Wait, you actually bought welding wire from a surplus shop in Gary? That's a whole other level of bold, I gotta hand it to you. I mean, I've grabbed a few sketchy deals in my time, but flux core is one of those things where the quality really shows up in the worst ways, and it sounds like you found every single one of those ways in one roll. Three tips burned through and slag you had to chisel off, that ain't a bargain, that's a punishment. The inspector showing up just makes it hurt worse, like the universe had it out for you that day. You're probably not stuck with name brand forever, but honestly, the money you saved on the roll got eaten up by tips, grinding wheels, and your time, so where's the win in that?