When did mig wire get so expensive?

crazyal · Feb 4, 2017

I guess it's been a number of years since I last bought Lincoln wire (.035 SureArc ER70S-6 I think). I think I got either a 33lb or 44lb steel spool for around $40. When I called today the local welding store gave me a price of $165 for a 44lb roll of Lincoln L-56 mig wire. On-line I've seen prices for around $100 with shipping, I like to buy local when possible but unless I can find a better price I'll be ordering it on the internet. I was expecting the price to be around $60, it just caught me off guard when he said $165 over the phone.

FredH · Feb 4, 2017

Although only a 30 lb. roll at $45 a roll with free shipping on orders over $35 , hard deal to beat . I have ordered and used their .035 flux core wire in the 10 lb. roll , on 2nd one now and still have another in the box .

.035 ER70S-6 Steel Welding Wire, 30 lbs. Spool, Welding Gun Accessories, Metal Working, Welder Supplies | USAWeld.com

Fred H.

crazyal · Feb 4, 2017

I tried a few 'other' brands but didn't like their performance so I always end up going back to Lincoln.

FredH · Feb 4, 2017

I previously had a 10 lb roll of lincoln in first one welder , then moved it to another that I purchased . When it ran out , I got the brand listed and have seen no difference in performance or any issue's related to the wire . Now on the other hand , Operator issue's are another story . Son thought My liner was bad , took it out ( it was actually a new one ) and replaced with a 2nd new one I had . Still had issue's . So upon my return , I looked at it to discover when He changed the tip , He installed a .030 tip and was trying to run .035 through it . :laughing:

Unless I try a specific brand from a specific company , My :2cents: is that I never lump anything together .

Fred H.

BukitCase · Feb 5, 2017

My LWS charged me about $85 for the last 44 lb of Lincoln L56 .035, but that was about a year and a half ago - haven't priced it lately, but that spool is about 80% gone, and now I'm thinkin' I shoulda bought a SPARE

...Steve

BukitCase · Feb 5, 2017

Al, you might ask your LWS if they can match this

WeldingSupply

Scroll down a ways or search the page for L-56, it's about a third of the way down the page - 44 lbs runs around $2 a pound... Steve

yomax4 · Feb 5, 2017

There are a hundred or more great running wires out there. To ship a 44# spool would easily double the price. Your LWS has several wire options in the store. L56 is fine wire but there are a lot of very good ones for $1 #.. They build BobCat Skid Loaders with Praxair Pro Star wire and it's right in there. Or Airgas Radnor brand is or was National Standard. Or Washington Alloy, Weld-Kote or Pinnacle. All run great.

crazyal · Feb 6, 2017

While I do have a couple projects coming up a 44lb spool will probably last me years. Back when I was doing quite a bit more welding (15 years or so ago) I did experiment with other brands that the local stores carried but didn't really like them. I'm not saying they didn't work well or the welds were inferior, just saying I didn't like it. I don't mind trying a different brand now but I would rather not have a 3 year supply if I don't like it. A friend who owns a welding school is going to get me a price tomorrow. If he can't get a break on the price I've found a couple places listed at slightly under $2/lb and charge around $25 for shipping.

yomax4 · Feb 6, 2017

crazyal said:
While I do have a couple projects coming up a 44lb spool will probably last me years. Back when I was doing quite a bit more welding (15 years or so ago) I did experiment with other brands that the local stores carried but didn't really like them. I'm not saying they didn't work well or the welds were inferior, just saying I didn't like it. I don't mind trying a different brand now but I would rather not have a 3 year supply if I don't like it. A friend who owns a welding school is going to get me a price tomorrow. If he can't get a break on the price I've found a couple places listed at slightly under $2/lb and charge around $25 for shipping.

Yes, I understand. Go with what you like for sure.. I'm lucky enough to know all of the factory reps in my area and get the stuff for free. I switched to 10# spools for that reason.

crazyal · Feb 7, 2017

I've heard people talk about their wire getting rusty from sitting and other issues. Up here it's not unusual for the garage to get very damp. I've never had a problem and I like the idea of just flicking a switch, opening up the gas bottle, and welding. Also I know the wire speed and voltage needed for a given metal that works well with my mig with Lincoln wire. Maybe I'll experiment on one of my projects with a different brand to see how I like it.

My friend with the welding school says $35 for a 44lb roll. I told him I was looking for Lincoln brand (texted him to double check), if so then I'll just buy it through him and be done with it.