Flux core wire freshness

[a/fxcomet]

Can flux core wire go bad? Mine feels stale. It just doesnt look or sound right when I weld it. When I first got the roll it was fine, but it sat around for a bit. I just put it back in the machine to use it, and it doesnt seem right.

[Petejoe]

The flux inside will gather moisture and will not weld correctly. Even though the flux is inside the wire moisture still will get inside simply by letting it lay around. Its always best to take the roll off the welder when not in use and but it in a oven. or makeshift box heated with a bulb. Try putting it into a heated area for a few hours to see if it will straighten out. If there's any surface rust on the wire, unless you have alot of patience and time on your hands to clean it, you may as well pitch it.

[El Caballo]

The moisture will "wick" it's way up.

Another good question is; "Is it really worth it to get the gas setup versus just going with fluxcore?" What are the plusses and minuses?

[a/fxcomet]

Thanks guys. We do seem to have a lot of excess moisture here in Orygun http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Is there any other way to store it besides a heated box? Ziplock bag maybe?

[a/fxcomet]

Oh, and ElCab- I can weld thicker stuff with my Lincoln wirefeed when I have the flux core in. I usually have it set up with the .025 MIG wire for day to day use. I'm building a cart to roll my brothers 322 around on, and I'm going to have to do some frame work soon.