[dmac257]

I am learning to weld on mild steel. After a short time I used up the the partial spool of flux-core in the welder I borrowed. The empty spool is labeled E71T-11 but the local box store only has ER70S-6 and either way I don't know what those numbers mean. Are they the same? I can make a 30 min drive to a welding supply store but I want to know what the numbers mean and what I should ask for.

dmac257

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Welcome to the forum, a place for everyone here.

First of, the wire you looked at is a solid wire (not flux core) and requires argon based or co2 gas shielding to protect it.
Different from your flux core where the protection comes from the flux inside the wire.

Here is a explaination i found http://www.weldersuniverse.com/MIG_wire.html

Have a read and if you have any questions, dont be afraid to ask.

Mick

[dmac257]

Mick,
Thanks for that link. I read it over and know LOTS more than I used to about wire. Turns out the local Home Depot does have self shielded wire just in 1lb spools for $11 and Loews has for $14. Will be driving out to Airgas and buying 2lbs for $16 and now I know what to ask for to get what I really want.

Thanks again,
dmac257

[weldin mike 27]

Hey,

Thats no worries mate, glad it helped.

Mick