MIG consumables - noob questions...

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I realize this is probably like asking what the best beer is, but could I please get some input? I really feel stupid right now. I looked online & I have no idea what wire I should be buying for my MM175. First, I am running C25 & solid core wire. I would like to find some 0.024" & some 0.030" wire for light autobody work (indoors). What should I be looking for in regards to the type of wire? Are there any brands that I should avoid? I'm willing to pay a little extra if the wire will be more friendly to use... Second, where is a good online source for wire?Third, I can find Lincoln tips just about everywhere, but Miller contact tips are a pain to find around here. Same question - where is a good online source for contact tips? Thanks for the Oh, and in case you were wondering, the best beer is Yuengling http://www.yuengling.com/index.htm
Reply:Nice MIG welder! The .030 wire if fine for autobody work. A .024 wire is for really thin material. If you check www.millerwelds.com/education there are a few sections on MIG that will give you charts on wire selection. I buy wire only from my LWS (local welding supply) and they carry good wire. I see that weldingdepot.com has a bunch of supplies but I've never bought from them. Check the Miller site again for local suppliers, they will have your tips. If the MM175 has TWECO style tips, then they can be found at auto parts stores and local ACE Hardware. Yuck - no, no, no, that beer has a nasty skunky after taste. I much prefer Sam Adams or Killians Red.  John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Lincoln tips will work just fine in your MM175.  I used them more often than I did Miller tips because of the availability, as well.  The thread count and pitch are different, yes, but the tolerances are such that they will snug down and work just fine.Also, for autobody work, you might want to look into a wire called ESAB EasyGrind.  It's designed for easy grinding and works very well.  Could be worth the money to you.Sam Adams and Killians Red are good ones, as is Negra Modelo or Newcastle, among other similar types.
Reply:Originally Posted by MAC702Also, for autobody work, you might want to look into a wire called ESAB EasyGrind.  It's designed for easy grinding and works very well.  Could be worth the money to you.
Reply:I can't advise as to best wire.  I seem to use a lot of Lincoln SuperArc S-3 and S-6 'cause it's easy to find locally.Yuengling, blech.If you want a decent beer, you have to go to the Kensington section of Philadelphia.http://www.yardsbrewing.com/Ignore the police helicopters overhead and enjoy![(rated among top 5 in the country for some of their varieties)]Also, at least two excellent LWS's as well as a place that manufactures flap disks and other finishing supplies not far from there.  Get your supplies and then stop in for a beer!
Reply:You will notice the diff with the ESAB easygrind.  I think it comes in 15 lb spools.  Much easier for body work.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Im using a roll of that s6 right now, its really good stuff.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:My advice,Take the advice of these guys, find out exactly what you want before you go buy. I made the mistake of asking the salesman at Oxarc the same exact question in the beginning of this thread. "What wire do I need?" I told him what I was doing and such. Next thing I knew, I was paying 49 bucks for a 10 pound roll of .30 (Non-flux) OUCH!!I won't go there again. Luckily, I found an old friend in the business so I'm not getting ripped anymore.Bill