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.
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 |
Use E7018 when:
Use E71T-1 when:
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.
Where to Buy
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Data sourced from .