changing wire size

[Tim135]

A question for you journeymen. If you have a 2# spool of .030 wire and you decide you need to change sizes for a different project, can you loosen the drive roller and rewind the wire through the gun? Or would you be better off just clipping the wire at the spool and taping it down for storage in a plastic bag so as to keep it clean and dry? I figured you may as well try to save the 10 feet of wire but not if it would cause trouble when you re-install it at a later date. I noticed the wire comes shrink wrapped to protect it from moisture and dirt so tell me what you think about storing partially used rolls of wire.

[Mike Sherman]

I always rewind my spools. Whenever we change from bare wire to flux cored wire, I snip the end by the tip and rewind the entire thing. Keep the rewound spool clean, dry and rust free.

[Bob]

The wire will have the same desire to unwrap as the new spool did. So cutting or rewinding, don't let it get loose. Most spools have small holes near the rim. You can secure the wire by putting it thru and making a shape bend. I would avoid tape because of residual glue.

Bob

[Guest]

The 2# spools will fit nicely in a zip-loc bag, and the only thing I would add to what has already been said, is be sure the wire is not bent when you cut it at the tip end...the extra force applied to the spool rewinding it could cause the wire to sink below the surface wrap on the spool. As you rewind the wire, it should retract smoothly.

[Tim135]

Rewinding wire

Thanks, you guys, I always appreciate the help, Tim.

[Roger]

Growing up I was always using bailing, and telephone steel wire or copper and aluminum wire for some use other than original purpose. Haven't found side use for welding wire as too thin and brittle. I always wind it back on reel or toss spool ends. If you're using knurled drive rollers look and feel for indents in wire before saving or just toss it.

[davejurek]

I cut the ball at the tip and rewind it. Just because its in the gun doesn't mean its not usable.

Dave

[Bob]

As Rocky D said,

zip locks are good idea. I also have some "pretty" tight containers from new wire that I use. I keep mine inside, rather than in the garage (more stablte temp, less condensation).

As to the reel ends ... the last 10' that the rollers can't push thru the torch leads ...

They pierce the skin real easily (experience) so maybe you could sell them to an acu-punctureist.

Or maybe offer them to some "TIG'er" (GTAW) for filler metal?

Bob

[Roger]

What a great idea! I need a new TIG welder to use my MIG real ends. Works for me.

[ZACHV]

Originally posted by Roger
What a great idea! I need a new TIG welder to use my MIG real ends. Works for me.

That will be hard to get by the "wife test"!!

[Ed Heimbach]

Bob ,Rodger, and Zach, You would be supprised what you can do with mig wire and a tig torch.
I guy I worked for years ago hooked up a water cooled tig torch to a Buggo o2 / c2h2 torch tractor, behind this he had a mig feeder spooling in filler wire. This rig made some impressive welds, but only on flat straight stuff.

[Guest]

Speaking of O/A torch tractor...here's something I did with mine...
I tied my spray arc torch to it, in this fashion.

I also used it for a TIG weld operation years ago, using a wiggler to oscillate the arc. Worked great.

[Guest]

a closer view...

[Guest]

and here is what it produced...

[ZACHV]

I have never seen a "torch tractor" before, but that thing is pretty neat!! I guess that was before the days of CNC, huh? I like it.