
If you are looking for a flux-cored wire that runs smooth, cleans up easy, and holds tight in vertical climbs, the Hobart FabCO 71 is the wire you want in your feeder. This 0.052-inch wire is a favorite among professional welders for its exceptional operator appeal. Whether you are welding heavy structural beams or repairing earth-moving equipment, this wire delivers a stable arc with minimal spatter, keeping your workpiece cleaner and your vision clearer. The "Vpsp" designation means this 15kg spool comes vacuum-packed, guaranteeing that the wire is factory-fresh and dry when you crack the seal, eliminating worries about porosity caused by moisture pickup during storage.
One of the biggest headaches with flux-cored welding is fighting the slag. Hobart has formulated the FabCO 71 with a slag system that releases easily—often curling up by itself as it cools—so you spend less time chipping and brushing and more time burning wire. The fast-freezing nature of the slag acts like a shelf, holding the puddle in place when you are welding vertical-up, allowing you to carry a flat, consistent bead without the weld sagging or dripping. This makes it an excellent choice for all-position work where rotating the part isn't an option.
This wire is versatile enough to run on straight CO2, which keeps your gas costs down, or an Argon/CO2 mix if you want that extra-smooth, buttery arc. The 0.052-inch diameter is a sweet spot for heavy fabrication; it lays down metal faster than an .045 wire but is easier to control out of position than a 1/16-inch wire. It bites into the base metal for solid fusion but remains controllable enough to bridge gaps when fit-up isn't perfect.
Reliability is key on the job site, and Hobart FabCO 71 delivers consistent feeding performance. The winding on the spool is precise, preventing tangles and snags that can stop your production cold. Whether you are in the shop or out in the field, this wire gives you the confidence that your welds will pass inspection—visual, X-ray, or bend tests. Upgrade your welding game with a wire that works as hard as you do.
| Additional Information |
|---|
| Brand:Hobart |
| Diameter:0.052 in |
| AWS Spec:E71T-1 |
| Weld Process:Flux-Cored (FCAW) |
| Polarity:DCEP |
| Position:All Position |
| Packaging Description:15kg spool |
| Shielding Gas Requirement:100% CO2, 75% Argon / 25% CO2 |
| Wire Type:Gas-Shielded Flux-Cored |
| Spool Size:15 kg (33 lb) |
| Tensile Strength:70,000 psi (Typical) |
| Applications:Structural Steel, Heavy Equipment, Shipbuilding, General Fabrication |





