Mig Welding Wire Guide

There is a wide range of different MIG welding wire available, welding wires geared towards and most suitable for different uses and applications so really, there is no "universal" type of welding wire which is suitable for all purposes (unfortunately).

Choosing the best mig welding wire for your needs is crucial, it is one of the easiest ways to save (or waste) copious amounts of money if you make a good (or ill-informed) choice. Such cost saving goes beyond and way deeper than saving a few dollars to the pound or kilo of welding wire, you have to factor in other variables such as production and cleaning processes, labour costs, training etc.

Some mig welding wire maybe more volatile than others, meaning that safety measures have to be devised, enforced and regulated. Dont risk a potential law suit by using an ineffective wire simply because it is cheaper.

One of the most popular MIG welding wire currently on the market is a premium copper coated wire sold under the brand name "Super Arc L-50." Basically, Super Arc L-50 is highly malleable, allowing the user to shape into whatever shape required, is very easy to clean(thereby allowing for easier cleaning) and also is able to resist the rusting process. It also boasts a 50,000 psi(pounds per square inch) yield strength. The yield strength of any given material as the point at which that material begins to undergo an irreversible change in form due to pressure.

One of the most common problems that hobbyists and amateur welders alike is wire feed problems, often people tend to use cheaper welding wire, which just doesn't provide sufficient psi to be suitable for the job. MIG welding wire is VERY, VERY sensitive to both the condition of the liner, as well as to the wire feeders settings. During the preparation stage of the welding wire, make sure that the first three inches of the wire is cut as neatly and as straight as possible, this will minimise the possibility of any damage to the liner as the wire is fed through.

Whatever you do, don't let go of the wire! If it slips out of your control then it will most likely unravel and tangle, which will then cause damage to both the wire as well as the liner. As a general piece of advice, make sure that there is no rust on the actual wiring, the rust will cause friction thereby making the wire more slippery thereby making it tougher to feed it through. It will also cause damage to the wire liner, as the ragged and abrasive surface of the wires are rubbed against the lining of the wire liner. Whenever you are finished with the welding wire, make sure to return it back indoors so as to avoid the rusting process from occurring. Whilst different types of welding wire are more or less resistant to rusting, this simple precaution can save you money and lots of it!

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