Harbor Freight Flux Core Wire vs. Lincoln Flux Core Wire: Part 2 of 2

In this episode we are cutting and etching some samples we welded with Lincoln MP211 and Harbor Freight 71T-GS flux core wire. In the first episode we told you that based on visuals that they both performed the same and to "take your pick". In this episode, after doing a cut and etch and reviewing the results, WE HAVE A WINNER!
Ready to join the WELDing community? Download the app in the Google or Apple stores or Log in online at www.weld.com today! Find welding resources and exclusive or refurbished videos with details to help you get the most out of your learning. Check out awesome member discounts through our brand partners and enter to win monthly mystery boxes, listen in on our podcasts and follow our social channels. linktr.ee/Weld...
Disclaimer: As an Affiliate and Industry Influencer, Weld.com earns from qualifying purchases via our posted links and affiliate links. Videos produced and made available by Weld.com or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or representatives (collectively, "Weld.com") are provided for informational purposes only. Although every effort has been made to provide the most accurate and useful information from sources believed to be reliable, no warranty, expressed or implied, is made regarding accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of any information. As tools, products, materials, equipment, techniques, and applicable laws, regulations and ordinances are constantly changing, Weld.com cannot and does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy of the information contained herein. Under no circumstances shall Weld.com be responsible or liable in any way for any content, including but not limited to death, injury, errors or omissions in the content, or for any loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of any content communicated in a video, on a website or by other means, whether displayed by Weld.com, or a third party in its original or a modified form. All content is subject to Weld.com and any third party's applicable terms and policies. Carefully review all terms and policies.
ALWAYS USE CAUTION WHEN UTILIZING ANY DISPLAYED TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES. IF EVER IN DOUBT, CONSULT A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL. ANY RELIANCE ON THE PRESENTED INFORMATION IS STRICTLY AT THE VIEWERS OWN RISK. EACH VIEWER EXPRESSLY AND VOLUNTARILY ASSUMES ANY AND ALL RISKS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, DEATH, DISABILITY, AND/OR SERIOUS PHYSICAL INJURY RELATED TO THE USAGE OF ANY TOOLS, EQUIPMENT OR TECHNIQUES OR PROCESSES IN THE PRESENTED CONTENT. IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY IMMEDIATELY SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.

[@_TheDudeAbides_]

Admitting you make mistakes even after years of experience really helps beginners to not be so nervous on making mistakes while they learn.

[@robertblackshear8963]

You never lied. Even with 27 years experience I have actually failed at least 3 welding tests. If you are too confident you will rush and you will f---up lol. Take your time.

[@MarcosElMalo2]

And yet, to still be trying to weld without a ground clamp after 40 years seems a little stubborn. 😉

[@rgeraldalexander4278]

for sure!

[@phillipallsopp4376]

Great instructions. Just love the way that you transfer information in an honest way. I have learned so very much from you on welding. I am trying to get as much about flux core welding as possible. I have been doing stick welding as a DIYer for years now but at 79 years of age, I am always learning. Who says that you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Your videos are so informative. Thank you very much. Continue to do what you do best!!

[@mireyajesus7]

Mr your are an amazing instructor. I enjoy every video you make . Keep it up .

My career required me to weld every day (even underwater), now that I no longer work, I do keep a 110v fluxcore wirefeed in my garage. Sometimes you just need an inch or so of ugly fusion just to make a quick repair. Carrying a 20 pound unit that plugs into any power supply on my property is handy. Of course it is not perfect, but you don't always need perfect.

[@snoopu2601]

I just used my little welder yesterday haven't welded in over 12 year's how rusty I am and the welder flux wire spattered every where I couldn't get the machine to run right it hesitate when the wire coming out. Time for a new machine not shire what brand I'm going to buy nor shire if it makes a difference. For home use diffently not going to spend not 2,000 on a machine.

[@pawisede226fl]

@@snoopu2601 I love the little Titanium welder at harbor freight. 179.00 on sale little light weight dc out put. Cheap welding around the house.

[@bryanroupe8646]

@@pawisede226fl hey have you ever tried to weld stainless with the titanium 125 ?

