Welding 1/8" wire rod

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Hi, I have a low volume on-going project that requires me to weld 1/8 inch wire rod. Basicaly it's a 44" long, 1/8" rod with 6 wire hooks on it at set intervals. Right now I have a jig set up and use a small wire welder to weld the hooks to the rod. It's slow because the weld is small and short so there's not much room for error. I need to get my weld just right from the second I pull the trigger - because I'm only going a half inch or so and it needs to look good. What I was wondering was, could I use a portable type spot welder for this task? Before I go and buy one I want to be sure it would be up to the job. I've never used a spot welder before so I don't know if this is even remotely workable on 1/8" wire. Any advice would be much appreciated.  Regards from the snowy northeast!Sean
Reply:Hi Sean, and welcome!Miller makes a pretty snappy little portable spot welder. Maybe you could talk to your LWS and see if they know of an owner of one.Matt
Reply:Got a auto-dark helmet? Help's big time for getting those itty-bitty welds right on the spotLow volume doesn't sound like it would pay for a machine purchase specifically to do this job.Try clipping your wire end each time. Best chance for getting a clean start on a quick trigger pull weld. How 'bout fusion gas weld or braze?I use .03 wire for these welds. It's a quick tap on the trigger for sure!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:i had a similar project to do, found that wirefeed wasnt working and found tig the best....
Reply:This is exactly the sort of thing that OA welding really shines at.  Folks use OA welding for the finest work (jewelry etc.).You can weld 1/8" wire all day long with OA and NEVER touch the grinder or a file - the welds come out perfectly clean and OA is a LOT cheaper than TIG.Go to your local tractor supply, pick up the $200 victor set and some tanks and get to work.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year