Deoxidized copper MIG wire?

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I weld a fair amount of copper using deoxidized copper filler wire, TIG process.   I would like to try using MIG to weld copper.   I have no idea how well it might work, as I have not seen any references to anybody using MIG to weld copper.  I would of course use pure argon gas.Note that I am not interested in using silicon bronze MIG wire on copper, as I don't like the color match.I have not seen many places that sell deoxidized copper MIG wire, and what I have found is 0.045 inch dia, too large for the thinner copper that I typically weld, 0.043 inch (1mm) thick.Any suggestions on where to buy deoxidized copper MIG wire in 0.030 or 0.035 inch diameter, in 4 inch spools?   If I get some wire I will probably put it in my spoolgun.  I would also be interested in any experiences that people have had using MIG to weld copper.RichardSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:We mig weld copper where I work. Although it is usually 1/2- 3/4 thick full pen welds.  We have to preheat it with a rosebud and after 2 -3 passes stop and heat it up again. They are all UT'd. I'll go out and see what type of wire we use and get back to you.
Reply:Hey Richard,Here's where I get mine. I do some copper MIG & TIG for a fellow who makes copper tubing artistic taxidermy mounts & is also concerned with color match. On TIG, I just use regular solid copper electrical wire as it is deoxidized.Dennyhttp://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ml?id=KCqKBtHYComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:you're right, it is kind of hard to find small wire sizes in 2# rolls. a custom casket maker might be a useful source of info for you.here's one place (no experience, just sayin') which advertises availability conforming to your constraints (need to call for prices)http://libertyalloys.com/coppermig.htmXMT304 (school)SP125+ (home)HF 4x6 BandsawGood judgement comes from experience and much of that comes from bad judgement.
Reply:I've got no experience with this particular scenario, but I'm thinking that such small wire would birdsnest too easily to be very useful.  Maybe you could use it in a spool gun?
Reply:Originally Posted by rlitmanI've got no experience with this particular scenario, but I'm thinking that such small wire would birdsnest too easily to be very useful.  Maybe you could use it in a spool gun?
Reply:Originally Posted by ThorsHammerthe OP says he'd use it in the spool gun if he can find it.Denny,Your link only has .045.
Reply:Hey guys,I had to go look at the roll of ERCu I had, & yes, I made a mistake on where I got it. I looked everywhere trying to find where I got it....no luck so far. I do know it is a Washington Alloys manufacture & they are in NC, so you may want to contact them to find their outlets. Here's a pic of the roll I have & the website link.Dennyhttp://www.weldingwire.com/prodinfo.asp?prodID=189 Attached ImagesComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:I did contact Washington Alloys, and they referred me to the local distributor in Denver (Englewood).   The local distributor called Washington alloys, and he was told that it was only available in 8 inch spools.   Yes, I know that the photo above this post shows 0.035 inch wire in the 2 pound spools from Washington Alloys.  Not sure if I got bad info or if Washington alloys discontinued the small spools.I just sent an email to Welding Depot, we will see what they say.I also called my local welding store, they said that they would call California and see what was available.  The answer came back that I would need to buy a 30 pound spool, and the smallest wire available was 0.035 inch.   He mentioned ESAB and another supplier, indicated that he had contacted both suppliers.   His suggestion was TIG wire, which I already have.It is my intention to follow up on all leads until I hit a wall, so I will continue to pursue it, and let you know if I turn up a supplier.RichardLast edited by raferguson; 10-18-2011 at 04:45 PM.Reason: Add note about LWSSculptures in copper and other metalshttp://www.fergusonsculpture.comSyncrowave 200 Millermatic 211Readywelder spoolgunHypertherm 600 plasma cutterThermal Arc GMS300 Victor OA torchHomemade Blacksmith propane forge
Reply:A quick search on the Mcmaster website shows sizes from 0.003 to 0.064It's electrical wire and says "alloy 110" but doesn't say deoxidized.http://www.mcmaster.com/#metal-wire/=ejrkijClick on "copper wire" after clicking that link.  I couldn't find a direct linkLast edited by AndyA; 10-18-2011 at 05:21 PM.Reason: spelinDynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Hey Richard,I just happened to find the box that the roll of ERCu came in......I kept it to put my expired CO2 cartridges in. I did get it from WeldingDepot.....last year(2010). They still list in their product nomenclature .030-.045, although only show the .045 on the "Select"/"Quantity" box. I'd try to see if they would be willing to get you some .035 or you could opt to get the 10# roll of .035($115), rewind it onto 4" spools(5 spools), & if not needing that much, you could list it on E-Bay for $25/roll + shipping. That way you could recover your cost of the 10# spool. My invoice shows I paid $26 + $13s/h.=$39. I've already recovered the cost of the wire from the last (2) jobs I did. Hope this may give you some thought....Dennyhttp://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ml?id=Dzw6viXRComplete Welding/Machine/Fab. ShopMobile UnitFinally retired*Moderator*"A man's word is his honor...without honor there is nothing.""Words are like bullets.... Once they leave your muzzle, you cannot get them back."
Reply:the most compatable wire for mig welding the copper that the things are made out of and shear strips about 1/16 inch wide and use those strips to weld your copper pieces together. you can not get anything more compatable than some of the same material to tig weld the same stuff together. when all else fails improvise.................WELCOME HOME TO ALL VIET-NAM VETERANS
Reply:Those strips are going to be hard to go thought the wire feeder.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:Originally Posted by AndyAThose strips are going to be hard to go thought the wire feeder.
Reply:Hello Richard,I know this is an old thread but were you ever successful in finding Mig ERCu wire in 0.035 in small spools?If so how did it work out?I have some 0.064 copper sheet I'd like to try it on.  Want to get the colour match.Thanks.