Is one brand of Flux-Core as good as another?

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My MIG-PAK HD welder very much looks like it’s setup for an 8” spool but the manual only says 4” spools so I called and spoke with two people at Lincoln, neither familiar with this model. One said it would use a 8” spool and the other said it won’t. The 8” spool is fairly heavy and I need to make sure the wire drive motor and frame can handle it. So I wrote to the Lincoln experts to see what they say. Frustrating.However, I did find a plan B in the various brands of 2-pound 4" spools for $15, vs. 1-pound for $10, so I still have a way to save a bit on wire but will have to change brands from Lincoln to...? Is one brand of flux-core wire as good as another? Any recommendations for a .030 flux-core in 2-pound spools? Thanks!Warning: I have been wrong before!New small workshop, small MIG, oxyacetylene set with a DHC-2000 that I'm learning to use and really like. Life is good!Typos are there for those that look for them. I try to do something for everybody.
Reply:You may or may not notice a difference.... at this point. With some more experience you'll have a better idea of what a given wire should act like... by all means try another brand and see what you think. I find there is a difference but the 2 inner shield wires I use are made by Lincoln and Hobart_________________Chris
Reply:I've tried 2 different wires.  I can't remember what the first was but the lincoln wire works tons better.  Seemed like I got better penetration and you could definatly tell a difference in the sound.DewayneDixieland WeldingMM350PLincoln 100Some torchesOther misc. tools
Reply:We use a lot of Lincoln wire. Always good results.  But we have tryed about everything on the market and always come back to lincoln.   Had a lot of trouble with Hobart Flux core wire using both small and large machines.  It just would'nt burn right for us .If your worried about your wire spool advance motor being overwhelmed,  just let the spool turn free.DonM > ASME High Pressure Vessel
Reply:Originally Posted by lorenzoYou may or may not notice a difference.... at this point.
Reply:Originally Posted by donmWe use a lot of Lincoln wire. Always good results.  But we have tryed about everything on the market and always come back to lincoln.   Had a lot of trouble with Hobart Flux core wire using both small and large machines.  It just would'nt burn right for us .
Reply:There can be a huge difference. I will only use a 71T-11 or better wire. I will never ever use a 71T-GS wire again. That stuff is crap. Hobart offers both. When I am getting general purpose self shielded, I will get either Hobart Fabshield 21B or Lincoln NR 211 MP. Those are the two 71T-11 wires that are the bestest I have used. I have heard good things about the Esab Coreshield 11, but have yet to use it. I prefer the 21B. It seems to work much better than the 211, but I usually have both around. FWIW, Hobarts 71T-GS wire is Fabshield 23.  I have yet to figure out how they can get so many BB's in such a small wire. Interestingly, Lincoln does not offer a GS wire. They do have a G-G wire. It is the NR 212. It really isn't a bad wire either. It has more nickel in it than normal, IIRC. I liked the roll I had anyway.
Reply:I have the 8" spool on my lincoln weldpak 100hd. I just went to home depot and bought the plastic adapter made to adapt from the smaller spools to the larger one. I don't use flux-core with it however, only solid wire but I didn't notice a difference with the performance of the feeder. It doesn't seem to be overwhelmed.Miller Synchrowave 180SDLincoln WeldPak 100HD w/gas conversionPowermate 230A AC Arc Welder circa 1980
Reply:Originally Posted by VisorblueNoticable difference between those? Hobart has 2- and 10-pound spools of their .030 flux-core.What kinds of differences are there in wires?
Reply:Yes there -can- be a difference in wire, from brand to brand.  As well as different type/model/spec wires even within a brand.First off, make sure you are using the appropriate wire type and size for the job at hand, including the material being welded and the condition of the material and the position of the weld being done.As to what size spool(s) your machine can handle, check your owner's manual.  Either your paper copy or you can usually download a version from the manufacturer's website.  Tech support -should- be able to get or give you the answer, but may be hit-or-miss.Now you made me go to the Lincoln website and look up the manual.  Your Mig-Pak HD is listed as only being able to handle 4 inch diameter wire spools, the diagram doesn't make it look like an 8 inch spool would fit too well in there.  See Section B of the manual for the wire handling specs and figures.Your machine is a smaller machine, and is limited in the sizes of wire and spools it can handle as well as the power output.  If you really-really-really want to use a bigger diameter spool of wire, you maybe could rig something up to try running the spool outside of the machine but I wouldn't bother.In 4 inch diameter spools, you generally have 1 pound flux-core mild steel or 2 pound MIG mild steel wire choices.  Lincoln makes (or at least lists) 1 pound spools of NR-211-MP Innershield wire in 0.030 and 0.035 sizes.I figure it's easier to use quality wire (or materials) to do the job, than to deal with performance issues or having to rework something.