[@eksine]

@@bryanroupe8646 theres only like 1 stainless flux core brand. either way you can weld mild steel flux to stainless metal, just paint it with clearcoat so it don't rust, paint the whole thing actually. stainless welding is for mig and tig, not flux

[@bryanroupe8646]

@@eksine I was referring to the blue devil flux core wire for stainless welding

[@avocares]

I really enjoy Bob. Bringing up mistakes that he makes really helps the rest of not feel so bad when we do the same thing, and reminds us what to look for. Keep up the great work.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

I could do a whole video (series) on my screw ups!!

[@aliciaramirez2495]

Just pick up welding as a hobby. I’ve been a master frammer and a contractor building and remolding homes for awhile but I want to say your a great teacher and really learn a lot from your videos. Thank you! And keep up the great work you explain it perfectly where people like me can understand. 👍

[@OttoDeCalumnias]

"For 40 Years I've been trying to weld without this ground clamp, and it's never worked yet." ROFL!

[@tfr6]

its a rookie mistake, I'm a federally contracted welder and I sometimes forget to clamp still to this day.

[@t2pt554]

I need a ground clamp?

[@dr.feelgood2358]

it took me a few seconds to get that joke. it's a good one

[@MrinsaneMr]

😂🤣🤷‍♂️

[@rubenclark8017]

@@tfr6 So, you are saying you are still a rookie?

[@matthewmattholew7905]

I've had an LE 125HD for years but never really had a need or the extra money to build anything with it until recently. I'm currently building a sawmill and I've been watching tons of your videos and have learned a great deal. My welding is getting better and better because of it and I've gotten to where I really enjoy it. Thank you for taking the time to make all these videos and educating us home hobbyist types.

[@fredburmer7306]

I really appreciate the test. I just bought an 11 lb Spool of Vulcan .030 MIG wire for $28. I haven't used it yet but I stopped by my local welding supply store to compare prices and found a 10 lb Spool of their brand for $65, more than twice the price. I think your test is awesome but some mention should be made of the price difference and the relative small differences in the weld quality you so eloquently pointed out.

[@yerwrng]

That's your first mistake, buying stuff from a supply shop . Only thing to buy from a shop is gas everything else you can buy online wires... regulators...welders...cutting tools... consumables all much cheaper than at a welding shop. Lowes and home depot are usually priced better than a welding shop for Lincoln wire . I bought a mig gun in a pinch once at a Denver supply shop for my small handler 210 with the 3/8 bayonet I had a new flexible neck gun ordered with a 15ft lead to reolace the old gun but I needed to keep welding on my days off to keep my project on time ...lol... They hit me at $267...for the cheapest hobart gun with an 3/8 bayonet and damn shot 8ft lead that same mig gun is $100 on eBay stores it didn't even have the plug with it I had to cut the old trigger plug off the old gun . So buying anything more than gas at a weld supply shop is like throwing money out the window.

[@mtcruse]

The pre-heated second side weld looked so much better on both wires.

[@rgeraldalexander4278]

Yeah, makes me want to pre-heat important welds with a propane torch.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I have the HF Titanium Easy Flux 125, I recently switched from the pack in wire, to Lincoln 0.035 wire, and it is like a completely different machine. So much cleaner welds, easier to get dialed in and overall better experience. I am glad to see that you guys had a similar result.

[@GeneralChangFromDanang]

Try the .03 wire, it's even better in that welder. It seems like it struggles a bit with .035

[@TechTimeWithEric]

@@GeneralChangFromDanang Mine has never struggled with the 0.035; if anything it struggles less

[@davionaceae]

My favorite has always been leaving the ground clamp sitting on the table unclamped. Welding from two places at once is such a shocking thing to see in your peripheral..

[@tomherd4179]

Perception of vendor & products might be most of the issue, plus past experience, what is being welded, commercial or home use, etc., most likely will make the choice of wire. If I were welding a candle holder I would use HF wire, but and item that required structural soundness the Lincoln wire. I don't expect to get Snap On quality out of a HF item, but for infrequent use the HF might be fine. Example; I would not buy a wheel puller, vise, or electric power tool from HF, but have had some air tools that work fine. I like your presentation of the video - good job.

[@jamesryan6224]

I have never welded yet. I just bought a used stick welder, 100 amp old one - just something to start out with. I have learned a lot from this video! I think quality welding materials are just as important as having a quality made welder. Thanks for what you do!

