bishbosh Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 So, is it all the same? My reel is nearly empty and in anticipation of a weld-a-thon next weekend I need to get a new 15kg reel. The current stuff (excuse the pun ) has a sticker on the reel that says: WELDING WIRE SG2 TO BS EN 440 G3Si1 DIAM, 0.8MM PLW I will be welding CDS roll cage tubing to tubing (2.6mm wall) and tubing to base plates (6mm). I have got on fine with this reel so far, but as I now have the opportunity to change potentially for the better I thought I should investigate my options. Do I want .8mm or .6mm? The current wire is .8mm so if I change do I need to change the liner? I know I will have to change the tip. So what does the panel recommend.....? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hybrid_From_Hell Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I'm sure a welder grown up will be along and poss correct me but I would suggest you stick with 0.8mm PARTICULARLY as this is what you have been using / are used to / are new to welding as moving over to 0.6mm will be something you'd need to bear in mind will weld differently / setting / feel etc, not good when your about to do what you are - so use what you are familar with Re the wire, I always go for a brand make, and if not then I make sure that it has a certain BS Standard so I know it to a decent quality, check it hasn't oxidised by being stored long / damp, and that it is vacumn packed etc. I don't know if you can even buy rubbish wire, so I just ensure I buy quality Murex is the current fav and the price seemed OK You can get away with a .8 liner with a .6 tip, but .8mm wire will do most if not all what you wnat so 1 set of tips / liner / wire HTH Nige Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
disco tony Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 Grade A 18 - (ferro-silicon de-oxidising), standard wire. If you go down in dia. wire speed will need to go up and vice-versa. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 .8mm for the thickness you are going to weld. .6mm if you are going to speed it up. Go with what you are used to to avoid a poor weld/mistakes. 15kg! - that's a big reel. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astro_Al Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 What they all said. Also, flimsy ol' .6 wire can sometimes give feed issues / bunching problems (or so I've heard tell, although I've never had a prob myself). 15kg is normal isn't it Les? 'Big' reels are something around 250kg I think? Al. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Posted March 22, 2009 Share Posted March 22, 2009 I have to admit that a 5kg reel lasts me ages. 15kg would go rusty before I got a chance to use it... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 Mine takes a 10kg reel and I go through 2 or 3 a year. What welder have you got Bish? Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishbosh Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 I have a Rand 150S which is apparently a re-branded Miller unit. Bought second (?) hand two years ago and has been excellent. Takes a grown up reel of wire too. My welder is kept in a dry garage and this reel hasn't corroded over the two years I have had it so I see no reason not to get another 15kg reel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollythelw Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 'Big' reels are something around 250kg I think? marathon pack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve b Posted March 23, 2009 Share Posted March 23, 2009 I'd stick with what you are used to Bish, 0.6mm is really aimed at car bodywork type repairs. ....there is a new coating available now instead of copper , not sure there is any advantage for occasional users though. When I'm doing agri mole tips I can do a 15kg 1.0 mm in a day so we have this year changed over to a 250kg marathon pack, should last a couple of weeks now cheers Steveb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishbosh Posted March 23, 2009 Author Share Posted March 23, 2009 Thanks for all the advice folks, I shall consult my local vendor and see what he has..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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