How to Add a Wire Feeder to a DC Welder

A wire feeder allows MIG welding with an existing arc welder.

Beginning welders face a dilemma when choosing their first welders: stick or wire feed? Wire feed welders are very common among hobbyists, but they are limited in the thickness of metal they can handle. On the other hand, a DC arc welder is the perfect tool for structural welding, but it tends to burn holes in thin sheet metal. A MIG welder has a built-in DC power supply, but if you already have a DC arc welder you can simply add a wire feeder to your existing welder.

Things You'll Need

• Portable wire feeder
• Shielding gas cylinder, regulator and hose

Instructions

1. Disconnect the electrode cable from the welder. Connect the DC input cable from the wire feeder to the electrode output jack on the welder.

2. Plug the wire feeder into a 115-volt electrical outlet.

3. Screw the gas regulator onto the shielding gas cylinder. Connect the hose to the regulator and the gas inlet of the wire feeder.

4. Connect the ground cable from the arc welder to the work piece.

References

• Lincoln Electric: Semiautomatic Wire Feeder Operating Manual
• Welding.com: Selecting The Right Wire Feeder For Your Welder