[@poet99999]

i barley use flux core any more, but when i was using the harbor freight flux core in the past it was always porous. when i switched to primarily non flux the Lincoln wire welded so much better i thought i magically became a master welder behind the trigger compared to the HF wire. glad to know it wasnt just me

[@josephacock7139]

Terrific instructor ! Unbiased and clearly Honest , THANKS 😊

[@michaelvaughn2287]

Dont be a quitter if any one can make welding work without a ground clamp it's you , we have faith in you, you can do it !

[@lucasskinner9513]

Watching your videos has definitely given me the direction to keep going forward and learn more about what is out there in the welding world. It's interesting and extremely cool to see how you treat your welds with care and consistency.

[@tonythomas951]

Bob, you are an excellent teacher. The tell it like it is kind. Thank you! I've learned a lot from your videos.

[@4040pmora]

Reminds me of my High School Shop teacher. Mr. Doyle if you ever got caught leaving the chuck key in they lathe he would throw it at you. LoL

[@loggerfan1]

Thank you Bob for keeping it real and calling yourself out when it happens.

[@chrismcallister2083]

hey Bob, beginner/novice/hobbyist here. I have the Titanium flux core welder from Harbor freight. It retails at $179, use the same wire that you had mentioned. Well, I have used it with the harbor freight wire and welded new steel to the frame of my car. No porosity, great penetration, and had blow throughs in spots, but after it cooled down I hit it again to fill in my errors. Well, it's been through the worse driving conditions in the US, every road everywhere in NYS. My patch over a hole the size of a grape fruit is still holding strong. Though a note to mention, the welder claims to set for 1/8th in steel to e.5 on the voltage and 10 ipm wire speed, I come to find that to be impossible as that's too fast of a sped, I set it to about 6-7 ipm wire speed and it works perfect. I tried Hobart in it for a few art projects I have been working on, ugly welds, lots of spatter and porosity. I think Hobart wire just is trash. Lincoln I haven't tried yet as I haven't found any 2.5 lbs rolls locally to purchase it. So I am back to my harbor freight wire. The welder came with the grooved roller that nicks the wire as it passes through. I only notice a feed jam issue if I somehow tangled up the hire loom from the machine to the gun. a typical green horn error I believe, especially when welding without ever having any kind of instruction. I believe you were using a MIG welder, just a curious note, was the roller grooved or smooth? if smooth like migs normally use, maybe that was the feed issues. I tried smooth once in my welder, that made it have the feed issues you had in the first part of the 2 part comparison video. As I stated before, I haven't been trained by anyone. I learn as I do it. I purposely, or accidently screw up just to learn. Smooth rollers was a screw up. Other than that possibility, I don't see any feed issues with the harbor freight, even after it bird nested on me. I just figured I'll bring that up as a question if the rollers were the proper one or not. I'm sure it was the proper roller given your experience in the craft. However I am just wondering if maybe it was one minor issue that you could've failed to notice in time or mention? Other than that, I love your videos as I have only recently come to youtube to get more welding project ideas

[@Chechenblack]

I’ve been welding for 20+ years. Always forget the clamp 🤦🏻‍♂️ never even checked for what polarity different rods have needed just burn and turn. I have t used gasless wire either. Learning everyday. Cheers Bob.

[@Branko353]

MP211 is a multi pass wire. E71T-GS is a single pass wire designed for welding coated steel and plated/galvanized steel. 211 is expected to perform better on clean steel but not so much on the coated steel (as per what specifications say). A test on galvanized or painted substrate would be a welcome addition to this video for a fair comparison.

[@xrgt505]

Thanks for the objectivity and test - am a novice here, looking get a first flux core welder. As any old timer knows, beginners need to start with the best they can afford, as they don't have the experience to see/know when something isn't like it should be based on the typical beginner's impulse to buy cheap until they learn. Thanks, learned a lot about technique from watching, and choice of wire to start with from your youtube test. Appreciate.

[@adamnelson5186]

Thank you for sharing your years of experience with us. You are a great teacher.

[@LawtonDigital]

I tried TIG without a ground clamp a couple of times. The tip shot sparks like a Van de Graaff generator, and I got a nice tingle everywhere I was even remotely grounded. I don't recommend it, and it didn't weld for squat.

[@curtwuollet2912]

What I find significant is that, given the extreme brand loyalty for machines of various colors, there is a consensus that Lincoln wire is about the best.

