Anybody have a 10# (8 inch) spool of hardfacing wire?

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As the title says, anybody have a 10# (8 inch diameter) spool of 0.035 or maybe some types of 0.045 hardfacing wire, self or dual-shield?  Partially used spool maybe?Looking for metal-to-earth abrasion, mild impact, prefer no/minimal cross-checking.My machine can 'drive' 0.035 and some types of 0.045.  It can't do spray.  SP175Plus.The wire makers -say- they make it on 8 inch spools.  Stoody 965-G in 0.035 on a 5# spool, In-Weld HyAlloy most wires, etc, etc.  But nobody that I've called actually has such products.  LWS called In-Weld direct, no go there either.It seems like the makers will make it if I order a pallet-worth.  Ouch.  Otherwise, such a product seems to be unobtanium.  Or only made on 12 inch spools (25-33-44 pounders).I'm trying to hardface the skid-shoes on my walk-behind snowblower.  I've already rebuilt and beefed them up from 'stock', but just using plain mild steel.  The shoes don't last one winter, stock or beefed up.    Although the beefed up ones do indeed last longer than stock, it's still a pretty short life span.Any of you 'shop' guys have such an 8 inch spool you would part with?  Nothing on ebay that  I've seen so far on 8 inch spools for hardfacing.And a single spool -should- cost less than getting a DC stick machine -and- some hardfacing sticks.  No, I don't have a stick machine.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:I think S. 964-G would be better than 965.  964 is equivalent to 2134 stick.Call Stoody Customer Service and talk to your local area rep; he may know how or where to get what you need in a reasonablr quantity. Phone number is (800) 227-9333. I just got a new catalog a few months ago.
Reply:Do you have a torch? If so you could use borium.
Reply:Why not get a larger spool and wind some of the contents onto a smaller spool?  I am not saying that this is ideal, but it might be a way to get er done if you can't find the wire on the smaller spools.  Also - McKay makes hardfacing wire, you might ask your LWS about that.
Reply:Ram Welding Supply has a good price on hard facing wire.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Thanks for some leads folks.weldrwomw, I'm probably going to use less than a pound (more like ounces, if that!) of wire.  I really don't want to buy ~$300-500 worth of hardface wire on a 25 or 33 lb spool.  That's a smaller wallet-ouch than a pallet-worth, but it's still an Ouch!oldiron2, Stoody's catalog claims they make 965-G in 0.035.  My machine can run those parameters just fine.  964-G looks like a nice wire with better abrasion resistance than 965 (due to the carbides), except the smallest diameter wire listed is 0.045 on a 33 lb spool (12 inch spool) needing 195-275 amps at 18-22 volts.  My machine doesn't have enough snot to drive that.  :sad:  By the time it gets up to its max 175 amps, the voltage is down closer to 16 volts IIRC.  Not enough snot to drive 0.045 964-G, and it's on a 12 inch 33 lb spool.I don't think the dear wife will be too happy if I drop ~$2k on a Lincoln PM255XT machine.    Much as I think I'd like the machine and all.Tozzi,Almost.  I just checked Ram's website.  They list a 10 pound spool of 0.035 FCAW wire! Ranomatic-D But then I looked up the parameters.  175-325 amps at 22-26 volts flat position only.  Not enough snot on my machine.Hmmm, but the 0.045 Ranomatic DD-G claims 150-250 amps using gas (C25 or CO2).  No voltage listed though.  Says it's an all-position wire wire, so maybe it can run in short-circuit transfer and not just spray and my machine -might- just have enough snot to run that wire at the lower parameters.  I'll try and give Ram a call in the morning about that wire, or dig around on the net some more to see if I can find more running parameters.Again, thanks folks.  Any more leads or ideas, post 'em up!  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:You my friend have just found the down side of hardsurfacing. It is not cheap.  Just bite the bullet and just like we have to do.Other thing, don't try to re spool it either. The wire will break. I have tried a couple of times and it don't work.
Reply:Ag,I knew it wouldn't be all that cheap.  But nobody seems to even have 8 inch spools of hardface wire, although the makers list that they make that.  And buying a pallet of wire to get the maker to actually make the 8 inch spools is just NOT gonna happen I mean, not every mobile welder is running a 12VS suitcase.  They run lots of 8VS suitcase feeders (or equivalent) too!And I really wasn't going to try and respool wire.  Birdsnests and tangled wire and so forth, no thank you.Even if I hardface all the edges of the impeller, and the skid shoes, and the wear-edge (which I've also already rebuilt), I might use a pound or so of wire.  What would I do with the other 24 or 32 pounds?    And it wouldn't fit in the machine.I have thought about rigging up an external spindle and then running the wire through a hole in the back of the machine's case, and then into the drive rolls, but again that would leave me with 24 or 32 pounds of hardface wire still sitting around.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Moonrise,Sorry, I didn't check the catalog catalog for size or read carefully to notice your need for the .035. I still think that calling the reps might lead to a 'sample' or maybe somewhere in the country where you can buy just 5#.What about friends in the area who have bigger equipment you could use, or a torch you could borrow? Maybe rent a torch for a day? You're 'kinda far' from me.
