Is it possible just to attach a spool MIG gun to an arc welder or inverter?

[lw3eov]

Is it possible just to attach a spool MIG gun to an arc welder or inverter?

Thanks
Regards

Marcelo

[Sberry]

The short answer is no although the machine you connect it to is an arc welder, different in nature than the kind I think you are talking about.

[cruizer]

Depends on the machine you are trying to attach one to.

[lw3eov]

Hello Cruizer,

What kind of machines are suitable?

Thanks
Regards

Marcelo

[cruizer]

Welders that have CV capability

[lw3eov]

Hello,

I suppose that stands for continuous voltage. Any inverters do that? Can you give some examples of not very expensive machines that do that?

Thanks
Regards

Marcelo

[Sberry]

Hobart HH210.

[raferguson]

Readywelder

Readywelder makes a spoolgun that can be used with batteries or with a constant voltage power source. It can also be used with a DC constant current (stick) welder if you order the correct model of Readywelder, which has an external power supply for the spoolgun motor.

Is it ideal to run a wire feed from a constant current power supply? No, but it can and has been done. Many external wire feed boxes will work that way, just flip a switch.

If you are buying a welder, better to look for a wire feed welder, which will certainly be a constant voltage power supply. Any wire feed welder can be used with a spoolgun, if you have the right spoolgun. The readywelder just hooks up to most any wire feed welder, so kind of a universal spoolgun. Most wire feed welders have an optional spoolgun that just plugs into the welder.

If you look hard, you can find a used XMT304 CC/CV inverter welder for $1000 to $1500. Flip the switch to go from constant voltage (wirefeed) to constant current (stick or TIG).

Note that if you are going to weld aluminum, you should only look at 220V welders.

Disclaimer: I am not a real expert, but I do own a readywelder, and I have read the manual for the readywelder.

Richard

[aametalmaster]

Sure it is just don't know the cost...Bob

http://weldmart.com/aec-200%20cc%20spool%20gun%20system.htm