I have just been using the cheap old Harbor Freight .023" mig wire, so I was just curious what everyone else was using and if I would see better results with a name brand wire.

I doubt it.

i'm assuming you're using a 75/25 gas mix, & when buying wire, if you look on the label of the cheaper wire, it's usually E70S-2. if you get E70S-6, the #6 means a higher silicon content, & it helps in cleaning & the weld "whetting out" area. it's worth the couple extra bucks. IMHO

i'm assuming you're using a 75/25 gas mix, & when buying wire, if you look on the label of the cheaper wire, it's usually E70S-2. if you get E70S-6, the #6 means a higher silicon content, & it helps in cleaning & the weld "whetting out" area. it's worth the couple extra bucks. IMHO

You assume correctly :) I will look into the -6 stuff but I am not going to pay big $

We use that E70S-2 for just about everything at work.

I doubt it is as different as Omni clear and HOK UC-35 clear. Now that is a difference I will gladly pay for.:)

I buy mine from PraxAir but the hobart stuff is good. If your looking to try
a small bit first here is an cheap buy:D;)

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_612113_612113

Chuck

I know several guys who swear by the Easy Grind made from Esab(sp?)

Also heard some positive things about Harris 20 gauge wire. Its a powdered metal core wire.
http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/consumables/alloys.asp?id=12

I run the stuff bought at the local welding store, its Blue Demon I believe made by Miller...Eric

There is a difference. We got a new Miller at the shop before I left.... came with a small spool of Miller wire. Worked great.... changed to a 10# spool of some junk they sold us, same ER70S-6 spec wire, but cheap junk. It would not feed through the torch at all. After messing with it for about an hour, I took the roll out, changed it to another roll of Miller wire that we got in, and it worked perfect once again. So, yes there is a difference....

I always use the Lincoln stuff from Lowes. Mostly because Lowes is the closest place to me.

Check to see if your HF wire is made in Italy. Mine was, Italian wire is good stuff.

For body panels, I use the ESAB easy grind wire one of the other posters mentioned. It is AWESOME. Lays down very smoothly and is, in fact, very easy to grind and shape.
For everything else, I use Miller or Lincoln wire.
BTW, I have used cheap wire before and there definitely IS a difference. Cheap wire blows.

I shelled out $5 today for a 2 LB spool of 023" S6 easygrind
(that will probably last me years of sheet metal welding)

I like to think my welding is just improving, (but it does melt in alot nicer)