More Beginner MIG Questions

[5030]

I just use PAM (cooking spray) ... It's canola oil, it works.... Never used nozzle gel in the years I have been MIG welding...

Neither have I and I own 3 MIG welders, a Hobart and 2 ESAB pulsed MIG's. Either PAM or Radnor spray on anti stick. Nozzle gel is messy. Always snip off the end as well, carry my side cuts in my pocket. Mine are multi purpose, cut the wire and ream the shield too.

I also run an unsmoked cigarette filter on the wire between the spool and the feed rollers to clean off the wire before it gets to the roller feed and I use INE solid wire on 10 pound spools. From experimentation, I've found INE gives the best wet out and weld appearance with minimal spatter. Good stuff. Even the pulsed MIG's like it.

 

[Smokeydog]

Dip nozzle when hot in the tub stuff. It’s ok but mostly use nozzle Kleen spray.

 

[5030]

No matter how clean a nozzle (gas intensifier) is, if there are deposits inside they are no good. I've never used Gel, always spray and I usually take the nozzle off and clean it and apply the no stick spray to both the nozzle and the wire feed tip. Good time to make sure the gas ports are open too.

 

[tomplum]

I had a heck of a time with my last gun. This tool worked real slick.

 

[MinnesotaEric]

I just use PAM (cooking spray) ... It's canola oil, it works.... Never used nozzle gel in the years I have been MIG welding...

Speaking of... Dollar stores oven spray is the best deal. And speaking of cleaning, a Mig Nozzle Cleaner is a great tool for cleaning mig nozzles. Link to the one I've been using at Amazon.

Edit: Just like what TomPlum posted right above my post. LOL

 

[Smokeydog]

I keep the square edges of mig pliers sharp to clean inside the nozzle.

The spray also reduces my weld splatter cleanup time. Cleans off easy to paint afterwards.

 

[BravoXray]

I had a heck of a time with my last gun. This tool worked real slick.

I saw those a while back, bought one, and like you said, it works really slick.
Bought two more and gave to friends that have MIGs also. They like them too.