[@bransonred1]

Bob Moffatt, the Hickock45 of Welding! Great content and I love your dry humor. Glad I'm not the only one that tries to weld without a ground. lol

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

If your a budget conscious hobbyist who ONLY has HF wire laying around and you need to stick something together I think it could do the trick but if your in any kind of critical repair... go for the Lincoln stuff... I put together a usable saw cart holding a 130 lb saw using the HF wire but that is a relatively low load application too.

[@leeharvey9006]

Hf wire isn't terrible. It's all I've used but I haven't welded in a while and just started looking at videos. I've welded on quite a few things including a notch in my subframe for header clearance. It's a decent wire but I'm sure there are better

[@MakeItWithCalvin]

@@leeharvey9006 In my case, the Lincon Electric worked better, but this was under "less than ideal conditions." But yeah, it works but in my opinion, it is worth spending a few $$$ extra if you can get something that gives fewer headaches.

[@lsellclumanetsolarenergyll5071]

We love you on KZbin you made so much difference for anyone going into Welding.

[@justinw523]

"For 40 years I've been trying to weld without a ground clamp and it never works out" HAHA! I tell you what if I wasn't old and used up id go to your school to learn more about welding lol

[@OldJoe212]

Thanks for the video. About 4 months ago, I got a Hobart 140. Decided to go with their wire, both solid and flux. Not much more in cost than HF. I picked the Hobart 'cuz I can run it with my 5.5k generator. I've been learning a lot watching you. Thanks again.

[@anthonymarino4260]

just got h140 starting to weld. im gainging

[@OldJoe212]

@@anthonymarino4260 Good for you. I've saved much more money fixing my own stuff that what I've paid for my system. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I enjoy mine.

[@dgr8t1]

Thank you for confirming my thoughts and testing concluded very similar results 2yrs ago- I do tinker and am not a professional welder but love to stick some metal together about 26 yrs worth and since my work is for nothing structural or lives at stake- i will buy Harbor freight and if I have a need for structural strength I'll use the lincoln.

[@povlhalberg5361]

Bob makes Mondays much better :)

[@williamskrainski8407]

Lincoln must have been sweating that out....

[@simclardy1]

Doubtful. Lincoln filler metal has probably been tested more than any other brand on the planet.

[@marrieljohnson3845]

🤣🤣

[@jaredhammonds8255]

@@simclardy1 true story. Where I work we have clients that ask us to lincoln wire only for super austenitic using 625 inconel as a filler. If we use any other brand they will reject the part regardless of what xray, PT or visual inspection says.

[@1012Mrjesse]

@@jaredhammonds8255 we just recently started using esab wire at my shop, and it seems to run smoother, and wet out a bit better than Lincoln wire

[@nikc6320]

@@1012Mrjesse I loved the esab wire. It might have (it was) been fresher wire, but ran so smooth

[@bobhumphries3998]

Thanks Bob, great video. I've never used the HF wire but have tried Weldcote wire in my Lincoln Powermig 210 MP. The Weldcote is about half the price of the Lincoln wire but I just couldn't get it to run as well as the Lincoln wire. It may be my lack of ability but I will pay the few bucks more for the Lincoln wire gladly.

[@davelassell]

You should make them buy you a fume extractor, man. Your videos are honest and useful.

[@WINCHANDLE]

About making mistakes and forgetting things, that's why it was "prayers, pills, wallet, keys, phone, lunch..." before leaving the house. Also at a road intersection, counting 1,2,3 while looking each way, to make sure I wasn't just taking a perfunctory glance for traffic. Green light, stop sign, right of way, it doesn't matter...esp now with texting traffic. Student drivers should be taught that habit. 1,2,3..Left.....1,2,3, Right.. PS this is a great site and I subscribed.

[@bryanroupe8646]

My first time welding I spend 15 minutes trying to figure out why I couldn't get the weld started. Didn't have the ground on lol

[@bubbatron4]

No ground clamp?? LOL, I try that all the time,as well!!!

[@bobmoffatt4133]

Me too! Let me know when you have it work for you.

[@kj197734]

bubba nader You can see the ground clamp is hooked up to the table on the side.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

+kj197734 yes, I found it and put it there.

[@dougbourdo2589]

Now, in 2021, there ought to be a blue-tooth wireless ground!

[@frederickburns1739]

Been welding 30+ years and I agree with your choice. Lincoln would be my choice also.

