fabrication – Weld Support Parts Blog https://blog.weldsupportparts.com From Confusion to Confidence: Your Trusted Welding Parts Advisor. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:04:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/IMG_1534-150x150.jpeg fabrication – Weld Support Parts Blog https://blog.weldsupportparts.com 32 32 Why Your MIG Weld Has Porosity (and How to Fix It Fast) https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/2026/04/29/why-your-mig-weld-has-porosity-and-how-to-fix-it-fast/ https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/2026/04/29/why-your-mig-weld-has-porosity-and-how-to-fix-it-fast/#respond Wed, 29 Apr 2026 18:04:14 +0000 https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/?p=1726 Porosity in MIG welding shows up as pinholes or small voids in the weld bead. It weakens the weld and usually points to shielding gas failure or contamination. This guide breaks down the exact causes and the fastest way to fix it using proper setup and wire selection.

Key Takeaways

  • Porosity is caused by poor shielding gas coverage or contamination
  • Dirty metal and bad wire are the most common causes
  • Gas flow, nozzle condition, and wire choice fix most issues
  • ER70S-6 wire helps reduce porosity on less clean steel

What Causes MIG Weld Porosity

Porosity occurs when atmospheric gases get trapped in the weld pool as it solidifies. In MIG welding, shielding gas is supposed to prevent this. When coverage fails, defects form.

  • Low shielding gas flow
  • Wind or airflow disrupting gas
  • Dirty or oily metal
  • Rusty or contaminated wire
  • Improper stickout or angle
  • Clogged nozzle or diffuser

How to Fix MIG Porosity

  • Set gas flow to 20–30 CFH (verify for your setup)
  • Keep stickout around 3/8”–1/2”
  • Clean metal to bare steel
  • Check for gas leaks
  • Replace worn nozzle or diffuser
  • Switch to ER70S-6 wire if needed

Recommended Wire for Reducing Porosity

Hobart ER70S-6 MIG Welding Wire (.030”)



Type: Solid MIG wire

Diameter: .030”

Material: Mild steel

Deoxidizers: Higher than ER70S-3

Specs: Unknown (Verify)

Hobart H305406-R22 10-Pound ER70S-6 Carbon-Steel Solid Welding Wire, 0.030-Inch
Hobart H305406-R22 10-Pound ER70S-6 Carbon-Steel Solid Welding Wire, 0.030-Inch
  • Carbon-steel sound, porosity-free welds with powerful deoxidizers for your work with shielding gases.
  • Great for construction work, farm implement fabrication, shaft buildup, tanks, truck bodies and general shop applications with poor fit-up or rusty, oily plates.
  • 10-Pound spool
  • Country of Origin: Made in China
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2026-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


ER70S-6 wire is more forgiving on dirty steel and helps reduce porosity compared to ER70S-3.

Gas Flow Setup

  • Typical: 20–30 CFH (verify)
  • Too low = poor coverage
  • Too high = turbulence
  • Avoid drafts when welding

Wire Comparison

WireKey DifferenceBest Use
ER70S-6More deoxidizersDirty steel
ER70S-3Cleaner arcClean material

Safety Notes

Use ANSI Z87.1 compliant eye protection and proper PPE. Ensure ventilation and follow AWS welding safety guidelines.

FAQ

Q: Can too much gas cause porosity?
A: Yes. It can create turbulence and pull in air.

Q: Does wire matter?
A: Yes. ER70S-6 is more forgiving on dirty steel.

Next Step

Check your gas flow and nozzle first. If needed, switch to ER70S-6 wire and clean your material before welding.

]]> https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/2026/04/29/why-your-mig-weld-has-porosity-and-how-to-fix-it-fast/feed/ 0 Needle Scaler for Welding Slag and Rust: When a Handheld Electric Needle Scaler Makes Sense https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/2026/03/18/needle-scaler-for-welding-slag-and-rust-when-a-handheld-electric-needle-scaler-makes-sense/ https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/2026/03/18/needle-scaler-for-welding-slag-and-rust-when-a-handheld-electric-needle-scaler-makes-sense/#respond Wed, 18 Mar 2026 15:31:30 +0000 https://blog.weldsupportparts.com/?p=1460 If you’re cleaning weld slag, heavy rust, or old coatings, a needle scaler can be the right tool—especially when a grinder is too aggressive or you need to get into texture and corners.

