Wire rusting

admin

I ran out of wire so as i pulled the rest of it from the liner i saw some surface rust. My machine stays in my garage and i guess its a bit damp in there. Is this an issue? Should I wrap the welder in a plastic bag when im not using it? Its flux core if it makes any differenceLast edited by themow; 04-15-2009 at 07:32 PM.
Reply:The welders at work used to say it was an issue.I haven't had the problem myself because I carry the small MIG into the house and keep it in the basement between jobs so no rust.Gordie -- "I believe you understand what you think I said, but I'm not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant."
Reply:Come to Yuma, no rusting problem here unless it gets wet from the yard sprinkler system.  Then it will rust in about 3 hours.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Originally Posted by themowI ran out of wire so as i pulled the rest of it from the liner i saw some surface rust. My machine stays in my garage and i guess its a bit damp in there. Is this an issue? Should I wrap the welder in a plastic bag when im not using it? Its flux core if it makes any difference
Reply:This would be a good time to jump up to the left side of the page, to User CP, and fill in your location. 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Was looking around through welding forums and found a mig wire cleaner was about $30.00, had a close up look at it and it is nothting more than a small green peice of 3M scotchbrite with an office clip holding it on before the wire feed rollers, might want to give it a try, and make one for your problem.
Reply:I put silica gel or desicant ( used in packaging to absorb moisture ) in the box with my wire.  Dont know if it works but it must help.  The 15kg wire reels you buy here in OZ  have one in the plastic bag with the wire and someetimes stuck to the spool.
Reply:A friend of mine had the same problem. He got hold of a 60 watt 220V bulb and wired it into the supply for the welder and placed it under the side cover, worked great....Mike
Reply:I run my wire through a folded piece of scotchbrite then through a felt cleaner pad.I don't want the rust in my liner.Seems to help, been doing this for years.Tim Beeker.
Reply:Never seen rust on my MM 212. Liner must be coated or stainless. I wouldn't worry about it as long as it feeds ok. Flux core to my knowledge doesn't have a light copper coating so rust happens.
Reply:Yeah well,Rust, shavings from the wire, dust... is bad for the line.Anything that can accumulate in the liner is only going to cause problems. It may be better to buy the wire on smaller spools and use it quicker.Tim Beeker.
Reply:I had that problem a few years ago. Solved it by keeping a BBQ cover over the feeder unit. It's not closed at the bottom but it has never rusted again.
Reply:Better Solution,Here in VA and near the coast I've had problems with wire rusting when the spools are left mounted in the machines (Hobart and Miller).My solution (better than the light bulb which can burn out) was to use the Golden Rod Gunsaver dehumidifier rods.  The golden rod consists of an aluminum tube 3/4" in diameter and 12" long.  Comes with a 10' cord and a plug that is removable.  Only draws 8 watts and is guaranteed for life.  Also includes mounting brackets.  Cost is $19.95 plus shipping from Midway.I drilled a small (3/8") hole in the back of the cabinet of the MM251 and HH187, installed a grommet, mounted the golden rod, reinstalled the included plug,   Plugged it in and haven't had a problem with rusting since.  The 8w golden rod is designed to protect up to 100 cu. ft.Lot safer, cheaper, and longer lasting than a light bulb.  I've been using golden rods on boat lockers for years and have always been very happy with the product and results.  They make a range of rods from 12" long to 36" long.  I think the largest one draws about 25w.If they save one roll of wire, they've paid for themselves.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Thanks for that tip Sundown, I've seen those in gun cabinets, but never made the connection. Good idea.
Reply:That is a great solution for this problem....Time to go shopping.
Reply:My spool of fluxcore has light rust on it. Is it ok to still use it, or should I clean it somehow? I'd hate to through away a whole spool.ThanksLincoln Promig 180
Reply:any welding supply co. has lube pads. i use them and it helps to clean the wire before it goes into the liner. i use them without the lube, because the drive wheels start to slip if you put to much. i have a little light rust on the fluxcore and with the pads i have never had a problem with the welds. i've already had to put several pads on with a little lube on and it still welded fine.
Reply:I might try the scotchbright and see how that works.Lincoln Promig 180
Reply:will,Scotchbright and an office clip work better than nothing.  Still better to eliminate the rust before it starts though.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.