[@GosselinFarmsEdGosselin]

Bob, as usual.. great video!! Like you, I've been manipulating molten metals for 40 years... Always learning new things.. Absolutely love your videos! I'm picky about my wire.. I don't like ones that don't do well..and I HATE some of the less expensive, high silica stuff that splatters!!!

[@addertooth1]

He needs to use the wireless TESLA clamp. Just don't get in the arc path coming from the 8 foot Tesla coil column ;)

[@richsoto]

you mentioned figuring out the wire feed issue from the part one video. what fixed the problem?

[@MrOgre1110]

Thanks Bob, I thought it interesting the weld shape on the second side especially on the vertical.

[@clivefisher2335]

It’s sad I haven’t missed a episode of Bad Chad for two years now and when I tried to enter the competition the message I got was, you cannot enter because of your location 🤨

[@thegeneral7484]

Im no pro nor will I ever be. I think its the hobby guy thats watches your video's. I will never weld anything where someone could get hurt if it broke. I enjoy your video's and it has helped me learn so much. Please keep them coming. I have a cheap flux and a cheap stick. The greatest feeling is to think of something and then go make it. It may look bad or not work the first time. Try again and maybe again. Then pay dirt it works and looks pretty good. Nowhere to your caliber or other pro's but I still made it myself. Thanks again for teaching a desk guy.

[@genericsixtynine]

Are the wires really the same if one is single pass and the other is multi pass? Whats the difference?

[@WINCHANDLE]

I'll try the pre-heating trick w a propane torch, and should definitely get the no splatter!

[@kenjuicekrajewski9577]

Outstanding humble teacher you make it all look good bob

[@007jhagga]

I think a comparasion of Hobart wire vs. Lincoln wire would be real good one.

[@Lanninglongarmmowing]

Thanks for the second video to my question in the first video and thanks for your efforts also. The second pass looked a lot better than the first pass for the harbor freight wire. Lincoln is the wire to go with. Maybe for the backyard guy, they could get by with the harbor freight wire but for commerical applications Lincoln wire should be the choice.

[@jayb2257]

great side by side of the Lincoln & harbor freight gasless fluxcore wire....I totally agree after looking at the more consistent puddle (Lincoln) and HF lil more spatter and (porosity). the choice is pretty clear Lincoln is the way to go

[@Welddotcom]

Yeah, the results are hard to argue. Can't go wrong with Lincoln wire.

[@ajsironworks3937]

Sorry ground clamp

[@brandylynbooe4305]

can I weld without gas only with electric

[@nahdeeoutdoors8251]

Brandy Lyn Booe yes you can that is what the fluxcore wire does it eliminates need for shielding gas. Good luck!

[@fordmodela3641]

I Enjoy learning something from each of your videos. Thanks

[@briangc1972]

I think a more important factor between these 2 brands is the storage and time on shelf in the store or warehouse. HF stores are all air conditioned and have lower humidity than ambient. Home Depot and Lowe's both have open doors many days of the year and as a result, the humidity is very high. Add to that, they bring in tons of wet lumber daily on one side and have a garden department (with hourly waterings) on the other side. Everyone nows that humidity is bad for flux core wires. Your average HF store probably sells more wire in a week than Home Depot and Lowe's do in 6 months, so the wire at HF is newer and kept in conditioned space compared to HD.

[@JLT974]

Harbor freight is cheaper that’s why everyone goes there

[@RenaissanceJav]

You are more than fair, kind Sir!

[@ForensicCats]

Very late to the party and a dollar short... But, consider next test as a "double blind"... Have an assistant set up the wire so you cannot identify the product until after welding... That way you remove any doubt you are treating one with a little bias... My penny's worth...

[@user-lm8fx6kc1b]

Nice looking cat

[@ivanmorales3265]

Up vote

[@jason561120]

Youre probably owed change. Back from that Penny. Holy crap, this is not end of the world priority, he's just truing to show a simple comparison.

[@rockb4pres2012]

your timing was different it was 38 sec on side one 42 sec on side two of the Lincoln. it was 30 sec on side one and 34 sec on side two of the harbor freight. you ran faster on the harbor freight

[@GeorgeBonez]

Good eye

[@impactajuvenile]

Dom Dom Dooooooommmmmm! Busted!

[@ViktorLucca]

Good eye sir....I didn't even notice that!...🤣🤣...but still does the job for the price.

