PSA: That 'quick forge weld' with a new flux brand went real wrong

Tried a new powdered flux from the hardware store to join some mild steel, and it actually ate into the metal like acid. The weld looked clean at first, but after grinding, I found deep pits. Anyone know a solid, basic flux brand that won't do this?

2 comments

2 Comments

joseph4481mo ago

Powdered fluxes can be so hit or miss, right? My buddy had a similar thing happen with some old stock he found, left the steel looking like Swiss cheese. Makes you wonder what's even in that stuff sometimes.

noah9171mo ago

Remember that time we tried to weld an old lawnmower deck with some mystery flux from a garage sale? Ended up with more holes than metal and a smell like burnt chemicals. We joked it was probably half baking soda and sawdust. Never bought unmarked cans again after that mess.