Metal core wire

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I bought  a couple of rolls of Esab Coreweld C6.  Its a flat and horizontal only tubular wire that leaves a deposit like bare wire.  I had to try it, so I now own 66 lbs of .045.Here is the info directly from Esab V+http://products.esabna.com/EN/home/f...eweld_c6_70c6mThe gas is argon + 15% Co2 down to argon + 8% Co2.  I have the latter.The roll of wire looks like the ET71-1 I used to use.  It stops there.  It is a high deposition wire that welds in the true spray mode.  There is NO slag, just a smoke covering that comes off with a wire brush.  It does have silicon Islands like MIG welds. This is an untouched pass.  No slag.This was on conventional mig, 300 ipm, 27.something volts.I stopped suddenly to show how deep it was going into the 1/2" plateThis was in pulsed spray MIG modeLast edited by David R; 01-21-2008 at 05:53 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Since its a flat and horizontal wire, I thought I would try some vertical up.If you look at the spec sheet, it sez 233 ipm is the minimum.  I put it on 150 pulsed spray mode and gave it a shot.  It worked.Bead profileThis pass was over the original flat pass.All cleaned upMO heat!Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:David,I had a chance to run some metal-core wire myself in school last week.  According to the instructor, it can be run vertical and perhaps overhead, if you run it in pulsed spray mode.I don't know what your feelings are, but I found the metal core wire much easier to run than traditional solid wire mig.
Reply:I went up more yet, 250 ipm, but lost control of the puddle.  Still 1/2" plate fillet vertical up.Then I tried over head.  It worked, but I had a bitch of a time photographing it.Overhead bead profileI will try 2 rolls and decide if its worth the extra $.  Bare wire works well for me, but if I am paying 3X the price per pound, then it may take a back seat.Edit.  Last week I was using an Esab ultra 7400 which is ET71-1 Co2 shielded cored wire.  High deposition rate, all position.  Even with the overhead door open and welding just inside, it filled my shop with smoke.  I used up 1/2 a roll.  This metal core wire I have now makes almost no smoke.  It does take about 35 CFH 92/8 or I get porosity.DavidLast edited by David R; 01-21-2008 at 05:50 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Cool stuff,  I haven't had the chance to try and vert or overhead with the metal core.Got to run MIG in short-circuit today, for the first time in 5-6 years.  Call me crazy, but I think Spray transfer is a lot easier.Based on what I heard about the metal core wires, I'm thinking the extra cost is justified.  No smoke, all position with pulsed MIG, deep penetration, faster travel speeds, higher deposition rates, and I think, easier to lay down a nice bead.Seems like an easy choice for semi-automatic welding.  Maybe automatic mechanized welding cells are still better off with solid core wire...Certainly flux-core still makes sense if you're welding on weathered steel or outdoors.  But otherwise, my preference is leaning towards the metal core filler metals...-Dave
Reply:Looks pretty good...
Reply:i took my metal core test yesterday.  at my shop you just have to to a 2g position.  but any way...ill make a post of pics later6G zirconium 702 GTAW 2" xxheavy6G P.E.D. carbon steel GTAW 2" xxheavy3G titanium Gr. 2 - Gr. 7 GTAW up to 3/4" 3G 316L stainless GTAW up to 1" 3G carbon steel GTAW up to 1" 3G Hastalloy GTAW up to 3/4"1G tantalum GTAW up to .060"
Reply:That stuff is like a cross between solid wire, and McKay 777(or Lincoln Elite 71). I like the ESAB Coreweld, I believe E71-T1 which is great on heavy weldments. The deposition rate makes it worth the $$$ for me.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:I have never used McKay 777, but is it triple the cost of bare wire?  This stuff cost me $90.00 per 33 lb spool.  I do like it, but will only use it when the customer is paying for it.This stuff rocks in regular MIG mode.  Sort of reminds me of the dualshield wire I was using except no smoke, slag, or fumes.  I will always have a roll or 2 on the shelf.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.