Mig Wire rust?

[matt walker]

Recently I had feed problems with my Miller 250. The nearly empty roll of copper coated wire had slight surface rust. A new roll of wire cured the problem. But the question is: Is there anything that could be sprayed on the new roll to avoid a repeat and loss of a new #33 roll of wire? Would WD40 ruin the weld or foul the liner? I've never had this problem before but about a month ago I had wet the dirt floor for compaction and I believe the added moisture was the cause. The dirt is still releasing moisture.
Thanks .. Matt

[brucegodlesky]

To keep wire clean, I take a piece of red scotch-brite, fold it over the wire right before it enters the "needle". Hold it in place with a paper clip. Any corrosion is cleaned off .

[hammerkid]

Yeah that works or you can buy a wirecleaner at your LWS(local welding supply) they both work pretty much the same;)

[Mills]

My supplier has both wire cleaner and wire lubricator, together it made a difference on a roll of rusty wire I had. New wire probably just use the lube side.

[aametalmaster]

It picks up crud and some rust off the wire. Wire is dirty even new out of the box. I wind my own 4" spools from new bigger spools and it is real dirty in the middle of the roll and down to empty...Bob

[jeremy k]

Matt - If you can wire up for a small light bulb, or a computer fan inside the cover and leave it on - the heat from the bulb will keeps the moisture off the wire. - I've done the light bulb trick in humid weather. - JK

[matt walker]

Thanks All, JK I like the light bulb idea. Will give it a try. At least until the moisture stabilizes in the shop. Would be easy to just lay a drop light in the wire compartment. Hesitant to spray anything on the wire for fear of contaminating the weld. I do use those small round felt tricks that clip on the wire as it feeds out.
Matt

[Ten Hammers]

Although I don't have the years of experience that Jeremy, Junior or Dodge have, my best luck has been with felt wipers and juice from the can. I HAVE used paper towel, scotchbrite or felt with an alligator clip but they seem to let the nasties on the roller and on into the liner. Pulling the liner and giving a bath with some brake parts cleaner will do wonders . Liner housing is sorta like bicycle or choke cable housing ( of some types ). Look at the gun end of the lead and you will see what is making it through from the rollers. There IS a difference in wire. Thanks to Junior I now use Hobart wire exclusively. Merry Christmas folks. The light bulb trick might be just the ticket Jeremy, thanks.

[stevet]

I live in a damp Ireland and regularly spray mig wire with wd, with no adverse affects on the weld, a friend uses light bulbs its good,thats what i intended to do, the wd being a "temporary" job until i get round to fixing a bulb up
Steve

[matt walker]

Thanks Stevet, Now I can spray the roll without worrying about ruining a whole new roll of wire. One thing WD40 is good for after all is water displacement. I've found it to be a good cleaner also. Those felt wipers should remove most of it before the wire enters the liner I think.
Matt