Tig Wire.

[JetSet]

Hi.

I am just about to get a tig welder, but my budget is starting to get the better of me.

Would mig SS wire (which I have!) suffice as a replacement for tig SS wire (which I dont have!)

I will be welding 0.9mm 304, the mig wire is 0.8mm, whereas the tig stuff (on that site) comes as 1.6 or 2.4; Whice size would I require? [EDIT] Have just found somewhere that sells in 1kg tubes, so I will be able to afford tig wire if it will be superior? [/EDIT]


Also, WP9 tig torch... is it just a size difference between, say, WP17?

Thanks!
JS.

[NickC]

isn't tig "wire" more like a stick or rod???

[JetSet]

Yes, but it would be great if I could use up some of the stuff I got for the mig. I have heard of people using wire coat hangars as quick replacements for arc welding, and mig/tig wire seems like a closer match so thought it would be worth asking anyway.

[NickC]

don't you think they made it thicker for a reason? it would seem using a thin "wire" would result in a poor weld, which in that case you might as well just use the mig. maybe somene has tried though.

[Fricke]

I will be welding 0.9mm 304, the mig wire is 0.8mm, whereas the tig stuff (on that site) comes as 1.6 or 2.4; Whice size would I require?

The mig SS wire will do just fine...
It´s perfect for fine precise welds... But the thicker Tig wires is better for bigger welds...

[Al Belli]

Hi JetSet,

You can use the thinner wire, but it has to be fed into the puddle at a faster rate to compensate for the thinner diameter.

I always use mig wire for a filler since it is more widely available in the thinner size that I require. Tig rods are usually too thick.

Al Belli

[Eric]

Yea Al is right, you can use it, but by hand it will be difficult.

Since you already have a mig, disconnect the power connectors to the torch but use it to feed the wire at the selected speed.

Its nearly impossible to do by hand, but with the mig gun you can get the feed rate and the low amperage of tig.

Eric

[Al Belli]

Hi JetSet,

Here's a scan of how i prepare the wire :

( Twisted with a handdrill ) .

3x .030, 2x .030, 1x .030

( .052 ) ( .042 ) ( .030 ) Diameter equivalent. 4x .030 = .060 D.

Al Belli

[Al Belli]

Hi JetSet,

McMaster-Carr has type 304 ss wire in various sizes.

See the attachment.

The straight 2' lengths of type 302 also work well.

Al Belli

[JetSet]

Cool, thanks.

I thought of doubling up the wire but it didn't occur to me to twist it!

Thanks again!
JS.