wire wipers

[jon f mn]

Had a discussion about putting a wiper with some
oil on it on the wire before the feed rolls on a
wire welder yesterday. I thought it was important
to keep the dust and dirt from getting into the
liner and causing trouble. Some of the production
and code welders objected saying that it could
contaminate the weld. I agree for code work that
would be an issue. Also for production work and in
shops where several rolls of wire are used every
week it's probly not necessary either. However,
most of us are farmers and hobbyists and our
welders sit in the garage or shop, maybe for
several years with the same roll of wire in them.
That allows a lot of time for dust, dirt, and rust
to collect on the wire, so I think some type of
wiper is important for us. I've used a couple of
drops of oil on a felt cloth for all my career and
never had any problems with it. But I had a couple
of ideas for those that want a wiper, but are
still concerned about contamination. The first
suggestion is to use nozzle spray, it stays sticky
for a long time so should attract dust and dirt,
and since it's sprayed on the nozzle and on the
material to keep spatter off contamination should
not be an issue. I also thought that maybe some
furniture duster spray like Enddust or Pledge
would also work good. All you need is something
that attracts dust and dirt. I just don't think a
dry sponge or pad is good enough in those
conditions.
 

[MarkB_MI]

You mean something like this?
Weld Aid Lub Pads

 

[jon f mn]

yes, cept I make my own
 

[Bus Driver]

Airgas National Welders is a regional distributor. They offer their own house brand of pads with lube.
 

[Bus Driver]

Here is the link.
Airgas National Welders

 

[willie in mn]

Guess I'm just too cheap to add something like that. That old denim jacket that I wear to protect my good (not torn) shirt makes a good dust cover. Helmet gets placed on top of welder, then jacket over the whole thing. Keeps dust off helmet lens too. Don't use plastic as a cover, use something that can breathe. Plastic can trap humidity & cause rust.
Willie