This post is a practical buying guide built around one handheld electric needle scaler listing, with a focus on what to compare before you spend money and what to verify in the listing.

Key Takeaways

  • Needle scalers are for chipping/peening action—good for slag, rust, and coatings in tight areas.
  • Electric models can be convenient, but you still need to verify voltage, duty cycle, and replacement needle availability.
  • Expect noise, vibration, and flying debris—PPE is not optional.
  • For flat surface blending, abrasives often finish cleaner than needle scaling.

Product (Verified)

GTANND Electric Needle Derusting Gun,Hand-Held Needle Scaler,Portable Electric Needle Scaler,Electric Rust Removal Tool,Remover Welding Slag Cleaner 110/220v,220v
GTANND Electric Needle Derusting Gun,Hand-Held Needle Scaler,Portable Electric Needle Scaler,Electric Rust Removal Tool,Remover Welding Slag Cleaner 110/220v,220v
  • ♻︎【Electric Needle Rust Removal Gun】：This rust remover is suitable for shipbuilding, construction, casting and other industries. It can effectively remove various coatings, rust, welding slag and other deposits. It is a professional rust removal tool.
  • ♻︎【Material】： It uses pure copper motor and all-copper coil to ensure stable and safe of the motor and long service life.
  • ♻︎【Easy To Disassemble and Assemble】： The front handle is easy to disassemble and assemble, and can be quickly fixed at any position in front, making the more comfortable.
  • ♻︎【Easy To Replace】： The rust removal steel needle is easy to replace, and daily maintenance is more convenient.
  • ♻︎【Small Size】： The streamlined and extended front air duct is matched with the compact crankcase, which can efficiently and flexibly handle various narrow corners.
Buy on Amazon

Last update on 2026-05-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

What a needle scaler is best at A needle scaler uses multiple steel needles that rapidly strike the surface. That impact action is useful when you need to:

  • Break loose slag and spatter residue
  • Knock off flaking rust and scale
  • Strip coatings in uneven areas
  • Work around edges, corners, and textured surfaces

It’s usually not the best tool for:

  • Final cosmetic finishing (it can leave a peened texture)
  • Precision prep on thin sheet (risk of distortion/marking)
  • Quiet/low-vibration work (it’s the opposite)

Performance & Use A needle scaler is a “get it off” tool, not a “make it pretty” tool. In a welding workflow, it’s often used before switching to abrasives for blending, or before repainting/coating.

What to compare before you buy

  • Voltage and plug requirements (verify your shop power matches the listing)
  • Duty cycle / run time limits (many handheld tools overheat if pushed)
  • Replacement needles availability and cost (consumable item)
  • Tool weight and vibration control (fatigue matters)
  • Intended use case: slag/rust/coatings vs fine finishing (don’t mix expectations)

Comparable Amazon picks (optional)

How to use a needle scaler without making a mess (or damaging work)

  • Start with light pressure and let the needles do the work
  • Keep the tool moving; don’t dwell in one spot
  • Use it for removal, then switch to abrasives if you need a smoother finish
  • Plan containment: chips and debris go everywhere

Safety notes (quick) Needle scaling throws debris and is loud. At minimum: safety glasses + face shield, hearing protection, and gloves. If you’re removing coatings, assume unknown dust until proven otherwise—use ventilation and appropriate respiratory protection per your shop policy.

Where to Buy (Amazon) GTANND Electric Needle Scaler listing (ASIN: B0D9N7RLDK)
https://www.amazon.com/GTANND-Electric-Derusting-Hand-Held-Portable/dp/B0D9N7RLDK?tag=weldsupport-20

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