Call to Talk With A Product Expert - 877-532-WELD (9353)

Consumables


Frequently Asked Questions

What types of consumables are in this collection?
This collection covers Lincoln Electric MIG/GMAW consumables (contact tips, nozzles, liners, drive rolls), TIG tungsten electrodes, stick electrodes, and plasma cutting consumable kits. Lincoln offers tungsten in 2% lanthanated (KP4721 series), 2% ceriated (KP4722 series), and WX Multi-Oxide (KP4723 series) grades, plus FlexCut PRO plasma consumable kits from 35A through 125A.
Which tungsten electrode type should I use for DC TIG welding on steel and stainless?
For DC TIG on steel and stainless, 2% ceriated (grey band, KP4722 series) or 2% lanthanated (gold band, KP4721 series) tungstens are the preferred choices — both provide excellent arc starts and low burn-off at DC. Ceriated is slightly easier on arc starts at low amperage, making it popular for thin materials and pipe work. Thoriated is traditional but less common today due to radioactivity concerns.
What is the difference between Lincoln's WX Multi-Oxide tungsten and standard 2% lanthanated?
Lincoln's WX Multi-Oxide tungsten (KP4723 series) blends several rare-earth oxides to deliver good arc stability on both AC and DC without the single-oxide limitations of a straight lanthanated electrode. It's a good all-around choice if you weld a mix of aluminum (AC) and steel/stainless (DC) without changing tungstens. Lanthanated (KP4721) is a strong performer on DC but requires re-grinding when switching to AC aluminum.
Are the FlexCut PRO plasma consumable kits specific to certain amperage settings?
Yes — FlexCut PRO consumable kits are rated by amperage: 35A internal air, 65A, 85A, 105A, and 125A (KP5829 series for drag cutting, KP5830 for mechanized, KP5831/5832 for gouging and extended cutting). Using a kit rated below your actual cut amperage will cause rapid consumable wear and erratic arcs. Match the kit to your plasma cutter's output setting or torch rating.
How often should MIG contact tips be replaced?
Replace contact tips when you notice spatter buildup in the bore, the wire starts to stick, or arc quality degrades noticeably. Under continuous production conditions, tips may last only a few hours; in light shop use they can last days. Oversized or undersized tips for your wire diameter — or running tips beyond their rated amperage — shortens life significantly. Always match tip bore to wire diameter (e.g., 0.035 in. wire uses a 0.035 in. tip).
Can I use Lincoln consumables (tips, nozzles, liners) on non-Lincoln MIG guns?
Lincoln consumables are designed for Lincoln Magnum PRO guns and use Lincoln thread patterns and body dimensions. While some third-party guns share common thread standards, compatibility is not guaranteed unless the gun manufacturer confirms it. Using mismatched consumables risks poor electrical contact, gas leaks at the nozzle, and premature wear — check your gun's parts list or ask before substituting.