| Author | Message | ||
     Tq_freak |
Quick and Odd welding question. I have a small 110 mig machine. currently the mandrel that holds the spool of weld wire is designed for the spools with larger 2 inch dia center hole. the machine has a hard time pulling the larger 30 lbs spools that are easy to find in this set up but I would prefer a smaller 1-2 lb spool since I don't do a lot at home and it would be easier on the machine to pull. I know the dia of the smaller spool is center is 5/8's and over all dia is 4, but I need to know the thickness / width so I can make a new mandrel for my machine. Anyone know how thick they are? Thanks in advance | ||
| Etennuly |
Have you disassembled the shaft on this one? I have seen many of these 2" center mandrels covering the smaller one using it as an axle. One pound spools are 2" thick through. I can take the 2" sleeve off the axle in my larger machine, to be able to hang a small spool. | ||
| Bandm |
Spool gun spools are 1.875" wide | ||
| Etennuly |
Sorry, I used a tape measure through a plastic bag without benefit of my glasses. If it is an inch too long it will not matter. You will likely need a brake of some sort. This is to control the spool from unwinding like an out of control clock spring(mostly on stainless and steel). You can make a simple friction brake that will drag on the side or edge of the spool. | ||
| Tq_freak |
Great, thanks guys! I hadnt bought a small spool yet because I didnt think it would fit. My mandrel actually has a step in it, 2 in dia about in inch deep then down to about .5 inch dia and then the end cone is back to 2in dia. I am pretty sure it will fit both spools now with out having to modify anything! I do like the idea of a brake / tension nut and will see what I need to do there. I think there might be room to stick an O-ring on the shaft so there is some tension against the spool and it would unravel. Thanks again! | ||
| Toona |
Hmm, someone didn't think to send me a text message.... Not that I would know or anything....  I even have a few 1 lb aluminum spools laying around the shop.......that I rarely use anymore... (Message edited by Toona on March 23, 2012) | ||
| Toona |
Also, if you haven't changed out the liner in the MIG hose/handle/gun from a steel liner to a nylon liner, you'll have problems. It will work with the steel liner, but the nylon liner is MUCH smoother and tangles less. | ||
| Tq_freak |
toona right after i posted this i said to myself i should have just txted you. I am still.going to run steal for a filler. My dad gave me his old mig i think the rollers are getting tired so it is much happier with less weight to.try and spin |