@Night Guy The truth always hurts.

[@briangc1972]

He even mentioned that for an ideal comparison he should use a mechanical feed robotic system for consistency. For the conspiracy theorists out there: If he had gone slower with the HF wire, it might have won, then Lincoln might pull their support at his school. Miller and Lincoln are very aggressive in how they support various teaching programs with lots of free supplies and equipment. They know if a student learns on a Red welder, he is more likely to buy Red when he buys his first machine.

[@DawgPrepper]

I have tried this and the Lincoln wire won every time... I have a cheap HF flux core machine and even on it the Lincoln wire makes a lot of difference...

[@organicvids]

The hf sounds like its running hotter. Ahh you caught it " more active". 2:29 my thoughts exactly. I tried both and couldnt stand the hf wire but im picky, too much smoke n spatter.

[@len444original]

MP211 is an e70t-11 (mp = multi pass) FC wire, and the HF wire is like most common FC wire, e70t-gs. e70t-11 is a standard that manufacturers conform to, and the e70t-gs appears to be not a strict specification, which isn't rated for multi pass.

[@len444original]

The lincoln FC wire (FCAW-S) is NR-211-MP (not MP211)

[@oldreliable303]

ground clamp, ive done that. but have you ever tryed to weld with out pluging the welder in? and no it dident weld very well or at all..

[@stanwooddave9758]

Does forgetting to turn on the electrical breaker count? I'm scratching my head, the dam thing is plugged in Check! Ground clamp attached, making good contact, CHECK!!! Why the hell won't this welder work. Touch the positive lead to the ground lead, no spark's, oh no the welder is broken. Go to the Electric panel to turn off the power, and realize what a dummy I am. Have to admit, the welder did work better with the power turned on.

[@horaciosalinas8145]

🤚

[@mathewmerkl576]

Once forgot to turn on the welder (was engine driven and i was welding in roof trusses 45ft up in a man basket )only did that mistake once haha

[@longlong3361]

I use a HF welder with Lincoln wire. Best of both worlds

[@jdwilliams5244]

Thank you for taking time to do this review. I would have been shocked if the results came out any different.

[@mrmidnight32]

For 1/3 the price $25 spool, I’ll keep using my Chinese wire. Until I start structural or x ray welding I’ll splurge for the Lincoln at $65 a spool. Hasn’t failed me on any of my garage or customer projects yet. But then again I’m not doing high risk work. Just house welds and easy quick side jobs.

[@DJPhased]

For a hobby or DIY welder like me, I agree! If it's clean and it holds, that's all that's going to matter for me! I leave the pretty stuff to the pros!

[@thegeneral7484]

@@DJPhased I feel the same way.

[@simclardy1]

Consider the jobs you are supporting. Until harbor freight become accountable i will avoid them. I would hate to save money at the expense of the worker in the factory making the wire

[@yerwrng]

You must live In China and pick up local because a 10lb spool of Chicago Electric .030 fluxcore is only about $10 less than a 10lb spool of nr-211 mp 0.30 . Chicago Electric at $70 10lb spool vs $80 10lb spool of Mr 211 mp. . There isn't a huge price gap between the wires. It's kinda like some of the recent power tools hobofreight sells they are only $15-20 less than the name branded tools so you're not really saving anything buying China-electric.

[@blackridgeservices5060]

@@yerwrng where do you live I know where I am a 10 lb spool of harbor freight wire is 44.99 Lincoln sells at 179.99 i buy the lincoln for my work machine because it gets x-rayed and I don't want any issues for my home projects ill buy the cheapest i can get

[@workwillfreeyou]

Thank you Bob. Another great video. Alway appreciated.

[@OleGramps53]

Thanks for doing it again. It did seem to show a bit more penetration with the Miller wire but as you mentioned at the end they all are not perfect all the way through the spools. Prep is more likely the better insurance with both wires knowing the amps and feed rate to use.

[@scooter1391]

I wish I could weld as good as your worst weld. always enjoy you videos thanks.

[@riotwarrior]

lincoln is better looking ...but for home use...non structural patches etc..both are adequate

[@stihlpro2401]

What does the GS stand for on the HB wire.

[@justinhall8318]

Just stands for gasless. So its a gasless fluxcore wire. If it involved gas, it would be called dualshield fluxcore.

