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Welder Red Seal · Question

What is the most common cause of 'birdnesting,' where the welding wire becomes tangled inside the wire feeder during GMAW or FCAW?

Birdnesting occurs when the drive rolls continue to push the wire, but it cannot feed smoothly through the gun. This is typically caused by a kinked or clogged

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Question: What is the most common cause of 'birdnesting,' where the welding wire becomes tangled inside the wire feeder during GMAW or FCAW?

Answer options:

  • Using a wire feed speed that is too high.
  • Incorrect polarity for the wire being used. ✅ A blockage or restriction in the gun liner or a worn contact tip.
  • An unstable arc caused by excessive voltage.

Correct answer: A blockage or restriction in the gun liner or a worn contact tip.

Explanation: Birdnesting occurs when the drive rolls continue to push the wire, but it cannot feed smoothly through the gun. This is typically caused by a kinked or clogged liner, the wrong size liner, or a contact tip that is worn or plugged, creating a downstream restriction.

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