MM251 .045 wire

[danf]

Rock, I have been lurking around for a long time and I finally have some stupid questions... my recent purchase of a MM251 has so far impressed the heck out of me (my Hobart 175 is nice but... WOW :D) but, I want to run .045 wire, can I use the .035 roller (I know, duh) and do I need to change the liner?
thanks for a great site
dan

[Planet X]

Taking a WAG I would say you will need the .045 drive rolls and some .045 contact tips-liner should work for both .035 & .045. Should only have to change liner if you go smaller than .035-this is just a guess since I do not own a miller gun.
FWIW, your machine will have limited short circuit range with the .045 wire ( wire thing not machine) and at the top end (spray) the .045 wire usefulness WILL be limited by your machine.
Of course I do not know what or why you are doing it (.045) wire so good welding to you and post some pics of the beads you get with the .045 wire.

[Roger]

Spec Sheet says it comes equiped to use .030 & .035 wire.
Including
.030 & .035 contact tips
.030/.035 in reversible drive rolls
Liner #194 011 .030 –.035 in (standard)
Link for MM251 Spec Sheet
http://www.millerwelds.com/pdf/spec_sheets/DC12-49.pdf

It has part numbers for MM251 consumables you'll need for using .045 wire and your manual should have same info.

One reason people like to run .045 wire, it is a little cheaper. Big time savings when running .045 fluxcore/metalcore over .035 .030 or .025. fluxcore/metalcore wire. Each wire has amp and voltage range it's best suited for but just matter of picking right wire for job. Here is one example. Kobelco’s DWG flux-cored stainless steel .045 wire has excellent arc transfer in wider current ranges from 80A to 220A. This is a Dualshield wire that can use CO2 or C25 and made to weld like .035 wire but cost like the .045 wire it is. But MM251 voltage is at lower half of optimum Voltage range at 250 amps according to the charts. Lots of other fluxcore wires suited for MM251.

Here is link to welding paremeter chart.
http://www.esabna.com/ESAB/showdetl.cfm?&DID=8&User_ID=335&st=8597&st2=53163025&st3=-40378005&Product_ID=1323&CATID=22
Looks like MM251 can spray transfer with .045 wire. Just not at optimum settings but ok used with 98% Argon 2%O2. Not optimum meaning limits metal thickness a little under what heavy industry uses .045 wire in spray transfer. While MM251 can output 300A, duty cycle of welder and torch is a little low for heavy industrial use at 300 A.

[p.dow]

i was all ears.

thanks
paul

and remember danf
only rock asks the dumb ones....
haha

:D

[Hobart Expert Rock]

DANF....... I think your question is answered. If you would like part numbers please advise and we can accomodate........

P.DOW....... Yes that is my job...........:D

Be safe..................Rock...........:cool:
SSCOTT@MILLERWELDS.COM

[danf]

Thanks for the replies guy's, Roger, and you hit the nail on the head. 6 boxes of Esab Dual Shield Arc 71 just appeared on my doorstep. I used this wire a while ago on a Betamig 251 (which came w/.045 rollers and liner) with great success, you just have to watch the duty cycle. Also do you guys think I can get away with smooth rollers or should I get knurled?