Dual Shield mig wire

[Chuck W]

I am running dual shield wire using 75/25 using a MM 210, I am producing some pretty nice looking welds. I have read where one should reverse polarity when running flux core wire ??? does this hold when running dual shield wire?

[Aaron]

My understanding is that it runs like solid wire, but to be certain you should always verify the manufacturers recommendations.

What kind are you running, and why? I am thinking of trying some.

[Chuck W]

Excel Arc 71

I am gearing up to repair several bushhogs , that is if it will ever turn cold here in LA, and the weeds and grass stop growing. I went with this type wire because a friend suggested I use this. He said he gets very good results welding "dirty" metal. I had checked with local distributors for this wire but none carried it. I contacted Hobart's district manager in my area and he provided me with a 33# spool. I have not welded a whole bunch with it but what I have I am very pleased.
How is the MM 251 treating you, I came within a thin dime of getting the MM251 but instead chose the 210. There is always a next time.

[Aaron]

So far I am really impressed with the MM251. It has limits, but I knew those going in. They are high enough that the limits really shouldn't affect me very often, at least in real-world situations. I have already met them in testing, but I was doing this on purpose to find out exactly what they were.

So far, I can get excellent quality welds on 3/8", very good on 1/2", and acceptable on 3/4". These are using C25 gas and .035" solid wire. Now understand, my testing methods are not as precise as in a lab, but should be sufficient for a backyard hobby weldor anyway. I basically beat the living daylights out of my welds with a hand sledge and examine the failures, if they occur. I have a few pieces of 1/2" and 3/4" CRS barstock I butt welded that I have yet to break.

I have also tried spray-arc welding to see if it will be advantageous for me or not. The first bottle of gas I tried worked great for thin stock, and in short-arc mode, but not so well for spray-arc on thicker metals. This was an Airgas Steelmix-Extra. I now am trying a bottle of 98A-2O2, and it sprays at a much lower setting. I have no problem spraying even with the thicker steels, but I need to evaluate if it is worth it or not. The bead apearance is comparable to my short-arc C25 welds, no better.

Dan has suggested that I consider trying a dual-shield wire for my applications where I need better penetration. I am looking for some wire to try, but I don't want to buy a 33# spool of .045" wire, which requires changing my drive rolls and gun liner, just to try a new type of wire.

I'll keep everyone informed as I progress down this road.....

[Chuck W]

.035 dual shield wire

I thought about the .045 dual shield wire but found out that with a MM210 I would be pushing it to get quality welds. So, I opted for the .035 wire which distributors did not carry, they had tons of the .045 wire.

[Aaron]

Same situation. Would you forward me the information on what you are using and where you got it?

[Dan]

Aaron

You should be able to find the .035 in 10 lbs rolls. I would try E mailing Cyberweld or BRwelders and see if they can help.

[Aaron]

Dan,

I have looked at Cyberweld, but not yet at Brwelder. I had hoped to find some locally. My Airgas dealer is actually turning out to be a big help. We are learning together.

That's why I asked what the specs were on Chuck's wire.

[Dan]

Aaron

Chuck is running an .035 Hobart Excel Arc 71. My computer skills are weak so here is the best i can do to help you out with finding info on the wire. WWW.hobartbrothers.com

[Chuck W]

Excel Arc 71

The excell arc 71, distributors here in Baton Rouge do not have a big demand for the .035 dual shield, their demand is for .045 dual shield. Hobart district manager also stated that his customers use the .045 dual shield, he rarely get a call for the .035, he had a 33lb spool shipped in from Huston asap.

[Aaron]

Any idea what I should expect to pay for this wire?

[Chuck W]

No idea

I had searched far and near for the wire, i relayed this to the dist manager and he treated me to a 33# sample spool. Thanks again to, Hobart Brothers.

[Mowjunk]

Originally posted by Aaron
Any idea what I should expect to pay for this wire?

Aaron, look here.....You might find it!

http://b2b.airgas.com/browse/product_list.asp?catID=85&Msg=SetAttr&mfrID=1513&AttrID=977&Rating=0&977=&AttrID=684&Rating=0&684=&AttrID=49&Rating=8&49=0.035%3A2&AttrID=1002&Rating=0&1002=6%3A0&AttrID=10&Rating=8&10=&image1.x=15&image1.y=8

[Aaron]

Thanks, Mow!

The stuff costs over $4/#, even in a 33# spool.

[jason]

Well, I e-mailed cyberweld and they responded (very quckly) by telling me the smallest spool Hobart makes for Excel Arc 71 is 33#. I can get the Esab version locally in a 10# spool, I guess I'll try that - I probably wouldn't notice the difference anyway. Anyone anyone use the Esab?

Jason
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