Reply:I have not used my MIG since last January, when my wife bought a new TIG for my birthday present. Whe I used my mig, I used the Lincoln .035 flux core wire for all of my "outside" work.  I got a great deal on it and used a FOODSAVER vacuum bagger to seal all of the rolls in individual bags.  Today all of the rolls are clean and rust free, in sealed bags.Mike
Reply:I have only ever used Hobart wires and never had a problem with them.  Fabshield 23 is one of my favorite small diameter self-shielding wires.  Never had a problem with it
Reply:VB,I've only tried two - the fluxcore that came with my Hobart and some Lincoln self-shielded fluxcore from Lowe's.  Both welded pretty much the same although I noticed the Lincoln arc gives of a whiter light.  I did learn somewhere you have to be careful as even some fluxcore wire requires gas shielding.Also, recently obtained some fluxcore nozzles for my Hobart and boy they improved my view.  I believe Lincoln has offered them for a long time on their machines if you can find them.  The MIG nozzles are larger to furnish the gas coverage.  Since you need to pull with fluxcore I found the smaller fluxcore nozzle a real benefit.  You may have already known this but it was news to me.Clay
Reply:Originally Posted by weldrwomnI have only ever used Hobart wires and never had a problem with them.  Fabshield 23 is one of my favorite small diameter self-shielding wires.  Never had a problem with it
Reply:Originally Posted by jeremyddeI have the 8" spool on my lincoln weldpak 100hd. I just went to home depot and bought the plastic adapter made to adapt from the smaller spools to the larger one. I don't use flux-core with it however, only solid wire but I didn't notice a difference with the performance of the feeder. It doesn't seem to be overwhelmed.
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseFirst off, make sure you are using the appropriate wire type and size for the job at hand, including the material being welded and the condition of the material and the position of the weld being done.
Reply:VB,From the looks of that thing you may not need an adapter.  Besides, the effort to pull off the larger spool would be less, not more.  Only thing is the angle from a full sppol to the wirefeed guide would be pretty steep.  Wonder if you could just purchase a spool and try it?  If it didn't work you could probably spool it onto the smaller spools.  Would take a little effort but you'd enjoy the cost savings you seek.Just thinking aloud,Clay
Reply:FWIW, Home Despot has the best price on 8" spools of Linc NR-211 around. Not sure about the .030, but I see .035 all the time. Just a thought. I buy it sometimes. I still prefer the Hobart 21B, though.
Reply:Originally Posted by MJDamianiI have not used my MIG since last January, when my wife bought a new TIG for my birthday present. Whe I used my mig, I used the Lincoln .035 flux core wire for all of my "outside" work.  I got a great deal on it and used a FOODSAVER vacuum bagger to seal all of the rolls in individual bags.  Today all of the rolls are clean and rust free, in sealed bags.Mike
Reply:Originally Posted by Clay WaltersVB,I've only tried two - the fluxcore that came with my Hobart and some Lincoln self-shielded fluxcore from Lowe's.  Both welded pretty much the same although I noticed the Lincoln arc gives of a whiter light.  I did learn somewhere you have to be careful as even some fluxcore wire requires gas shielding.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52  Say it ain't so!!  I have never ever liked that stuff. Ever compare it with the 21B?? Doesn't matter to me anyway. If I am doing a spec job, I have to use a T-11 or T-8 wire anyway. GS wires are almost never included in acceptable wire specs. At least I have never ever seen it.  FWIW, Hobart flux core wires come 2# to a 4" spool.
Reply:Originally Posted by Clay WaltersFrom the looks of that thing you may not need an adapter.  Besides, the effort to pull off the larger spool would be less, not more.
