Hello,
I am a "new" welder with only a little experience with electric forms of welding. I have some brazing and OA experience. I just acquired a flux core machine that I think is a kick, and is perfectly suited for the hobby level welding I will do (gadgets for the deer lease, a new gate frame for the yard, etc...). I want to make some welds that are a little cleaner looking than typical FCAW, but don't feel the need to invest money in a mig set up. The welder I have is not readily convertible, but could be with some time and money, but again, I don't have a huge need for a MIG set up, yet. I was wondering if there is anything prohibitive about using sheet aluminum or copper on either side of the bead to protect the work pieces from spatter? I figured that I could hold the shields in place with small magnets, since all of my work is on mild steel. Any thoughts, or should I bust out the angle grinder? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
cricman
There is a spray anti-spatter in aerosol cans or liquid for a mist sprayer.
I have used both and they work fairly well but the trick is not to overdo it and get too much in the weld zone, a small amount isn't a problem but it is easy to get too much.
Weld well,
pjseaman
Sheet metal will work fine (why not steel, then if you accidentally include it in the weld the metalurgy won't be badly disturbed). I wrap damp newspaper around hydraulic piston rods when I need to protect them. And of course the spray works fine when somebody hasn't used it all up.
Bill