ER70S-2 TIG Rod vs ER70S-6 MIG Wire: Which to Use
ER70S-2 is primarily a TIG filler rod with superior weld purity. ER70S-6 is the standard MIG wire with higher deoxidizer content for forgiving performance on mill scale.
ER70S-2: Choose ER70S-2 for TIG welding, root passes on pipe, X-ray quality welds, or any application where weld purity matters. ER70S-6: Choose ER70S-6 for MIG welding in production, structural fabrication, or general-purpose work.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick ER70S-2 if:
Choose ER70S-2 for TIG welding, root passes on pipe, X-ray quality welds, or any application where weld purity matters. The triple deoxidizer system produces the cleanest mild steel welds available.
Runs on DCEN, 40-220A range. ER70S-2 full amperage chart
Pick ER70S-6 if:
Choose ER70S-6 for MIG welding in production, structural fabrication, or general-purpose work. The higher deoxidizer content handles real-world surface conditions better.
Runs on DCEP, 30-350A range. ER70S-6 full amperage chart
Key Differences
| Attribute | ER70S-2 | ER70S-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Process | TIG (GTAW) | MIG (GMAW) |
| Deoxidizers | Zirconium, titanium, aluminum | Manganese, silicon |
| Weld Purity | Higher | Standard |
| Surface Tolerance | Requires clean base metal | Handles light mill scale |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | ER70S-2 | ER70S-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | DCEN | DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium | medium |
| Coating | bare solid rod | copper-coated solid wire |
| Amps at 1/16" | 40-90A | N/A |
| Amps at 3/32" | 80-150A | N/A |
| Amps at 0.023" | N/A | 30-90A |
| Amps at 0.030" | N/A | 40-145A |
How ER70S-2 and ER70S-6 Work Together
ER70S-2 can be used as MIG wire and ER70S-6 can be used as TIG filler, but each is optimized for its primary process. Using the wrong one works but is not ideal.
Common Mistake With ER70S-2
Assuming ER70S-2 and ER70S-6 are interchangeable. They have different deoxidizer chemistries that matter for weld quality and surface tolerance.
Practical Differences
| Factor | ER70S-2 | ER70S-6 |
|---|---|---|
| Shielding Gas | 100% Argon | 75% Ar / 25% CO2 |
| Fume Level | Very Low (0.1-0.3 g/min) | Low (0.2-0.5 g/min) |
| Storage | Clean, dry container | Dry, sealed spool |
| Common Brands | Lincoln ER70S-2, Harris ER70S-2 | SuperArc L-56, HB-28 |
Where to Buy
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ER70S-2 vs ER70S-6: Common Questions
Which is better, ER70S-2 or ER70S-6?
It depends on the joint and your equipment. Key differences: Primary Process: ER70S-2 has tig (gtaw), while ER70S-6 has mig (gmaw). Deoxidizers: ER70S-2 has zirconium, titanium, aluminum, while ER70S-6 has manganese, silicon. Weld Purity: ER70S-2 has higher, while ER70S-6 has standard. Check the spec differences above and pick based on your actual situation.
Can I substitute ER70S-2 for ER70S-6?
No. Different rod, different behavior. ER70S-2 runs on DCEN, ER70S-6 on DCEP. Your machine decides. Coating chemistry is different (bare solid rod vs copper-coated solid wire), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both ER70S-2 and ER70S-6 on the same joint?
ER70S-2 can be used as MIG wire and ER70S-6 can be used as TIG filler, but each is optimized for its primary process. Using the wrong one works but is not ideal.
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 A5.18.