8vs suit case

[Bulldog]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to this site. I have enjoyed reading the posts over the last couple of days. I'm not a full time welder and I'm not really a hobbiest either. I have been welding since I was about 10 years old and I'm now 39. I have been building and installing Concrete Block and Precast Concrete equipment for about the last 20yrs. I currently run a concrete block company in Kingston N.Y. I also own my own Precast plant in Scotia N.Y. Well this brings me to my question... I weld alot. But I usually only weld with a stick machine. I usually use what ever welder that's close. It may be a buzz Box or it may be a gas powered portable unit and it's always something that has been beat to near death. I build alot of my own forms and I needed to get a machine that I could depend on so I just bought a new Bobcat 250 and it's been giving me great service so far. My question is about the 8vs suit case wire feeder. I know that some people have been using flux cored wire. I want to try this. Is there anything that I should know about this combo. I am ordering the suit case this week coming. I do plan on buying the package so I can run the flux core or the normal wire - gas combo. Any comments on flux core vs gas and wire? Strength. What is stronger? Which has a better look.
Thanks Topper

[HAWK]

Topper,

Welcome to the forum!

The BC250 and 8VS is a nice combo. It will run flux cored wire (E71T-1) exceptionally well and do a good job with gas shielded bare wire (ER70S-6). I prefer running the ER70S-6 with a general purpose shielding gas like 75%Argon/25%Carbon Dioxide. This will give good penetration without a lot of spatter. There is no slag to chip as is with the flux cored wire. However, the E71T-1 is very nice for out of position welding. It will climb a hill and run any which way you need without a lot of fuss. It is great for outdoor conditions where the wind may blow your gas shield away. Both will give a nice looking bead. The flux cored wire will also give deeper penetration and will be stronger. It is a bit more trouble with clean up. Both are good wires and serve different purposes. What size material are you working with?

[Bulldog]

Hi Hawk,
Thanks for all the good info. The size of the material, who knows. I may be welding 1/8" up tp 2" mild steel. I weld alot of AR plate as well. That's why I got the Bobcat250 NT. Most of the precast forms that I build are constructed out of 1/8". I also fix old forms that have been used for years. They are a pain to clean. I use 6011 on the used stuff. Thanks Topper

[HAWK]

Topper,

If 6010 is a must for the dirty metal, then run E71T-1 flux cored like the Lincoln Innershield. It is probably the best value wire for the dollar. There are some other exotic brand high money wires on the market, but the Lincoln IS does just about as well. Nice set up!

[HAWK]

Topper,

.030 or .035 flux cored wire will certainly run great on your 1/8" material. 1/16" flux cored wire is the ticket on 2" material. I would say 5/64", but I am not sure the BC250 will really push it good for you.

If you are in an indoor shop with clean metal, I certainly recommend the ER70S-6 gas shielded wire. Whe outdoors or working with crusty, rusty, scaly material, the E71T-1 flux cored wire is what I would use.

If indoors on clean metal with thick material and in position welds the gas shielded wire run in a spray transfer mode will be your best option.