KP2118-1 - Lincoln Electric Outgoing Wire Guide Tube for .030-.035 Wire

Precision Wire Delivery for Industrial Welding

The Lincoln Electric KP2118-1 Guide Tube is a critical component in the wire drive assembly of high-performance MIG and flux-cored welding systems. Specifically engineered as an "outgoing" guide, this component is positioned immediately after the drive rolls to capture the wire and funnel it securely into the gun receiver bushing or conduit. This precise alignment is essential for preventing the wire from buckling or wandering as it leaves the pressurized zone of the drive rolls, a common cause of feeding interruptions known as birdnesting.

Manufactured to strict tolerances, the KP2118-1 is calibrated for wire diameters ranging from .030 inches (0.8 mm) to .035 inches (0.9 mm). Using a guide tube with the correct internal diameter is paramount; a tube that is too large will not provide adequate support, leading to erratic feeding, while a tube that is too tight can cause excessive drag and motor strain. This guide tube strikes the optimal balance, ensuring low-friction travel while maintaining the rigidity required for industrial duty cycles.

Regular inspection and replacement of the guide tube are recommended as part of a preventative maintenance schedule. Over time, the abrasive nature of welding wire can cut grooves into the guide, altering the feed path and potentially shaving copper coating off the wire, which can accumulate in the liner. By installing a fresh KP2118-1, operators ensure that the mechanical integrity of the feed system is restored, supporting stable electrical transfer and consistent weld bead profiles.

This genuine Lincoln Electric part ensures seamless compatibility with specific Lincoln wire feeders, maintaining the manufacturer's original performance specifications. It is an indispensable spare part for fabrication shops relying on continuous, automated, or semi-automated wire feeding processes.