Welding Wire

[adampfisters]

What are you guys using and why, advantages/disadvantages? S3 or S6

So S6 is better on the not so clean surfaces and reduces spatter and a little bit easier to grind. Is the draw back strength? Both made at 70K so I just don't get why S3 seems to be more common. A little help in the technical region rather than the "I like Fords because I am a Ford guy" would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Pfister

Edit: I did search, I just didn't come up with much of the comparison. Companies like Lincoln have a generalization that says that they are "both" the best but nothing +/- to each.

[fj40charles]

70ER-S3 and 70ER-S6 are both rated at 70,000 lbs tensile strength. The S6 has more silicon and will produce better wet out of the welds bead. Also, the S6 will weld MUCH better over dirty/rusted metal than S3 wire. I use 70ER-S6 wire for general purpose.

Lincoln wire is okay, but expensive. I like Hobart wires.

[SBChero]

i run er70s-6 b/c that what my local shop carries. anyother needs to be ordered.
i tig w/ er70s-3 though.

[adampfisters]

I know the what you have stated, but S3 is sold more regularly than S6. That is what I don't understand, why would someone buy S3 over S6 when S6 has some better qualities as an "easier to use" wire for general purpose?

[fj40charles]

I know the what you have stated, but S3 is sold more regularly than S6. That is what I don't understand, why would someone buy S3 over S6 when S6 has some better qualities as an "easier to use" wire for general purpose?

Could S3 wire be used more for production work where the metal is clean? The S3 should be better for vertical and overhead than S6 since it wets out less making it easier. Might be little easier for a newbie, but really not a big deal using S6 for vertical or overhead. Your mileage may vary depending on what welder and what brand of wire and thickness of wire you use.

I know at my local welding store, they sell/store more of the S6 wire. Might be worthwhile to buy a small 10 lb roll of wire to try out and see what you like.

[sj_413dude]

A lot of silicon in you weld bead will give you problems when you hot dip galvanize (and probably also when you electrically galvanize metal, but I'm not sure) the parts. The zinc will build up really thick on the weld. This is a serious problem en therefor you should have this in mind when you choose your wire.

[adampfisters]

I know at my local welding store, they sell/store more of the S6 wire. Might be worthwhile to buy a small 10 lb roll of wire to try out and see what you like.

I have always used S6 in other peoples migs and just ended up acquiring a Millermatic 250 so the buzz box is going to turn into the dust box. I went to my welding supply shop to get some S6 and the owner told me that S6 is shit and that S3 is what I really wanted (hence the question). I have half a roll of S6 but am going to buys some S3 and see which one I like better through my MIG. I'll let you guys know what I think. I learned to weld growing up on my farm so my opinion isn't probably the best to go by. :flipoff2:

[fj40charles]

I have always used S6 in other peoples migs and just ended up acquiring a Millermatic 250 so the buzz box is going to turn into the dust box. I went to my welding supply shop to get some S6 and the owner told me that S6 is shit and that S3 is what I really wanted (hence the question). I have half a roll of S6 but am going to buys some S3 and see which one I like better through my MIG. I'll let you guys know what I think. I learned to weld growing up on my farm so my opinion isn't probably the best to go by. :flipoff2:

For reference go check fleabay to see just how many rolls of S3 wire they're selling.

[SBChero]

what ever you do get, just make sure its not the same stuff that you welded your front axle upper link truss with. :eek: :flipoff2: