Abstract: A weld wire for storage on a spool of weld wire. The weld wire has a substantially linear cast in the form of an undulating curve that generally lies in a single plane. The undulating curve is a succession of generally semi-circular sections having a generally fixed radius of curvature. The linear cast is formed on the weld wire prior to the weld wire being wound on the spool of weld wire. The linear cast is at least partially retained on the weld wire after the weld wire is unwound from the spool and during the feeding of the weld wire through a welding machine.

Abstract: A welding wire payout drum comprising an outer cylindrical sleeve with an internal diameter and having a top opening with a central wire supporting stem in said drum. The stem has a cylindrical body generally concentric with the cylindrical sleeve of the drum and an upper guide ring near the top opening of the drum. The guide ring has an outer circular perimeter with a diameter less than the internal diameter of the sleeve wherein the upper guide ring has a downwardly decreasing contoured underside shape between the perimeter and the cylindrical body of the stem.

Abstract: A weld wire for storage on a spool of weld wire. The weld wire has a substantially linear cast in the form of an undulating curve that generally lies in a single plane. The undulating curve is a succession of generally semi-circular sections having a generally fixed radius of curvature. The linear cast is formed on the weld wire prior to the weld wire being wound on the spool of weld wire. The linear cast is at least partially retained on the weld wire after the weld wire is unwound from the spool and during the feeding of the weld wire through a welding machine.

Abstract: A weld wire for storage on a spool of weld wire. The weld wire has a substantially linear cast in the form of an undulating curve that generally lies in a single plane. The undulating curve is a succession of generally semi-circular sections having a generally fixed radius of curvature. The linear cast is formed on the weld wire prior to the weld wire being wound on the spool of weld wire. The linear cast is at least partially retained on the weld wire after the weld wire is unwound from the spool and during the feeding of the weld wire through a welding machine.

Abstract: A weld wire for storage on a spool of weld wire. The weld wire has a substantially linear cast in the form of an undulating curve that generally lies in a single plane. The undulating curve is a succession of generally semi-circular sections having a generally fixed radius of curvature. The linear cast is formed on the weld wire prior to the weld wire being wound on the spool of weld wire. The linear cast is at least partially retained on the weld wire after the weld wire is unwound from the spool and during the feeding of the weld wire through a welding machine.