wire feed welder question

[Davy Crockett]

Wondering if there is a trick to cleaning or lubing a dirty liner, The welder has had a rough and dirty life but I'm sure the liner hasn't been squashed or kinked it's just dirty. I blew it out with air both directions with the same results. Blow graphite through it ??

 

[Beckler]

Is it acting like the wire is jumping/ catching? If so it's worn out and youll need to replace it

 

[Davy Crockett]

no, it seems to feed smooth with no chatter but I can hear the drive progressively pull down the closer the wire gets to the tip and it usually kinks before the wire even comes out the other end, when I pull the wire back out it feels smooth. I am trying flux core wire and it's not as rigid as solid core

 

[wby257]

Have you replaced the rollers? Or flipped them?

 

[Kickemup]

I would change the liner. The tip is not plugged is it? That will cause the problem u are having also

 

[Davy Crockett]

I tinkered with the tensioner and the rollers but I don't think I flipped the grooves around since it hasn't been used a lot , I guess it would be worth a try. I was wondering about blowing a solvent or brake cleaner through the liner then some graphite when it's dry .

 

[Beckler]

Make sure u have the right size rollers for the wire I would avoid spraying any thing in it might mess with your weld

 

[westwolfone]

It's probably the wire. IMHO flux core doesn't weld as good either.

 

[Davy Crockett]

Thanks, I just read up on wire and see that not all wire is created equal, This is a spool that I got at Harbor freight about 10 years ago but still looks like new, Before I threw away the wire that had balled up I folded it accordion style and wrapped the tail around the mess, It wrapped like it was twine. I am not much of a fan of flux core wire either but it works ok for small jobs out in the wind or spot welding.

 

[Beckler]

I've used Flux core on big jobs with no problems. the type of steel your welding on makes a big difference too, a hobby welder usually don't know the specs of the material their welding on. That can play into it a lot that why theirs all those different types of wire/rod

 

[jer79]

back in my welding days we used these ( MIG Welding Wire Cleaning Pad ).. if you google it youll know what I mean, maybe you are using it already. that goes on between your wire spool and the rollers. then we would put a little "weld matic" oil, or whatever its called. seems to help , keeps the dust out of the liner and that oil keeps things moving smoother. praxair or someone like that would sell it. it probably is junk wire or a bad liner etc. but those seem to help if your looking for something to help it move smoother.

 

[Davy Crockett]

I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so according to MSDS sheet lube-matic is solvent and polymer. I fed it some cleaning solvent and compressed air and when it shot out the other end was blacker than the ace of spades. It feeds good now and the drive motor doesn't pull down like it did. "Patch" says not to dry hole her so if it gives me more trouble I will take his advice and get some lube-matic.