Stick vs Gas-Shielded Flux-Core for Structural Steel
E7018 stick vs E71T-1 gas-shielded flux-core for structural welding. Both meet AWS D1.1 but differ in deposition rate, portability, and cost.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E71T-1 if:
Runs on DCEP, 150-500A range. E71T-1 full amperage chart
Key Differences
| Attribute | E7018 | E71T-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Stick (SMAW) - manual rod feed | Flux-core (FCAW-G) - continuous wire feed |
| Deposition Rate | ~3-5 lbs/hr with 5/32" rod | ~8-14 lbs/hr with 0.045" wire |
| Shielding | Self-shielded by flux coating | Requires external gas (75/25 or 100% CO2) |
| Wind Tolerance | Excellent - works in high wind | Poor - gas shield disrupted by wind |
| Equipment Cost | Low - basic stick welder | Higher - wire feeder + gas setup |
| Slag | Heavy, must chip between passes | Moderate slag, easier removal |
| Operator Skill | Higher - must maintain arc length manually | Lower - wire feeds automatically |
| Fume Level | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Code Compliance | AWS D1.1 prequalified | AWS D1.1 prequalified |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E7018 | E71T-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | DCEP, AC | DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium | medium-deep |
| Coating | low-hydrogen iron powder | tubular flux-core (gas-shielded) |
| Amps at 3/32" | 70-100A | N/A |
| Amps at 1/8" | 90-160A | N/A |
| Amps at .045" | N/A | 150-300A |
| Amps at 1/16" | N/A | 200-400A |
How E7018 and E71T-1 Work Together
E71T-1 deposits weld metal 2-3x faster than E7018, which matters on production jobs. But E7018 needs only a $300 stick welder while E71T-1 needs a wire feeder plus gas. For field erection in wind, E7018 wins because gas-shielded flux-core loses its shield. For shop fabrication with volume, E71T-1 pays for itself in labor savings within weeks.
Common Mistake With Stick
Using E71T-1 outdoors without wind protection. Even 5 mph breeze can blow shielding gas away and cause porosity. If you cannot block the wind, switch to E7018 stick or self-shielded E71T-8.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E7018 | E71T-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding Gas | None (flux-shielded) | 75% Ar / 25% CO2 |
| Fume Level | Medium-Low (0.3-0.6 g/min) | Medium (0.4-0.8 g/min) |
| Storage | Rod oven required | Dry, sealed spool |
| Common Brands | Excalibur 7018 MR, Jetweld LH-78MR | Outershield 71M, FabCO 711 |
Where to Buy
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E7018 vs E71T-1: Common Questions
Which is better, E7018 or E71T-1?
It depends on the joint and your equipment. Key differences: Process: E7018 has stick (smaw) - manual rod feed, while E71T-1 has flux-core (fcaw-g) - continuous wire feed. Deposition Rate: E7018 has ~3-5 lbs/hr with 5/32" rod, while E71T-1 has ~8-14 lbs/hr with 0.045" wire. Shielding: E7018 has self-shielded by flux coating, while E71T-1 has requires external gas (75/25 or 100% co2). Check the spec differences above and pick based on your actual situation.
Can I substitute E7018 for E71T-1?
No. Different rod, different behavior. E7018 runs on DCEP/AC, E71T-1 on DCEP. Your machine decides. Penetration differs: E7018 is medium, E71T-1 is medium-deep. Coating chemistry is different (low-hydrogen iron powder vs tubular flux-core (gas-shielded)), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E7018 and E71T-1 on the same joint?
E71T-1 deposits weld metal 2-3x faster than E7018, which matters on production jobs. But E7018 needs only a $300 stick welder while E71T-1 needs a wire feeder plus gas. For field erection in wind, E7018 wins because gas-shielded flux-core loses its shield. For shop fabrication with volume, E71T-1 pays for itself in labor savings within weeks.
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.