Lincoln wire

Debs. · Feb 12, 2010

Tried a new roll of weldequip`s 'Lincoln SupraMIG' mild steel wire today.....what an improvement over the Machine Mart sourced previous (unbranded) reel that had come with the 160T welder.

I would never have thought that switching wire could make so much difference to the quality of arc, the finished weld and in reduced spatter.....I`m now a Lincoln convert!

.....and, I got two, good-quality flap discs free with the reel of wire! :clapping:

malcolm · Feb 12, 2010

I'm a fan of the Lincoln wire. The unbranded wire from China is extruded from old fridges so doesn't have such a carefully controlled composition as the Lincoln stuff. (Apparently the Chinese import decent wire from Europe when they need to make something properly).

You should find the Lincoln stuff doesn't rust so easily as well - handy for occasional welders with damp garages.

wyn · Feb 12, 2010

I have been using the same lincoln wire for the last couple of reels.
It works nicely with no problems, and the reels also seem to fit in my Kemppi...so i think i'll stick to it.

shenion · Feb 12, 2010

Yes, it is good wire. Much more consistent and smoother.

It also does not rust. Have 2 rolls in my often flooded garage and they still look like new.

I bought a roll of Chinese junk, the diameter varied, it rusted almost immediately. Just threw it out.

chunkolini · Feb 12, 2010

I started a huge cat fight on A.N.Other welding forum on this one.
I was having all sorts of problems with my newish Butters welder.
TechnicAl pm'd me saying he might be able to help. A few days later a (big) roll of the Lincoln turned up. Sorted me out a treat.
Some of the old hairy palmed welders reckoned I was just a novice etc etc etc.
A bit dearer than the cheapo stuff, but a much better result.
And there was me thinking it all just 'wire'

I did not get two free flap wheels though!!

Chunko'.

TechnicAl · Feb 12, 2010

and then they sack you
:mad:

just have to do it again somewhere else eh!!! :whistle:

snowcat · Feb 12, 2010

I run mostly Lincoln wires now, again thanks to an ex Lincoln employee :rolleyes:

.. including the inner and outer shielded brands.....

TechnicAl · Feb 12, 2010

snowcat said:
I run mostly Lincoln wires now, again thanks to an ex Lincoln employee.. including the inner and outer shielded brands.....

we all make mistakes

mike os · Feb 12, 2010

dont care what anyone thinks... quality wire makes a big difference.

silk purses and all that.....

I always think that if someone comes on the "amateur worker " crap... give them a DIY sip & wire & disposable CO2 for a week then see how they feel about their "proper" kit

Hitch · Feb 12, 2010

We run Esab wire, unless someone buys the @Hyundai rubbish, it is noticeable.

Debs, was the stuff you had before random wound or layer wound?

TechnicAl · Feb 12, 2010

Dont get caught up in the random / PLW debate. PLW was instigated by a salesman....have I said enough.
If its good wire it doesnt matter if its random or PLW..........only problem is sometimes its started as PLW and goes wrong thus becoming random. This can be a problem because, more than likely, the wire is either becoming larger or more importantly becoming "out of round".
Really (until you try it) you cant tell unless its on a basket where you can see the sides. The plastic spool can hide a multitude of sins (rusty wire for example).

Hitch · Feb 12, 2010

Ive had reels where it stops feeding, and it appears to be trying to pull from the edge, only pulling a shed load off by hand has sorted it. Feeder not got enough guts to pull it from a few strands down. Never had it happen with the Esab stuff....

TechnicAl · Feb 12, 2010

Yes, that sounds like failed PLW or just bad winding. The esab stuff is good wire.

brookie456 · Feb 13, 2010

Debs. said:
Tried a new roll of weldequip`s 'Lincoln SupraMIG' mild steel wire today.....what an improvement over the Machine Mart sourced previous (unbranded) reel that had come with the 160T welder.

Found out the hard way too, one roll I mic'd was running +/- 0.075mm out either way, and had no round at all. Changed liner, tip, checked wire feed etc., convinced it was my fault. Good quality reel from a mate, problem disappeared - and the 5kg rolls from a good supplier are hardly THAT much more expensive than MM. 2 rolls of Lincoln from Steve come payday

Iain Westland · Feb 13, 2010

Where to find 15Kg reels of 0.6 at a decent price ....

Lincoln wire

Debs.

Member

malcolm

& Clementine the Cat

wyn

Member

shenion

Tool Pack Rat

chunkolini

celebrity artiste

TechnicAl

Banned

snowcat

back in black

TechnicAl

Banned

mike os

just a little insane.....

Hitch

Moderator

TechnicAl

Banned

Hitch

Moderator

TechnicAl

Banned

brookie456

Friar Amps

Iain Westland

Member