Blue Demon ER70S6.045 MIG Wire 11 LB - Low Spatter, X-Ray Quality

In this review of the Blue Demon ER70S6.045 x 11 lb MIG/GMAW welding wire the bottom line is straightforward: this spool is made for hobbyists and shop welders who need a reliable carbon steel filler that tolerates poor fit-up and still delivers strong, porosity-free welds. The reviewer found it especially useful for salvage work on castings and forgings and for routine home projects, with the single biggest reason to buy being its formulation for x-ray quality welds and high tensile strength among plain carbon wires.

Key Features

• All position capability: Performs reliably in flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead welds, making it versatile for varied projects.
• Low spatter formula: Produces cleaner welds with less post-weld cleanup required, saving time on sanding and grinding.
• Porosity-free welds: Engineered to give porosity-free results suitable for applications demanding high weld integrity.
• High tensile strength: Offers the highest tensile strength (as welded) of common plain carbon steel wires, increasing joint durability.
• Suitable for poor fit-up: Commonly used in general shop applications where precise joint fit-up is difficult, helping maintain productivity.
• Requires shielding gas: Designed to be used with CO2 or CO2 mix shielding gas for proper arc stability and weld quality.

Who It's For

This wire is aimed at metalworkers who do a mix of repair, fabrication and salvage: small shops, hobby welders, and anyone working on steel castings or forged parts that need a robust filler metal. Its tolerance for poor fit-up and low spatter properties make it a practical choice for one-person shops and home projects where ease of cleanup matters.

It is less appropriate for users who need flux-cored wire or who cannot use a shielding gas; buyers who require specialized alloy wire or stainless filler should look elsewhere. Also, those who weld exclusively in environments without gas shielding should select a gasless alternative.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Delivers x-ray quality welds and high tensile strength among plain carbon options, suitable for demanding joints.
• Low spatter reduces post-weld cleanup and improves appearance of beads.
• Works well in all positions, increasing versatility on varied jobs.
• Handles poor fit-up situations common in repair and salvage work.

Cons

• Requires CO2 or CO2 mix shielding gas, so it is not suitable for gasless welding setups.
• Not intended for non-ferrous metals or stainless applications; limited to carbon steel work.

Specifications

Product name	Blue Demon ER70S6.045 x 11 lb MIG/GMAW wire
Wire diameter	.045 in
Weight	11 lb spool
Material	Plain carbon steel
Welding positions	All position
Shielding gas	CO2 and/or CO2 mix required
Key property	Low spatter, porosity-free, x-ray quality welds

Our Verdict

The Blue Demon ER70S6.045 x 11 lb wire is a solid, cost-effective choice for shop repair, salvage and home welding where a gas-shielded carbon steel filler is needed. Its low spatter and porosity-free formulation deliver cleaner, stronger welds, and the all-position capability adds practical flexibility. Buy it if you run MIG with CO2 or a CO2 mix and need dependable, high-tensile welds on carbon steel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this wire require shielding gas?
Yes, the wire is designed for use with CO2 or a CO2 mix; it is not intended for gasless welding.

Can it be used on castings and forgings?
Yes, it is commonly used for steel castings and forging salvage where a robust filler is needed.

Is this suitable for home projects?
Yes, it is well suited to home and hobby projects, especially when a shop has basic gas-shielded MIG equipment.