Self shielded Flux core

[captkipp]

For ever, I've used Dual shielded Flux core wire for big steel. I'll run Triple 7 wire in the MM 251 and use ESAB stuff in the 12 VS. But recently I ran into a place where using a self shielded wire would be great. ie 30 feet off the dirt on a steel purling. Runs of a length that would have been perfect for wire. Ended up doing it with stick but it took SOOOO much time.

Does any of the membership have suggestions for a wire that will handle slightly dirty material? The ESAB wire I use will but it's dual shield. I don't have a lot of experience with seld shielded wires of the .045+ size, but have run a bunch of .035 NR211MP wire in the small red machine.

[Rig Hand]

How thick was the purlin?

I really only use T-8 wire in .072 but, it does work great on steel thats 1/4'' or thicker, especially if you have a lot of welding to do. Others will probably recommend 211 or 212, I don't have much experience with these wires.

[captkipp]

Good to hear from ya RIG.

Kinda kiding about the pulin'. It was a beam! 3/8.

Rarely work with anything more that 1/2. And most of that is AL. That's the exclusive territory of the MM 350 and the Aluma pro.

Thanks.

[MMW]

I prefer Hobart Fabshield 21B. I run .045 in the field. I have used Lincoln NR212 & NR211 but prefer the Hobart wire.

Remember most innershield wires run DC straight, feeder to negative & ground to positive.

[Old Skool]

I prefer Hobart Fabshield 21B. I run .045 in the field. I have used Lincoln NR212 & NR211 but prefer the Hobart wire.

Remember most innershield wires run DC straight, feeder to negative & ground to positive.

I agree with MMW, Hobart Fabshield 21-B over NR 211, have run a bazillion rolls of it in the field with excellent results on logging/heavy equipment, anything over 3/8" & up I always use a slight preheat, just enough to remove the sweat. Whenever possible I prefer to use dual shield fluxcore because of the higher charpy v-notch impact values but it's not always possible under windy outdoor conditions.

[captkipp]

I agree with MMW, Hobart Fabshield 21-B over NR 211, have run a bazillion rolls of it in the field with excellent results on logging/heavy equipment, anything over 3/8" & up I always use a slight preheat, just enough to remove the sweat. Whenever possible I prefer to use dual shield fluxcore because of the higher charpy v-notch impact values but it's not always possible under windy outdoor conditions.

I ordered a roll of the 21-B. I got into a bunch of outdoor effluent plant repairs. Good $, Sh*tty work! Does this wire handle surface rust and mill scale? Or must I scrub it off first?

[Old Skool]

I ordered a roll of the 21-B. I got into a bunch of outdoor effluent plant repairs. Good $, Sh*tty work! Does this wire handle surface rust and mill scale? Or must I scrub it off first?

It handles a certain amount of rust & scale, if painted or primered heavy we sand it off first. We run .045 constant current electrode negative in Miller & Hobart suitcases.

[captkipp]

Yep, that's where it's headed. Into my Miller 12VS powered by the TB 302. This is all field work in the breeze and less than 20 feet off the dirt. Thanks a Cr*p load for the help and suggestions. BTW: the LWS is charging almost 7 bucks a pound for this wire here in south FL. Ouch!

[MMW]

I'm paying about $4.25 a pound. 33# .045 Hobart 21b.

[JTMcC]

Whenever possible I prefer to use dual shield fluxcore because of the higher charpy v-notch impact values but it's not always possible under windy outdoor conditions.

Where are you seeing higher charpys with dual shield over flux core?

JTMcC