I have heard some talk about using a wire cleaner and or a lubricator used on mig welders, where it is installed between the wire spool and the guide, but I haven't noticed anything like this for sale in any of the stores that I have been in that sell welding suplies. Are there any of you using one of these, and if so what are you using.
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Mig wire lubricator and cleaner
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Re: Mig wire lubricator and cleaner
Originally posted by gnewby
I have heard some talk about using a wire cleaner and or a lubricator used on mig welders, where it is installed between the wire spool and the guide, but I haven't noticed anything like this for sale in any of the stores that I have been in that sell welding suplies. Are there any of you using one of these, and if so what are you using.
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Rocky D what is the IMHO at the end of your post. The shop mechanic where I work at swears by spraying a little WD 40 down the liner ever once in awhile he said keeps the wire feeding through it better with no sticking etc. looks to me like something like that would also help at gooing things up whats your thoughts.
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Rocky D.
Due liners really last for 3 or 4, 44# spools of wire. One liner should last me a lifetime.
Seems like any liquid lube (wd-40 or teflon spray) would eventually work its way to the tip and burn into goo or ash.
Maybe a very small amount graphite, but I would pass on wire lubing.
My guess is "In My Humble Opinion" ... sounds like Rocky D.
BobLast edited by Bob; 12-08-2002, 07:18 PM.
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Originally posted by gnewby
Rocky D what is the IMHO at the end of your post. The shop mechanic where I work at swears by spraying a little WD 40 down the liner ever once in awhile he said keeps the wire feeding through it better with no sticking etc. looks to me like something like that would also help at gooing things up whats your thoughts.
I wouldn't spray any petroleum product in the liner that is eventually get to the wire and burn, and make toxic fumes to breathe, not to mention the effect the residue will have on the weld. Just not a good idea, IMHO. As I said before, if you have correct pressure on the feed rollers, it won't be flaking your wire too much, and if it does, being free of goo, you can blow it out with compressed air quite easily.
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I am glad to hear what the IMHO is, I didn't know if it was a typing error or if I was not understanding something that should have been real simple. Sounds like the wire cleaner and lubricator is something I don't or shouldn't need to worry about. I usually keep right after the solid wire until I get it used up, but the flux wire sometimes sits for about 6 months or so without being used, and it is more what I was wondering about useing something on in case it was trying to get rusted up or something. I try to keep the wire inside a cabinet if I am not going to be using it for quite awhile.
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Gnewby,
I commonly run my wire through one of those foam ear plugs before it gets to the inlet guide. You would be surprised what kind of gunk it cleans off of the wire before entering the drive roll. They are cheap and readily available. The more dirt you keep out of the liner, the longer you'll keep welding without trouble.Arbo & Thor (The Junkyard Dog)
The Next Loud Noise You Hear Is Me!
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The ones I use appear to be a chunk of felt about 1" in diameter and 1-1/4 inches long that just clip over the wire between the reel and the feed rolls. the lube I have came in a small (about 4 oz) squirt can. clip the felt on on and wet it with the lube. I use my welder intermittently so i figure it will help keep the wire clean. I just give it a few squirts every time I use it. 4 felts and the lube were probably under $10 total.
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I use them right out of the pack. When you run a new spool of wire, just punch the wire thru the ear plug and send it to the drive roll. The plug runs up against the inlet tube and stays there. Very effective!Arbo & Thor (The Junkyard Dog)
The Next Loud Noise You Hear Is Me!
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Originally posted by Arbo
I use them right out of the pack. When you run a new spool of wire, just punch the wire thru the ear plug and send it to the drive roll. The plug runs up against the inlet tube and stays there. Very effective!
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Originally posted by DaveD
The ones I use appear to be a chunk of felt about 1" in diameter and 1-1/4 inches long that just clip over the wire between the reel and the feed rolls. the lube I have came in a small (about 4 oz) squirt can. clip the felt on on and wet it with the lube. I use my welder intermittently so i figure it will help keep the wire clean. I just give it a few squirts every time I use it. 4 felts and the lube were probably under $10 total.
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National Welders here in Raleigh is where I got the felt pieces. I think they have branches throughout the US (major cities). national Welders have a website but it isn't the best (mostly fluff to me). You still have to buy it locally. No internet orders. Having said that though, the local place treats me super, they spend time putting up with me (a home hobbiest), answering questions, etc when I am just contemplating buying something. Bought a Lincoln 200 MIG from them. I understand there is a BIG natl welders catalog but I don't have one and haven't pursued how to go about getting one.
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clean is good
Over the last 20 years in the rental business, I have found that after a rental I would remove the gun from the feeder and use brake parts cleaner and follow up with compressed air to blow out the liner. You would not belive the junk that comes out. The felt wiper or ear plugs do work great to catch the junk. PS I pull the liner out of the gun lead because the brake parts cleaner will soften some of the plastic used in many feeder guns. After reassembly I test weld all units. If the liner dose not get kincked it will last a long time.XMT 300CC/CV (yes it still works)
Bobcat 225, Hobart Hefty CC/CV wire feeder, Profax spool gun,Victor & Smith O/A, Lincoln Tombstone(sold), Airco HF box (old Miller) MM175, IR 4KW gen set,all paid for, all work. My newest addition MM130 salvaged from a Kitrina flood area. Cleaned up and works great. . Just added a Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC, total cost to repair both less than $200.00, they both work great...another Katrina cast off.
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Here is a sitr for wire cleaners I found. it is at
Prevent, reduce, or remove spatter formation on nozzles, tips, and diffusers. Protects parts, tooling, and fixtures from spatter build-up. Eliminates costly grinding, and the spatter wipes away easily.
Don't know if it works or anything about it. Tim
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