steel Wire / steel rod 1.5mm

[hanrahan]

I have just got my first gasless Mig welder and have been tasked to make some wall baskets for plants and general garden items.

I think i need some 1.5MM metal rod or wire does this sound like the sought of metal that would do the job? does anyone know where i can get some? i live in SW london / Surrey borders

cheers

 

[chunkolini]

1.5mm sounds a bit on the thin side, it would not last that long, and be much too flexible. At least 3mm is what I would go for, probably bigger. thin strip might be easier, say 3mm by 10mm, easy to bend and weld.
Welding stuff at that size gasless could be a hassle. I have made a lot of stuff out of these thin gauges of wire and at first it is a sod to weld, point the welder at it and 'phut' it has disappeared.

Have a play about with a few different gauges of wire, thin bar and strip and see what works before agreeing to do the job.
Just noticed this is your first post, welcome aboard our jolly ship.
Pop inot the intro's page.

Chunko'.

 

[Ed.]

Hi, You could try fencing wire, it usually comes in 3.5mm or 4mm and hi tensile or galv. and even powder coated. Just watch out if your do the Galv wire as the fumes are toxic. Last time I bought some it cost me about $100 for a 200mt roll, but you could probably get smaller rolls of it. Any excess and you can make a simple jig easily and make hanging pot plant holders, but you would want to use the Galv or powder coated wire for those and no welding involved.