when is it time to replace a Mig tip

woodlandfarms · Apr 10, 2013

So still learning. What are the indicators that you need a new tip? How about gas cone? Or do they just last forever unless you weld up into it.

Also, nozzle gel, do I put that on the tip as well or just the gas nozzle?

ericher69 · Apr 10, 2013

woodlandfarms said:
So still learning. What are the indicators that you need a new tip? How about gas cone? Or do they just last forever unless you weld up into it.

Also, nozzle gel, do I put that on the tip as well or just the gas nozzle?

No timeline for you unfortunately but I just replaced tip and nozzle on my Lincoln SP170-T after about 10 yrs and what a difference in arc quality! Should have done this sooner.

If you are having feeding issues or the orifice in the tip is visibly larger than the wire from use then time to switch tips. For the nozzle you will find that spatter builds up increasingly even with gel over time. With a new nozzle spatter doesn't stick even without gel.

Gel can go on nozzle and tip.

kennyd · Apr 10, 2013

I change the tip with every spool change (running 33lb spools). Cheap insurance for me. I clean the nozzle well after every welding session and spray with anti spatter spray, so mine still looks great.

yomax4 · Apr 10, 2013

As long as you get good starts, run the tip until you have problems. The wire will eventually make an .030 tip into something larger and or groove it to the point that starts will stumble and you will know. You can also watch the puddle and see how much the wire is moving around. Some times it matters and some times it don't. I like to get every inch of wire through each tip as possible.

Arc weld · Apr 11, 2013

Contact tips cost about $1.00 so it shouldn't be a big deal to keep extra's on hand. They get oval shaped and can also get damaged from spatter, having the wire burn back or getting too hot. Nozzles cost a little more than contact tips but it's good idea to have a spare or 2 of them as well. They get lose or spattered up and need replacing but it's pretty easy to tell when they're done. Nozzle dip is good as is spatter spray. Too use nozzle dip, do a weld and then dip the hot nozzle and contact tip into the nozzle dip. Any excess just drips off.