Reply:Stopped off at a welding supply and they gave me an empty 8" spool to test. Looks like it fits just fine:They even suggested a way to beef up the other side should I be concerned. Well, that question has been answered. Warning: I have been wrong before!New small workshop, small MIG, oxyacetylene set with a DHC-2000 that I'm learning to use and really like. Life is good!Typos are there for those that look for them. I try to do something for everybody.
Reply:Originally Posted by weldrwomnOh man, Fabshield 23 is soooo much better than 21B.  I weld with both on a regular basis.  It could be the type of machine though...I do my FCAW with a Miller Dimension 652.  I also switch it over to low inductance for the self-shielding wires and I use the settings right out of the sales manuals.  It makes a difference...
Reply:Stopped in at a welding supply and they had some Lincoln wires and a lot of Washington Alloy (including 2-lb. spools of .030 E71T-GS for $14), Pinnacle Alloys, but no 2-lb. spools of .030 Hobart E71T-11 or any other brand I'd heard of -- means nothing but still. I'm not out of wire yet so I guess I'll keep looking for the Hobart wire.Warning: I have been wrong before!New small workshop, small MIG, oxyacetylene set with a DHC-2000 that I'm learning to use and really like. Life is good!Typos are there for those that look for them. I try to do something for everybody.Where I work we use 71m fluxcore wire from lincion, and we weld anything from clean new steel to the dirtiest heavy equipment. I love this stuff it is so easy to weld with, it's not funny!
Reply:Yeah, but that is dual shield. No way he will run that in his little machine. ...but it is good stuff. Pinnacle wire is usually extremely good stuff. I have yet to run any flux core of theirs, but I am running their solid wire against the big boys and it is doing as good to better than they are...at a much lower price. I have heard nothing but not so good things about Washington Alloys wires.....not sure about that stuff. It could be like National Standard wire...you either like it or hate it. If you can't find any Hobart, stay with the NR-211. Nothing wrong with it at all.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52Pinnacle wire is usually extremely good stuff. I have yet to run any flux core of theirs, but I am running their solid wire against the big boys and it is doing as good to better than they are...at a much lower price. If you can't find any Hobart, stay with the NR-211. Nothing wrong with it at all.
Reply:Well, I can't begin to tell you how many of those small Linc spools I have used, but it has been a lot. They will get it done. You will pay more for flux core, no matter how big the spool. I just paid nearly 100 bucks for a 30# spool the other day. It is expensive and there is no getting around that. FWIW, I have yet to see a LWS that can match Homey Despot's 44 buck price on NR-211. That's a good price on an 8" spool. Hobart wire can be more difficult to find, but it is worth it, IMO. However, it will be just as expensive, maybe more. Just call around, you will find it eventually. FWIW, Cyberweld sells the Fabshield 23 online.
Reply:hi, You should have told wife  or girlfriend you need a bigger machine for christmas that will handle big spools.
Reply:Christmas???? Ummmm.....important issues like this can not wait for a once a year holiday to roll around. You must ask NOW!!!....no wait....TELL NOW!!  I'm sure afterwards, when you wake up in the ER with all the tubes and wires on you, she'll feel sorry and get you a welder.....worked for me anyway.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52 I have heard nothing but not so good things about Washington Alloys wires.....not sure about that stuff.
Reply:Originally Posted by DDA52I have yet to see a LWS that can match Homey Despot's 44 buck price on NR-211. That's a good price on an 8" spool. Hobart wire can be more difficult to find, but it is worth it, IMO.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1hi, You should have told wife or girlfriend you need a bigger machine for christmas that will handle big spools.
