Buying mig welding wire

[Dubdecks]

I will need to purchase some more mig wire for my welder very soon,

I'm not sure what thickness I'm using just now is it a case of measuring it ?

I have a couple of questions

1. what determines the thickness of the wire ?

2 are the rolls/holders the same size(so it fits my machine)

** im welding automotive bits from body panels to chassis legs if this make a difference.

 

[Wallace]

The size may be marked on the roll but measure the wire diameter, it will most likely be 0.6mm or 0.8mm. Depending on what machine you have governs the maximum roll size in weight, 1kg, 5kg or 15kg. Most hobby machines accept the 1 & 5kg rolls.

 

[rtbcomp]

Are you using it with gas or is it flux cored wire?

Isn't there a label on the reel? The grooved roller should have a marking on it, most likely 0.6 or 0.8. The copper tip may even me marked with the size.

If you're using it on bodywork it's most likely 0.6

 

[Dubdecks]

thanks I shall measure it today, although your right im sure the tip has it stamped on it, unfortunately the label has been half ripped off,
i haven't had this welder long but I'm guessing its a 15kg as its a big machine
Where is the best place to get wire from, i pass a BOC shop on my way home

 

[rtbcomp]

You're best getting it from a proper welding supplier rather than a hobby shop, the latter tend to buy wire from wherever it's cheapest and stick their own brand label on it.

Measure the diameter of the spool if you're not sure, the supplier will be able to tell from that.

 

[Jim Davey]

BOC do good wire at reasonable prices. It's usually not that cost effective to shop around too far on wire as its heavy so expensive to ship, so it's probably best to buy locally.
Ask about the non CE marked wire (they were selling it for £10 roll round here but that was probably stock clearance rather than an ongoing offer) if not about £18.00 a roll for 0.8mm isn't bad, 0.6mm will be considerably more expensive.

 

[Dubdecks]

Thanks guys

 

[Cobbler]

Take a bit of the wire in with you if you are not sure. The supplier will identify it immediately, if you see the 2 together there is a very noticeable difference.

 

[cliff366]

I'm to getting ready to buy some new wire what's the best make /price don't mind paying a little extra but like you say the p&p is a killer at times think my last lot was super6 brand

 

[Daneishwelder]

Where do you live mate I've got sif 1.0mm wire and esab 1.0mm wire