Tig welding wire

[mikewilliams]

This is my first post on this forum so I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Mike and I am a welder. I have been welding for approximately 18years in different industries(nuclear/agricultural/General fabrication/bodybuilding) using the most common welding processes tig/mig/stick.
I have recently bought myself a tig set for home use.(thermal arc 202ac dc).
Just wondering where you guys get your filler wire from?
There are a couple of welding supplies near me but their prices are extortionate.
Thanks for looking
Mike.

 

[Chris Stevens]

Not sure if they will deal direct with retail customers but if they do I guess they would be the cheapest:http://www.specialisedwelding.co.uk/index.php

 

[mikewilliams]

Thanks for the reply I'll look into it.
Also has anyone used rapid welding supplies?

 

[eSCHEn]

Hi Mike and welcome

Rapid are a great company to deal with.

I get my filler locally as the chap sells it by weight. What sort of filler are you after? Mild, SS, Al or something more exotic?

 

[NickyEng]

Mike try www.*removed for legal reasons*.co.uk.
It's European unbranded but it's probably made by one of the big boys.
I buy my wire from them it's a fraction of the cost mate

 

[eSCHEn]

Mike try www.*removed for legal reasons*.co.uk.
It's European unbranded but it's probably made by one of the big boys.
I buy my wire from them it's a fraction of the cost mate

Looks like super six rebranded from the pack design Nicky?

 

[TechnicAl]

Mike try www.*removed for legal reasons*.co.uk.
It's European unbranded but it's probably made by one of the big boys.
I buy my wire from them it's a fraction of the cost mate

Id put money on that A18 being Chinese.........£10.99 for 5Kg

The A15 is £30....now that may be European........A15 is really a British Spec not sold much anywhere else..........the A17 is the European / American equivalent and thats £18.99......again probably Chinese

I might be wrong

 

[NickyEng]

Fair enough sure you a right Al but it gives good value to the guy, he's not welding up a pipe on the primary circuit of Sellafield

 

[NickyEng]

This is my first post on this forum so I would like to introduce myself.
My name is Mike and I am a welder. I have been welding for approximately 18years in different industries(nuclear/agricultural/General fabrication/bodybuilding) using the most common welding processes tig/mig/stick.
I have recently bought myself a tig set for home use.(thermal arc 202ac dc).
Just wondering where you guys get your filler wire from?
There are a couple of welding supplies near me but their prices are extortionate.
Thanks for looking
Mike.

Mike there's also Highland industrial supplies. I buy quite a bit of stuff from them.
They are www.hisltd.co.uk
Great to deal with

 

[NickyEng]

Thanks for the reply I'll look into it.
Also has anyone used rapid welding supplies?

Yes rapid are another very good company
Bought my miller tig pedal from them and also my new Lincoln Viking helmet

 

[Chris Stevens]

I would find it strange if pretty much all welding filler doesnt come from China now, and not sure that if other than packaging and price, if there is truly any noticeable difference?

 

[TechnicAl]

I would find it strange if pretty much all welding filler doesnt come from China now, and not sure that if other than packaging and price, if there is truly any noticeable difference?

Skilled welders see the difference straight away

 

[Chris Stevens]

Skilled welders see the difference straight away

Can you suggest any wire which deffo isnt Chinese made? I generally use ESAB and SIF wire, and I would guess that some of their wire does come from China, and other than being a "skilled welder" is there any way to tell where its been made?

 

[TechnicAl]

ESAB isnt chinese..........SIF might be

Esab manufacture in Czech Republic
Lincoln manufacture mild steel MIG wire in Sheffield

SIF are resellers

 

[mikewilliams]

Thanks guy's not looking for anything exotic just stainless/mild & Ali.
Rapid welding it is then!

 

[NickyEng]

Skilled welders see the difference straight away

Al not everyone needs or can afford certified consumables like oerlikon or esab. I appreciate the quality difference but the guy might be making something for his workshop not welding a reactor pipe. You said stuff maybe Chinese from one of my suppliers but the guy is left not knowing what to buy as you didn't say " use it or not use it" only that you think it's Chinese.
I know that it might not be quite as good as oerlikon but I haven't had any bother with it. I just struggling to see why everytime someone recommends something which is not the leading brand of rod, welder, toilet brush whatever it gets discredited without further explanation.

 

[TechnicAl]

Al not everyone needs or can afford certified consumables like oerlikon or esab. I appreciate the quality difference but the guy might be making something for his workshop not welding a reactor pipe. You said stuff maybe Chinese from one of my suppliers but the guy is left not knowing what to buy as you didn't say " use it or not use it" only that you think it's Chinese.
I know that it might not be quite as good as oerlikon but I haven't had any bother with it. I just struggling to see why everytime someone recommends something which is not the leading brand of rod, welder, toilet brush whatever it gets discredited without further explanation.

Youve answered your own question really............you pays your money and you takes your chance

I dont think I should be telling anyone what to use but if I can help them make an informed decision I will

 

[NickyEng]

Exactly what I Was doing too. The op asked for a tig rod supplier and I assisted. He never requested a specific brand otherwise I would of directly sent him to rapid, His or weldmet

 

[TechnicAl]

Exactly what I Was doing too. The op asked for a tig rod supplier and I assisted. He never requested a specific brand otherwise I would of directly sent him to rapid, His or weldmet

I know...that wasnt in dispute...........I wasnt disagreeing with you

 

[gordon stephenson]

As a hobby welder I always go for good brand wire and rods like Lincoln or EWM. for the amount I use I prefer to
Pay the extra cost, which is only a few pounds anyway. At least that way I know any bad welds are down to me.