Reply:Hey let me look around the shop. I might have some samples of some UTP 2020 wire. Wire is some good stuff. I will let you know tomorrow.Aaron
Reply:Moonrise I may have an option for you I'll PM you.
Reply:what is hard surfacning wire and what it used for?
Reply:Don't you have a buddy with a stick welder you can use??   You could buy a box of hard surface rod for yourself and buy a box of your buddy's favorite rod and a case of his favorite brew as a thank you to him for burning on his machine.   MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:DR,One of my buds may or may not have a stick machine.  I know he has at least one welder, don't know the details.But right now I'm waiting for the California business day to start so I can hopefully get some correct operating parameters for some of the Rankin wires that Ram (thanks for the supplier lead Tozzi  ) lists.  I think the values that Ram listed for the 0.035 Ranomatic-D FCAW hardfacing wire aren't right at all.  Methinks 325 amps at 26 volts would pretty much vaporize 0.035 FCAW wire!  Another distributer's catalog page claims 17-22 V and 90-150 amps for that 0.035 wire, which sounds much more reasonable for an 0.035 FCAW wire to me.  So I emailed Rankin and am waiting on their answer.  Their webpage is a bit slim on the detailed tech info.  If/when I get the parameter info from Rankin, -then- I'll call Ram about actual stock/availability.  Ram's prices for some possible wires are much more reasonable at $8-$15 per pound.Oldiron, I had found a supplier who might have had some 965-G in 0.035 on the 5# spool.  For $35 a pound!  Plus shipping.  I passed on that one.  Again, thanks for the help and ideas so far folks.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:I do plenty of hardfacing, in this case, if you have the equipment, and the time, I'd just weld a sacrificial piece of steel on each side.  Something hard if possible, but even MS in a pinch.   Only takes a few minutes, why spend $$$  if you don't have to?  If it wears, just weld another piece on, not a big deal.  The big thing about hardfacing,,,,,  is the cost/benefit factor, if something is easy and cheap to fix, usually not worth hardfacing.   From experience,  I can tell you most of the gas shielded Rankin wires (and almost every other brand), can go on much colder than the specs.  Especially in your case, very little impact resistance needed, mostly simply wear.   In fact, hardfacing applied cold is actually harder than applied hot, since you have less mixing of parent material and hardfacing.It may not look pretty, but who cares????Last edited by mark8310; 02-25-2009 at 12:54 PM.
Reply:mark,I'm looking into the hardfacing option because I'm getting tired of replacing/rebuilding the skid shoes in mild steel every season/year.Heck, I bought a welder because I was tired of paying $30 for a pair of OEM skid shoes every year!    Among other reasons.  I have reached the point where time has become a commodity.  And hardfacing should allow the parts to wear out slower and thus extend the time between rebuilds.Thanks for the info that the wires can often run 'colder' than spec.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:MoonRise, have you tried using a chunk of T-1, or AR-400, etc?I have had 3/4" T-1 plate on the bottom of a ski/skid on a piece of equipment that has a few thousand hrs. of sliding around on asphalt, and it is still going strong. No special wire needed to install.(I have usually used trimark TM-1101K3-M which is high tensile.)
Reply:Even if you are not planning on re-spooling, I did want to say that not all hardfacing wire is brittle.   I welded with some 1/8th hardfacing wire the other day and it was not brittle at all    Of course you need about 500-600 amps to get it to flow just right
Reply:Hobart has this stuff targeted towards smaller machines and in smaller quanitites. Could be you LWS might be able to order ???  From another board a poster just got some at $13.00 a pound on a ten pound roll. http://www.hobartbrothers.com/aboutus/mckay_armorwear/
Reply:daddy,Yup, thought about using some AR pieces.  Don't have any laying around, and haven't made a trek up to the steel yard to look for an off-cut yet.weldrwomn,You and your 'small' machines.   500-600 amps Yikes, that's cooking!  But I bet it wasn't on an 8 inch diameter spool, now was it? Sandy,Thanks for another product lead.  Maybe the LWS or another supplier might have that stuff or can get it.  The local Tractor Supply has a lot of Hobart stuff, I can try there too.Still waiting for Rankin to reply to my tech questions about their wires.  Did I miss a news event and did So Cal fall into the ocean today?    I didn't think so, Sandy posted here.  Again, thanks for the leads and help and such.Sigh, if only it was easier ...  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:just a FYI,someone on the Hobart site bought as hardfacing 10lb spool of wire for $13.00 from there LWS. It was in the farm forum, and he used it for welding horse shoes. If you need some you might want to check it out. and if your LWS want an arm and an leg for it, you might see if he will give you the number to the store he bought it from and have them ship it to ya.
