When did mig wire get so expensive?

[crazyal]

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]

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]

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

 

[FredH]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[DaveK OR]

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 use the smaller 10-12 lb spools in my welder, but have issues with wire rusting if it sets around too long. I solved the problem by getting a 5-gallon sheet-metal tub with a tight fitting metal lid, and store my spools of wire in that. I throw in a couple cubes of camphor, and with the lid closed it keeps all the rust away. Never had a problem since I started doing that, and it's a cheap solution.

Camphor in your toolbox will also keep the rust away there. It's an old-timey solution that still works very well, and isn't very expensive.

 

[STx]

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

The L56 wire is decent but, I personally really prefer the Praxair wire. At $1.20/lb it's a really good deal as well if you have one local.

 

[dstig1]

I use the smaller 10-12 lb spools in my welder, but have issues with wire rusting if it sets around too long. I solved the problem by getting a 5-gallon sheet-metal tub with a tight fitting metal lid, and store my spools of wire in that. I throw in a couple cubes of camphor, and with the lid closed it keeps all the rust away. Never had a problem since I started doing that, and it's a cheap solution.

Camphor in your toolbox will also keep the rust away there. It's an old-timey solution that still works very well, and isn't very expensive.

I've looked for camphor on a couple of occasions over the years for this reason, but not recently. Never had any luck. Got a source?

 

[DaveK OR]

You might check Amazon... I got a small jar of camphor cubes for a decent price. Some sort of Indian cultural thing, but still just camphor.

Update... Yes, it's on Amazon, and you can buy a little or a lot.... Check here for an assortment of options.

 

[dstig1]

Thanks - Seems pretty cheap. How much do you need? Does a small tablet go a long way or do you scatter a few around a drawer?

 

[DaveK OR]

In a sealed can, they'll last a very long time. They slowly sublime and coat the metal surfaces, to prevent rust. A half-inch "tablet" ought to last a few months in a tool chest.

 

[California]

Another form of dessicant is sold in RV shops. I think its the same stuff you find packed with a new camera etc. Inexpensive and it might be easier to find.