Troubleshooting

Why is my flux-core welding excessive spatter?

Quick answer

Excessive spatter in flux-core welding usually means too high current for the wire, too long stick-out, or wrong polarity on gasless wire. For this process, verify DCEN and stick-out before touching anything else.

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The specific fix

Verify DCEN and stick-out. The general rule: drop the voltage a step, shorten stick-out, verify polarity on the wire packet.

Process checklist

  • Wrong polarity — most gasless wire wants DCEN (electrode negative); check the packet
  • Dragging the gun like stick — gasless likes a slight drag angle, unlike gas MIG
  • Leaving slag-capped wormholes by welding too slow or too hot