Just how similar is flux core welding to mig (I know that mig uses shielding gas and flux core does not)?

Question

I know that flux core welding is done with a wire that has it's own shielding built in, so you don't have to use a cylinder of shielding gas. I have done a fair amount of flux core welding at home on my little POS welder.

What I'm wondering though, is how similar the two different processes are in other ways. Size and shape of the guns, wire speed, methods (with flux core, I always run beads using a tight circular motion, with tie-in. Is it easier or more common to shoot a straight line with MIG, without the need for tie-in?). That sort of stuff.

Thanks.

Answer 1

the process is almost the same but with mig wire you need a gas added to keep the weld clean from the elements, and with mig you can weld thinner materials because the voltage can be adjusted to a lower setting. If the welder is made for both flux and mig you use the same gun just add the gas and mig wire.