Most mig wire is labeled as ER-70-S6, with the "S6" as the hardness designation. What you have is more than likely ER-70-S2, which is a softer wire. TIG wire is usually sold in the "S2" hardness, and that's why it makes it nicer to grind or hammer weld body panels with it.
Take a look at the information on the side of the spool, and let us know what it says.
Hope this helps.
-- Edited by hemi43 on Monday 7th of April 2014 11:44:51 AM
ER-70-S2 is a number I have seen, didnt realize it was Tig wire. From what I can tell it is not stocked by most Welding supply shops. Stax - yes it is supposed to be a softer metal compound, easier to grind/sand off. Oh well, back to the grind as they say.
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If at first you don't succeed, GET A BIGGER HAMMER!
Just spoke to Tri County Welding, told me that it is so soft that the wire isn't even certified as normal S6 wire is. Not very popular, must be special ordered.
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If at first you don't succeed, GET A BIGGER HAMMER!
Ive heard of it but have never seen any . From what I understand being softer it is easier to stress relieve hammering your tacks with s6 you almost need a second person hitting it when its still hot to have any effect . grinding will also be easier ... less heat = less warpage . What truth there is to it all i got no Idea.
I tried to find more info to post here on the difference between the S2 and S6 designation, but of course the internet is impossible to get a direct answer because there's so many point of views. finding S-2 MIG wire seems to be a difficult thing to find, and I think the reason is because it may be a problematic wire to use because it will be more prone to bunch up when trying to push it out of the welder. I think they formulated a harder wire through alloying to allow it to be fed better through MIG machines. This would explain why S-6 TIG filler rod, and MIG S-2 wire are both oddball items.That's just my opinion.
Here's what I found out about "easy grind mig wire";
This is actually silicon bronze wire. OEM uses this to weld body panels together because it requires lower heat to join panels, and we used to use it to join the roof to quarter panel on the older 2-door Regals. I don't think it's worth it for the hobbiest to use because the benefits will not offset the extra cost. This stuff is expensive !! Also, the metal must be extremely clean, and it can't be used for anything structural. I have a few lengths here for TIG, and have never had the need to use it. One problem with it, is that once you weld with it, you can never go back and use regular steel wire over it because the metal will contaminated with bronze. I would just stay with regular ER-70-S6. Less hassle IMO
