E71T-11 Flux-Core Wire: Settings & No-Gas Welding Guide
E71T-11 Amperage by Diameter
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 0.030" (0.8 mm) | 30 - 130A |
| 0.035" (0.9 mm) | 40 - 175A |
| 0.045" (1.2 mm) | 75 - 225A |
E71T-11 is the go-to flux-core wire for welding without gas. The flux inside the wire creates its own shielding, so you do not need a gas cylinder. That makes it the best option for outdoor work in wind, farm repairs, and any portable welding where hauling gas is impractical. The welds are not as clean as MIG with gas, and you have slag to chip, but the convenience is hard to beat.
What This Means in Practice
E71T-11 is the wire that lets you MIG weld without a gas bottle. The flux core generates its own shielding gas, which means you can weld outdoors in wind that would blow away the argon shield on solid MIG wire. The weld quality is good but not as clean as gas-shielded MIG. You will get more spatter and a slag layer that needs chipping. For outdoor field work, farm equipment, and portability, nothing else matches it.
E71T-11 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
When to Use E71T-11
Outdoor welding where wind makes gas shielding unreliable.
Farm and ranch repairs.
General-purpose fabrication without gas.
Portability, no gas bottle, no regulator, just wire and power.
The go-to wire for field work with a wire-feed welder.
E71T-11 Limitations
Higher spatter than gas-shielded processes.
Weld quality and appearance inferior to GMAW or gas-shielded FCAW.
Slag removal required between passes.
Not as strong in multi-pass as solid wire with gas (lower impact toughness).
E71T-11 Storage Requirements
Store in dry area. Protect from moisture. Keep spool covered when not in use.
E71T-11 Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E71T-11 |
| Process | Flux-Core Welding (FCAW) |
| Polarity | DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium |
| Coating Type | self-shielded flux-cored |
| Tensile Strength | 70,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 58,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-carbon steel |
| Shielding Gas | None (self-shielded) |
| AWS Specification | A5.20 |
Common Questions About E71T-11
Can I weld without shielding gas?
Yes, with self-shielded flux-core wire. E71T-11 has flux inside the wire that creates its own protective gas shield as it burns, so you do not need a gas bottle. This makes it the best option for outdoor work, field repairs, and portable welding where gas is impractical. You will have slag to chip, and the welds will not be as clean as gas-shielded MIG, but the convenience makes it the most popular wire for farm, ranch, and maintenance work. For indoor shop work where gas is available, ER70S-6 specifications (MIG wire with gas) produces cleaner welds. See also: E71T-11 vs ER70S-6 comparison.
Is flux core as strong as MIG?
E71T-11 flux-core wire has a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi, the same as ER70S-6 MIG wire. In controlled conditions with proper technique, both produce welds of comparable strength. The practical difference is that MIG with gas shielding produces a cleaner weld with less porosity risk, and the arc is smoother and easier to control. Flux-core tends to have more spatter and the beads are rougher, but when done correctly the mechanical properties are equivalent. See also: ER70S-6 specifications, E71T-11 vs ER70S-6 comparison.
What is the difference between flux core and MIG?
MIG (GMAW) uses solid wire with external shielding gas from a bottle. Flux-core (FCAW) uses tubular wire with flux inside that creates its own shielding. MIG produces cleaner welds with less spatter and no slag. Flux-core can weld outdoors in wind without gas, handles dirtier steel, and has higher deposition rates on thick material. Most small shop welders use MIG (ER70S-6 wire with 75/25 gas) for daily work and keep flux-core (E71T-11) for outdoor or field situations. See also: ER70S-6 specifications, E71T-11 vs ER70S-6 comparison.
Where to Buy E71T-11
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External Resources
Manufacturer data sheets and standards for E71T-11.
Data sourced from AWS A5.20/A5.20M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.