Welding is an economical and effective way to weld two metal pieces together. For the most part, welders are very reliable, but they do have their limitations and drawbacks. Getting stuck with a worn-out or damaged welder liner can be one of them. Fortunately, welder liner replacement is not as difficult as you may think, it just requires some patience and care. This article will discuss things like when you should replace your welder liner, what factors to consider when purchasing a new liner for your welder, and how to check for damage without taking the welder apart.
When Should My Mig Welding Liner Replacement?
If your mig welding liner is worn out, you will have problems with sticking, overheating, and spatter. Over time, the liner will also get more damage, making it less effective. It’s important to mig welding liner replacement when it’s fully damaged. You don’t have to replace it right away. For example, if your liner is damaged but not completely worn out, you should wait until the liner gets completely worn before changing it. So, consider this replacement schedule before changing your liner: Wear and tear: 1–2 years Complete liner damage: 6–8 years
What Factors Should You Consider When Purchasing a New Liner?
When you purchase a new mig welding liner, you will want to keep the following factors in mind:
Weight: The heavier a mig welding liner is, the better it will stick to the weld. Heavier mig welders are also more likely to damage your work piece, so it’s important to find one that’s lightweight yet durable.
Cup Size: The size of the cup in your new mig welding liner will impact its stickiness. The cup is made of a soft insulating material that surrounds the electrode. It’s important for the cup to be small enough so that it doesn’t interfere with the welding arc, but large enough so that it doesn’t become damaged.
Voltage: It’s important to get a mig welding liner that uses the same voltage as your welder. Otherwise, it’s harder to feel when your welding arc hits the cup and when you should switch to the backup voltage.
How to Check for Damage Without Taking Your Welder Apart
The best way to check for damage on a mig welding liner without taking apart your welder is to stick a dry rag into your cup and weld a thin metal sheet or rod. If the sheet gets stuck or spattered, it reveals damage to your liner. You can also conduct this test by sticking a rag into the cup before welding and then removing it after the weld is done. If the rag is stuck to the welded piece, it reveals damage on your liner. Needless to say, it’s important to do this test on scrap metal. If you weld a piece that’s worth money, you will want to take the welder apart first. This will allow you to inspect the welded metal piece with a magnifying glass to see if there are any scratches or other damage to your welder.
Before You Purchase a New Liner for Your Welding Liner Replacement
If you are contemplating to welding liner replacement, you should do some research on current market prices and new liners. This will allow you to get an idea of how much your new liner will cost and when it’s likely to come back in stock. You’ll also want to review any reviews for the new welding liner you’re considering. This will allow you to get an idea of how well it works, what issues people are having, and how well it compares to other liners.
After You Purchase a New Liner
When you have your new liner in hand, you can start replacing the old one. To do this, you will need a set of rollers and adapters. It’s important not to use the rollers that came with your new liner, as they may not be long enough to take the old liner out of the welder. Instead, purchase a set of rollers that are slightly longer than the old ones. Also, you will need a set of adapters to connect the new rollers to the welding torch. These adapters should be thicker than the ones that came with the new liner.
Time to Replacement your Welding Liner
When it comes to mig welding liners, you want to replace your welder when there is significant wear and tear, or when your liner cracks. A good rule of thumb is to replace your liner when it’s 10%. Depending on how much wear and tear your liner has had, it may be a few years before you need to replace it. It’s important to replace your liner as soon as it breaks or wears out. This will prevent sticking and spatter, which can be dangerous and difficult to repair.
Also, remember that welding is a physically demanding activity, which means that your liner will inevitably get damaged. When you have to replace your welders, make sure you get a liner that’s durable, lightweight, and that can handle the current welding voltage.