personal preferences can influence welding techniques.

💡Non-Destructive Test

A non-destructive test (NDT) is a method of evaluating the properties of a material or component without causing damage. In the context of the video, the welder mentions that without NDT equipment, they cannot definitively comment on the strength of the welds made with the fluxcore machine on thicker materials.

Highlights

Testing the Yeswelder Flux-135 on different size steel plates.

Running the welder off a 6500 watt Predator generator by Harbor Freight.

Doubts about achieving the machine's full potential on house power and the impact on electricity bills.

Using a 6500 watt generator deemed as overkill for the 110V welder, suggesting a 3500 watt could suffice.

Material used includes 3/16, 1/4, and 3/8 inch steel plates.

Tip on using an eighth-inch thick cut off wheel for rust removal and milling.

Recommendation of Anvil portable and stationary bandsaw for upcoming fabricators.

Flux 135 has four settings for different welding processes.

Using 0.030 Flex core wire from Harbor Freight for testing.

Maxing out the machine settings to find the desired amperage or voltage.

Welding 3/16 inch plate with settings adjusted to 4.0 and 130 wire speed.

Tip on slag dragging and flux deposition in flux core welding.

Importance of stick out length in controlling weld heat and puddle.

Achieving a uniform weld on 3/16 inch material with the Flux-135.

Welding quarter inch material with settings at 4.5 and 135 wire speed.

Advice against relying on welding textbook patterns, emphasizing reading the weld puddle instead.

Encouragement to practice, experiment, and learn from failures in welding.

Successfully welding 3/8 inch material, but with reservations on its structural integrity for heavy loads.

Recommendation for preheating before welding thicker materials to avoid compromising weld quality.

Endorsement of the Yeswelder Flux-135 for home projects and beginners learning to weld.

The presenter's personal experience and willingness to recommend the welder based on the test.

Invitation for viewers to support the channel and the presenter's other businesses.