[@mpikas]

I'm not sure what to make of this... I do appreciate the attempt to make a fair test, but as soon as I saw your setup for the HFT wire (around 5:35) I noticed that your bottom plate was bowed and you had a gap in the middle, the same area as you got porosity (I'm not sure that I can make a great argument that they are related but it was there). It also looked like your travel/stickout wasn't as consistent on the first pass with the HFT wire (might have been inconsistencies with the wire) but you couldn't confirm because unlike the passes with the lincoln you didn't have the welder display up in the video (you could see when you were making the lincoln passes how much the V and A were varying). The plates also didn't look to be ground back as nicely as the first set, but that could have just been camera angle and it really shouldn't matter for flux core. That said, I have used both wires, and I haven't seen a difference in the two (I don't recall any porosity issues with either, even though I tend to only use flux core on nastier jobs, like welding stake pockets onto a trailer outside), but I will admit that if I had both sitting there and the project is something that I really cared about I'd reach for the lincoln first and if it was something that just needed to be stuck together I'd reach for the HFT... though I don't really feel like that bias is justified from the results that I have had.

[@mrbratt69]

From your test here between Harbor freight and Lincoln wire I have to say that Harbor freight has greatly improved the quality of their wire. I am far from a professional welder. My Father in law taught me how to weld with an old school buzz box or for the newer generations, an arc welder that he had consistently used for at least 20 years of metal fabrication at construction sites. Arc welding isn't any where near as finicky as wire feed welding since you can arc weld with a rusty coat hanger and come out with a nice strong weld. My wire welder is a 110, Lincoln Weld Pack that's sold at Home Depot, Lowes or any good Hardware store for roughly $600. With my wife working for Harbor freight tools when my 1st Lincoln welder died I tried every wire welder that Harbor freight sold at that time and they are all horrible. Kinda like driving a High end sports car and then getting behind the wheel of a Pinto and expecting the same quality. Just won't happen. I quickly bought another Lincoln Welder. I tried saving money by using Harbor freight's wire through my Lincoln welder and the same thing. I had to run my welder at a higher temp with faster wire speed which just caused a crap load of splatter with very lil penetration. There are just some things you can't cut corners on or try to save a buck at and wire for welding is one of those things. If you want professional results than spend the extra money and buy the better equipment. I won't even use Harbor freight wire to get me by. It's not worth the headache or extra work

[@horseblinderson4747]

Lincoln is available at nearly every box retailer for a reasonable price. Fleetwood 7018's are the best running consistent electrodes I've ran and they're priced competitively and easily available. The slight savings is rarely ever worth the trouble.

[@mattbierwagen8442]

How about doing a video comparing duel shield wire in Lincoln and ESAB?? I have run both extensively over the years but have never done penetration tests and I'm very curious to see what your results and preference would be!?

[@joshray7855]

Just started watching your videos there very informative thank you for making them

[@AdrianHiggins83]

Hi bob thanks for doing this video

[@dorsetengineering]

Bob, great video, great presentation...

[@razor62]

Just bought a 125 mig welder from HF. The included mig wire that came with the machine ran and looked better than the extra spool of Vulcan I bought for my project the Vulcan pulsed and the stock wire didn't. I am going to get the Lincoln wire for my go to filler wire.

[@scottcarr3264]

Thanks Bob, Another great video, Here in Australia, our discount hardware store is called Bunnings. I get the idea, cheap chinese merchandise and some "Name" brands. The Chinese stuff is sometimes ok, but not always. At work I do a lot of Mig welding with solid wire and I find the Lincoln a better product overall than the cheaper stuff our boss sometimes buys.

[@tippie53]

thanks for the info it is helpful I am looking onto learning this for at home and forgive my ignorance but can I use lincoln wire in a HF unit?

[@glasssightcinema4602]

Look how he flipped his visor down 😂thats how you know he’s experienced 💪🏽

[@tyz3r420]

great videos and comparison between the two. I've run as many different brands of flux core wire as I could get my hands on in the past couple years and I am OK for a hobbyist. aside from my first roll ever, I've never had a 2lb spool unroll other than the Lincoln. had it happen 3 times, 3 separate spools, damnedest thing! the little bit I could get to run through did seem like nice consistent feed.

