Wire cleaner

[moe1942]

I plan to start using my newly aquired MM175 as soon as the weather permits. while looking for deals on wire and other goodies I saw felt wire cleaners. Looks like a good idea. Are all cleaners created equal or, like most things, are some better than others. Also what brand of cleaner is considered the best for mild steel.

Would really like to hear from the pros.

Thanks,

moe1942

[H80N]

Moe
probably not a real "PRO" but I make my living at it... for what it is worth have never used a wire precleaner... probably not a bad idea though .. if you are in a really dirty environment and want to catch crud before it gets into the liner and wire path...
just my 2cents worth
take care
Heiti

[moe1942]

Wire cleaner

Heiti,

I knew "PRO" was a bad idea the instant I threw the switch. LOL...

Here in Louisiana the combination of high humidity and air borne junk made me think a pre cleaner might make life easier for me.

I would appreciate anyones opinion on this, including the "PROS."

Keep me straight Heiti, I'll learn.....

moe1942

[H80N]

Moe
heck no... you had the right idea...
in your humidity.. if the feeder is not used for a long time.. the top layer of wire on the spool may start to rust...even the copper plated stuff.... lived in coastal north carolina for a couple of years (will explain offline).... and there the constant humidity and salt spray in the air caused havoc... my first suggestion might be to give the spool a squirt of light silicone lube spray from time to time.. one that is a low percentage of silicone oil and the rest solvent... the solvent should flash off and leave a light rust inhibiting layer... the felt precleaner could be useful to wipe off any residue... know I will hear that I am contaminating the wire... but have done it with no ill effects... any residual will boil off long before the wire hits the weld puddle....
hope this helps
Heiti

[Paul Seaman]

Moe and Heiti: Precleaners do work, here in Southern Indiana we have high humidity also, Contamination is a cruel penalty for dirty wire. The spray is a good idea as long as it is lightly with the low silicone variety. I have seen this done but don't remember what product was used. Luckily in my shop I am the only worker and I can and do keep the mm210 covered when not in use which keeps it much cleaner so I don't use them on it, but at school we use them and they work very well.

[HAWK]

Wire cleaners are a good thing. They work especially well if your feeder is mis-aligned and the wire takes a little shaving on its trip through. I had an old 22 feeder (the predecessor to the 22A) that had this problem. I bought it used and abused, but the price was right. I currently use an enclosed suitcase feeder and have not given cleaners any thought lately. It seems like even the 44lb spools burn so fast that rust is not a problem for me even in the high humidity East TN summers.