Stick Rust Rod vs Self-Shielded Flux-Core for Home Welding
E6011 stick rod vs E71T-11 flux-core wire. Two gasless options for hobby welders compared.
Which One Should You Use?
Key Differences
| Attribute | E6011 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Stick - manual rod feed | Flux-core - continuous wire feed |
| Speed | Slower - frequent rod changes | Faster - continuous wire |
| Rusty Metal | Excellent | Moderate |
| Equipment | Basic stick welder | Wire feeder (can be 110V) |
| Control | High - total arc manipulation | Moderate - wire speed fixed |
| Slag | Light, papery | Heavier, must chip |
| Spatter | Moderate | Moderate to heavy |
| Best For | Repairs, tacks, gap filling | Continuous beads, fabrication |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E6011 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | AC, DCEP | DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | deep | medium |
| Coating | high cellulose potassium | self-shielded flux-cored |
| Amps at 3/32" | 40-85A | N/A |
| Amps at 1/8" | 75-130A | N/A |
| Amps at 0.030" | N/A | 30-130A |
| Amps at 0.035" | N/A | 40-175A |
How E6011 and E71T-11 Work Together
Both work without shielding gas, making them the two go-to options for welders without a gas setup. E6011 stick gives more control over penetration and works better on rusty or dirty metal. E71T-11 flux-core is faster because the wire feeds continuously. For a hobbyist with a multi-process welder, keep E6011 rods for repair work and use E71T-11 wire for fabrication projects. E6011 excels when you need to tack, fill gaps, or weld out of position. E71T-11 excels when you are running long beads in flat position.
Common Mistake With Stick Rust Rod
Expecting E71T-11 flux-core to handle heavy rust like E6011 stick. Self-shielded flux-core wire does not dig through contamination as aggressively as cellulose stick rods. For rusty farm equipment, E6011 is the better choice.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E6011 | E71T-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding Gas | None (flux-shielded) | None (self-shielded) |
| Storage | Standard dry storage | Dry, sealed spool |
| Common Brands | Fleetweld 35LS, Hobart 335A | Innershield NR-211-MP, Fabshield 21B |
Where to Buy
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E6011 vs E71T-11: Common Questions
Which is better, E6011 or E71T-11?
Wrong question. They solve different problems. Key differences: Process: E6011 has stick - manual rod feed, while E71T-11 has flux-core - continuous wire feed. Speed: E6011 has slower - frequent rod changes, while E71T-11 has faster - continuous wire. Rusty Metal: E6011 has excellent, while E71T-11 has moderate. The comparison table on this page breaks down each trade-off.
Can I substitute E6011 for E71T-11?
Only if the specs allow it. E6011 runs on AC/DCEP, E71T-11 on DCEN. Your machine decides. Penetration differs: E6011 is deep, E71T-11 is medium. Coating chemistry is different (high cellulose potassium vs self-shielded flux-cored), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E6011 and E71T-11 on the same joint?
Both work without shielding gas, making them the two go-to options for welders without a gas setup. E6011 stick gives more control over penetration and works better on rusty or dirty metal. E71T-11 flux-core is faster because the wire feeds continuously. For a hobbyist with a multi-process welder, keep E6011 rods for repair work and use E71T-11 wire for fabrication projects. E6011 excels when you need to tack, fill gaps, or weld out of position. E71T-11 excels when you are running long beads in flat position.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M, AWS A5.20/A5.20M.