Reply:I played with my welder with the .035 for the first time yesterday. Settings for the .030 definitely don't work with the .035. I was amazed that the additional 5/100th of an inch made that much difference.  Had to kick back the wire feed rate as it was knocking the gun back big time. Also, seems a lot more sensitive to stickout with a much smaller sweet spot, plus I had to move a bit faster. I think I like .030 better, felt like I had more control.Stopped in at a different welding store today and my mouth dropped. Everything was priced! Wow! First welding shop I've seen that in. It was great looking at stuff and knowing what it would cost -- granted, I didn't know what some of the stuff was, but I knew the price! Their prices seemed pretty good, too. Very nice and friendly people. A little out of my area but I have a car and they seem to be worth the drive. They had 8" spools of Weldmark wire and 2-pound 4" spools of Blue Demon (???) wire. Prices seemed good, $11.72 for the 2-pound spool of Blue Demon .030 flux. Guy said it was a good wire and they sell a lot of it. Still looking for a brand I've heard of though.While I was at the store a guy bought a 8" spool of the .030 flux and mentioned the same experience I did with the .035 to the counter guy. Surprised me. Then he ticked me off by saying he just picked a SP100 for $75 at a garage sale yesterday. Darn! Last edited by Visorblue; 01-08-2007 at 10:13 PM.Warning: I have been wrong before!New small workshop, small MIG, oxyacetylene set with a DHC-2000 that I'm learning to use and really like. Life is good!Typos are there for those that look for them. I try to do something for everybody.
Reply:Perhaps those who don't like washington alloys dual shield wire (71-T1) haven't picked up on the fact that it runs DC Rev.   I thought it was Absolutely! JUNK!  Then I looked up the parameters and duh.   Works sweet when run by the book.
Reply:All dual-shield wires, to my knowledge, are to be run Reverse Polarity (Electrode Positive).  Almost all flux-cored self-shielded wires, with one exception I know of, need to be run Straight Polarity (Electrode Negative).  The one exception I have personal experience with is Lincoln's NS-3M, runs reverse polarity.
Reply:Dang, I HATE these educational headaches.  Thanks for the headsup, Calweld.
Reply:My 2 cents, I only skimmed over the replies. I only use Lincoln NR-211, or Hobart 21B in my flux core machines. It burn great, and has no problems. I tried a roll of generic E71T-GS and it was crap. Stick with the good E71T-11 wire and AWS specs make sure it is what it is suppose to be. Just remember, you only have to pay for quality onceDisclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:CV -DC,reverse polarity, gas shielded,E 71T-1 for mild shield is the best because of Deposition rates,penetration and easier to handle.  DCEP self shielded wires have very low Depoistion rates and almost no penetration, because of the flow of current and there arew very much difference in the mfg of cored wires. Some mfg use more petroleum lubercant that others for drawing dies, which leave worm tracks on the surface of the weld. I have written a book on this and know from where I am.  John
Reply:Originally Posted by weldgaultCV -DC,reverse polarity, gas shielded,E 71T-1 for mild shield is the best because of Deposition rates,penetration and easier to handle.  DCEP self shielded wires have very low Depoistion rates and almost no penetration, because of the flow of current and there arew very much difference in the mfg of cored wires. Some mfg use more petroleum lubercant that others for drawing dies, which leave worm tracks on the surface of the weld. I have written a book on this and know from where I am.  John
Reply:Originally Posted by Clay WaltersVB,Also, recently obtained some fluxcore nozzles for my Hobart and boy they improved my view.  I believe Lincoln has offered them for a long time on their machines if you can find them.  The MIG nozzles are larger to furnish the gas coverage.  Since you need to pull with fluxcore I found the smaller fluxcore nozzle a real benefit.  You may have already known this but it was news to me.Clay
Reply:weldrwomn, with one eye(from teaching) and typing, not being one of my strong points, I think I do Good (not perfect)
Reply:I just bought a 10# spool of www.inweldcorporation.com dual shield .035 E71-T1 for $2.50 a lb and it works great. Thats the cheapest i ever bought any flux core wire...Bobhttp://www.inweldcorporation.com/datasheets/E71T-1.pdfBob WrightSalem, Ohio  Birthplace of the Silver & Deming Drillhttp://groups.yahoo.com/group/southbend10k/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sawking/1999 Miller MM185 w/ Miller 185 Spoolmate spoolgun
Reply:I have only used 2 flux core wires, one is CIG which is about the biggest in Aus. and the other is Liquidarc which is made by Lincoln. No comparison the Lincoln product is way better, application, versatility and finish.Clive
Reply:When talking about Flux Cored Wires, you must know Gas Shielded or Self Shielded, there is a world of difference.  John