I just obtained a slightly used CK WF-3 cold wire feeder for my TIG welder. It's in virtually brand-new condition, with hardly a scratch on it. I tested all of the functions, which work perfectly, and I also looked inside at the circuitry, which looks pristine with no sign of any work. I got it for less than 1/4 the cost of a new WF-5, which is the current model that I assume is the replacement for the WF-3. I've been told that the WF-3 and WF-5 are essentially the same machine, with only very minor differences. If anyone is interested in more info, here are links to an older catalogue that shows the
WF-3 (scroll down to page 7) and to a spec sheet for the
WF-5.
For long, continuous beads, or when used with a rotator, a TIG cold wire feeder can improve efficiency and consistency.
Also, I wanted to experiment to see if it can improve my manual TIG welding. I can do a pretty nice job on shorter TIG beads, but when the beads get more than a few inches long, I start getting a bit shaky and often end up dipping the tungsten. I attribute that to a combination of age and lack of enough practice time to keep my TIG skills fresh. Too many other projects to spend much time practicing.
I just ordered an additional TIG torch that I plan to dedicate to cold wire feeder use. I plan to make a double trigger for the torch so that I can control the welder and wire feeder either together or separately from the torch, and which will also allow me to use a foot pedal to control the welder while controlling the feeder from the torch. It should be fun to play with, and I'll plan to post some photos.
Just by sheer chance, the WF-3 fits like a glove on the bottom shelf of the TIG cart that I built a while ago.
In fact, I don't think I could have designed it for a better fit.
. Yet again this thread is a bad influence