[@donaldinnewmexico]

Hi Bob, I expected if there was a winner it would be the Lincoln brand. Back in the day there was no HF. Lincoln has made fine products for years. Do you know where those wires are manufactured? Could there be a quality controll issue? Thanks, Donald

[@bobmoffatt4133]

I'm sure there could be quality control issues at times. I do not know where they are manufactured.

[@Fireship1]

+Bob Moffatt from what I've read harbor freight wire is made by INE. INE wire is made in Italy. They've been making welding supplies since the 40s. Long before HF. I've used the Lincoln wire and the HF/INE I've found that they both seem to have a place. The HF wire seems to work well for thin metals like tubular steel. But that's just my opinion. I'm far from a pro welder.

[@garyronan5568]

Donald in New Mexico Likely HF is out of China but then again Lincoln could be out of China or Poland or the U.S. or Canada or about 45 other countries because they have bought up companies across the globe. It all comes down to quality control and I would suspect HF buys manufacturing overruns from dozens of companies and has them packaged under their logo. If you buy 60 or 70 thousand pounds A year for your manufacturing plant robot's you can get A consistent wire built to your specifications but if you buy 25 or 50 pounds A year your going to get whatever comes off the end of A production run.

[@Welddotcom]

We've found that there are two different suppliers of Harbor Freight wire. One is from Italy and one is from China. The one from this video was the China variation. You can see which you are getting by looking on the packaging to see where it is manufactured.

[@EcoMouseChannel]

Done the same test, the Italian wire is the one to look for. Much more consistent, smoother welds, less spatter. Harbor Freight wire is fine if you run out on the weekend and it's 8:30 p.m. and you need to get your project done! But if you are charging for your work, get the best wire the client can afford. Don't skimp out when your name and reputation are on the line.

[@mtpocketbuilds4286]

Have you used the INE flux core wire ? It seems to get good reviews.

[@pmchamlee]

I'm new to ya, Bob; but, I'll sure be back! I am 74 and finally decided to use a Linc to flux core some welds around the ranch. Never too late to learn, HUH? 🤠

[@manyakus8919]

Great video! What do you use for etching? Can you send a link?

[@subaruwrx853]

How did you fix the pulsing wire

[@TallTexasGMan]

How does Hobart Flux Core compare?

[@thomasblackwell9507]

Is there an ANSI test for this?

[@misfitfarm1937]

You blinked more on side one and I saw hour hand move ten times vs eight times on HF. A instructor who prob knows something about gluing metal together gave his opinion. If someone knows more then why watch his videos make ur own. Thank you sir for sharing your time and experience. I can make metal stick together but that does not make me a welder, so watching someone who knows the black magic of welding is great.

[@charliespann3967]

Thanks very much for the comparison. Would arc force help with the penetration? I'm not clear what arc force does. Thanks again.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

No arc force associated with GMAw or FCAW that I know of. Inductance only. Look them up.

[@charliespann3967]

I will, thanks.

[@mihela16]

voltage is arc force.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

+Nick Mihela voltage is arc length.

[@miguelemilio9488]

Nick Mihela y

[@madvtecyo546]

“For 40 years I been trying to weld without the ground clamp” lol

[@criticaltexan2334]

I've noticed that Lincoln Electric wire tends to produce cleaner looking welds. And surprisingly enough, actually costs less that Harbor Freight's Vulcan wire.

[@QAZ258236]

Possibly self shield flux core out of position soon?

[@nealinator]

Well darn. First video said take a pick. Now Lincoln was picked. Haha. Usually you get what you pay for a quality brands have a strong name and reputation for a reason. Thanks again.

[@bruceleroybell8139]

Thanks Bob I've learned a lot off your videos.

[@DeusExMachina_TX]

Great comparison! Would love to know your opinions on the HF Vulcan vs. Lincoln Excalibur 7018.

[@Zibenez]

you should do harbor freight 6013 vs lincoln 6013. 1/8"

[@Danman4000]

Great welding! Lincoln lasts a'lot longer,my buddy's H.F only lasted through 2 small spools of wire.My Lincolns from the 80's.

[@LongviewGarage]

I looked but didn't see it, have y'all done a review on the Harbor Freight mig welder?

[@Welddotcom]

Not currently, the only HF machine we have reviewed was their low cost TIG welder.

[@LongviewGarage]

I saw that video, just curious on the HF MIG cause it is cheap and want somewhere low cost to start out.