Reply:Originally Posted by ace4059bought a hardfacing 10lb spool of wire for $13.00
Reply:No reply from Rankin at all.LWS at first said that they couldn't  get Hobart stuff.  Then they said they'd call and check.  Crossing my fingers, they said they could get that McKay 10 lb spool for me.  We'll see.Yeah ace, I didn't think a 10 lb spool of wire could be had for $13.00.  Not even plain mild steel wire is that cheap!  Thanks for the clarification though.I'll post if/when the stuff gets in.  If/when I get it, I'll post a follow up (somewhere) about the wire.Thanks for the help and possible alternative construction choices and the leads folks.  I do appreciate it.  If anyone has any more thoughts or ideas or leads, post 'em up.  Cause I'm not counting the chickens until they're hatched and in the hand.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Some years ago I spoke to a Rankin Rep and got some small samples, probably of hardface material. He was helpful but the company may be short of help or ???  I don't think I got any of their literature or have any good contact numbers, though.I just ordered some regulator parts today; I've been told in the past by some that such parts aren't available due to liability, but the fellow I spoke to said that's rarely true, more likely the 'clerks'  (these were LWS) just didn't want to bother. In California, the 'Prop 65' about "cancer hazards" must be given out with all materials requiring it, which is a PITA.
Reply:I   think htp had a hardfacing wire in smaller spools.  Call them and ask.  From their websiteHardfacing Wire - Our Flux Cored Hardfacing Wire is a multi purpose hardsurfacing wire that can be used in a wide range of applications to prevent wear or to repair worn parts such as plow shears or harrow teeth. This is a high carbon, chromium alloy with molybdenum which produces a Rockwell "C" hardness of 50. This wire provides unbelievable resistance to severe abrasion, at the same time offering great impact resistance.Part# Size Material Spool Diameter Weight81035 .035" Flux Cored Hardfacing Wire 8" 10 lbs.82535 .035" Flux Cored Hardfacing Wire 12" 25 lbs.http://www.usaweld.com/products/weld...dfacing%20WireWhen I checked a while back it was less than 100 bucks I think.Just took a look at the Rankin site   http://www.strongweldingproducts.com...tomorders.html and found this below:Custom OrdersPlease call us with your specialty hardfacing and joining needs. Our skilled chemists and metallurgists take care and pride in crafting custom solutions for our customers.Our wear solution engineering team is ready to help you find the right solution for your job. Call Rankin Industries™ at 858.684.5000 or toll free at 1.800.854.2159 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your needs.
Reply:I got a reply from Rankin about the tech specs on some of their wires.  They list several wires in 0.035 diameter on 8 inch spools (10 pound).But I had already told the LWS to order the McKay ArmorWear wire in 0.035 on an 8 inch spool (10 pound).  Just waiting for it to come in.  If I don't hear from the LWS today, I'll give them (what seems to be  ) my weekly call to check on the order status.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:A lot of times these LWS have minimum orders before they can order something from the mfgr..  If you want one or two rolls,  the minimum order on a specialty product may be half a pallet.  So they "ride" your order as long as they can until they can get enough up to satisfy the minimum order qty.  Sometimes they can still special order but pay huge fees to do so.  So if they still don't have it,  I wouldn't be suprised.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:status update:Called LWS about order/product.  Still not in.They said when they placed the order, they were told it was available and in stock.  Which is/was true, but apparently the available stock was shipped out to someone/somewhere else.  LWS told me they told (McKay?) WTF.  LWS was told next production run of the 0.035 McKay ArmorWear on a 10 lb spool is in about a month.So I wait.  Annoyed, but there is no real production/schedule on my end.  It's for me and by me, so I wait.But I'm now on a firstname basis with the LWS.    The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Finally got some.  8 inch spool of 0.035 FCAW hardfacing wire, that is.  LWS made an error on their price quote to me, but they honored the price they said.    I don't know if it was their price, or a pallet-worth price, or what, but they honored what they said.  I made -sure- I said thank you and that I appreciated their standing by their word.btw, that price was in the single-digit price/pound.  With tax and all, it didn't cross into triple-digits for the spool.  Next, some time to cut and grind and fab new skid shoes and then run some test beads of the hardface wire.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:I'm glad you finally got the wire. I hate looking for something that should seem so simple, but everyone scratches they're head when you ask. Just a thought, but could you have welded small pads of leaf spring material onto the skid to act like a solid hardfacing surface? You can get leaf springds for next to nothing and often free, they are made of some pretty hard spring steel. I couldn't see wearing thru that material in a normal season of snow blowing.