Wire size question...?

[CGCINC]

I've been using my IMIG200 with .030 wire in it, 2lb. spools. I'm almost out of my last 2lb. .030 wire and I have an 11lb. roll of .035.
The .030 wire is all I've used in this welder so this is why I'm asking about the .035.
I weld thinner material, 1/16", 1/8"..maybe 3/16"... Will the .035 wire be ok to run or should I save it and go get some .030?

I just don't want to load an 11lb. spool and then have to take it out mid roll if it doesn't work for me...

[CGCINC]

OK... I re-read the above post....

I know the wire will work fine. I'm just wondering if I'm better off with the thinner wire since most of what I weld is 1/8" or less...

[Rodsmachineshop]

1/16 welded with .035 on my i mig 205 , for exhaust and thin stuff i love .023 . .030 just seems just a tad thick for exhaust tubing welding but works ok .

[CGCINC]

So I would probably be better off sticking with the .030 !??!

[Rodsmachineshop]

I would if welding 1/16 and 1/8 .035 is sorta a pain to weld thin stuff with , found a place that sells .023 rollers on ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/MIG-WELDER-W...item19d1770330 he ships usa

[everlastsupport]

Rod, turn the gas on or get out of the wind man. hahahaha..

CGCINC, We here (not at Everlast, I actually weld too) always run .030 in the IMIG-200. Never fails. It will run .035 (change volts and wire speed). But I like .030 with that unit. The 205 and 250, they have a little more power and the .035 works well. Burned a lot of .030 in the IMIG250P as well.

But the IMIG200, I would get 11lbs of .030 myself. And you mentioned all thin metals, or pretty thin. My thoughts anyway.

[Rodsmachineshop]

I run .035 since all most everything i weld is 1/4 or larger , since have my lincoln with .023 for thin stuff

[Rodsmachineshop]

its the 2 big swamp coolers running lol big boys 8500 cfm coolers should of saw me getting that big cooler over my door way lol

[everlastsupport]

its the 2 big swamp coolers running lol big boys 8500 cfm coolers should of saw me getting that big cooler over my door way lol

Too funny. I see where the draft is coming from there. I have the same setup but smaller.

[Rodsmachineshop]

yey have it ducted in the back to draw fresh air from the door way , it was darn hot today need to put some roof vents in to let the hot air escape in the ceiling area

[SeanMurphy265]

I run .035, I've never tried anything else! Sounds like a spool gun may be a good option for you.

[EchoSixMike]

Run .030 wire, keep the .035 on the shelf, it'll keep until you get a heavy metal project where it's worth switching. S/F....Ken M

[everlastsupport]

Store the smaller spools in zip lock bags, press air out with some silica bags. Should last a long time.

[CGCINC]

NEW QUESTION:

Cyberweld has an 11lb. roll of .030 Harris wire for $40.80 plus shipping... Good price?

Where do you guys buy at besides the local welding shop, they are high priced on spools.

[Injected65]

In a pinch I have bought rolls of wire from Harbor Freight. I'm no professional or anything but it seemed to weld just fine. I normally run .035" wire and it works pretty well except for thin exhaust tubing or sheet metal work. Then the .023" is pretty nice to have around.

Chris

[everlastsupport]

weldingcity.com I think is the guy. Wire is low cost and I have had 0 problems. But I got them on sale, bought other things, to the shipping did not kill me.

[CGCINC]

weldingcity.com I think is the guy. Wire is lot cost and I have had 0 problems. But I got them on sale, bought other things, to the shipping did not kill me.

Wow, $25 for an 11lb. roll at weldingcity. How do you know what brand wire it is???

[EchoSixMike]

weldingsupply.com 's brick and mortar building is my LWS(EWS Welding). 12.5lbs spool of Lincoln Super arc is $30 plus S&H. Walkup sales are slightly cheaper than listed internet prices. S/F.....Ken M

[Rodsmachineshop]

wow get a 44 pound roll 035 wire for 49 bucks at my local parts store

[everlastsupport]

Wow, $25 for an 11lb. roll at weldingcity. How do you know what brand wire it is???

I paid $10 for 11lb spools on a sale last Dec.. Was like a 2 for one. No problems with the wire at all.

On the brand. What brand wire is the Harbor Freight wire? Lincoln wire is made in Mexico, not sure what the name of the factory is there either, but it is stamped on the box.

I've used his stuff and no problems. The 2% lanthanated tungsten is rock solid too.