Rusted mig welding wire

[sapper740]

Originally posted by Phil Waterman
Time to put your mig welding wire in a sealed container with some fresh desiccant to prevent surface rust, if you like I live in a climate where this time of year brings sudden changes in the weather.
Had to throw away most of 10lb spool that had developed surface rust in the last couple of weeks because I had left it in the welder. I had used the welder only two weeks ago with no problems then went to use it today and as soon as the wire in the welding cable had been used up the wire feed started stuttering. Checking the wire I discovered that it was covered with a fine covering of rust. The culprit periods of cold temperatures (heats not on in the shop) followed by periods of warm damp periods result condensation and on metal surfaces. This has happened before and the only fix is to keep the wire stored in a tightly sealed container with desiccant. Ammo cans with good seals or Tupperware are good.

Here's an old-school trick welders from the very wet West Coast of Canada have used for decades: get an old, non working refigerator from a yard sale or flea market, usually they're free for the taking. Make sure the seals are still good. Jumper the light switch so the light stays on. The heat from the small lamp inside the insulated fridge keeps all your welding rods and wire dry and corrosion free. It's a cheap and easy fix.


CHIMO!