Can I use ANY MIG welder with gasless mode, aka. Flux core?
I'm a total newbie, and I want to buy a cheap-ish welder that can do MIG and Flux Core (apparently this is gasless MIG), in case I want to opt into trying out in the future.
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Yes, any MIG welder will work in gasless (FCAW) mode. Make sure to read your owners manual on how to change the polarity. Most flux core wires require a reverse polarity from GMAW.
Be aware that flux core welding produces a good deal of smoke and splatter. You will want to weld outside or with the garage door open when welding with flux core.
Thank you for the reassurance! Yes, I've already read about the dangers of using FCAW inside, I will be planning to do outside work anyways to repair my car's panel (I know FCAW is highly unideal for it, however it can be done with patience).
I would ask one more. I have seen a lot of welders advertised with MIG Flux specifically, even though they also sell just flux welders too. Is the difference between MIG and MIG Flux is that the default provided gun is either made for GMAW / MIG or FCAW / Flux, or a MIG Flux machine will never be able to do a MIG welding?
The big difference between a mig welder and a flux core only welder is the control hardware for the gas solenoid. The mig machine will have it and the flux only machine will not.
There might be a difference between the guns, but that is mostly the gas nozzle in the gun. You need it for GMAW but not for FCAW.
Upgrading from a FCAW only welder to GMAW will require buying a new welder. Modifying a FCAW only welder wouldn't be worth the effort.
If money is the issue, it was for me when I got my first welder, check out the welders offered on Amazon. Some of those are surprisingly good quality.