Systems and methods for utilizing in-line wire feeders

A welding-type system, comprising:

• an in-line wire feeder device configured for operation in conjunction with a welding-type torch and a second wire feeder device configured to feed electrode wire from a wire source;
• wherein the in-line wire feeder device is a physically separate component from both of the second wire feeder device and the welding-type torch;
• wherein the in-line wire feeder device comprises, at least, an in-line wire feeding mechanism configured to feed the electrode wire to the welding-type torch;
• wherein the in-line wire feeder device is connected in series with the second wire feeder device;
• and
• wherein the in-line wire feeder device controls feeding of the electrode wire from the wire source, the controlling comprising, at least:
• causing the second wire feeder device to feed the electrode wire from the wire source until the electrode wire reaches the in-line wire feeding mechanism;
• and
• after the electrode wire reaches the in-line wire feeding mechanism:
• deactivating at least a feeding function of the second wire feeder device, and
• causing the in-line wire feeding mechanism to take over the feeding of the electrode wire from the wire source.