Spoolmate 185 Controller

[Pat]

A few months ago I asked some questions about getting a suitcase welder, or just hooking up a spool gun to my 302 Trailblazer. I looked, but can not find my previous post. Right now I don't have the funds to purchase a suitcase welder, and decided that for now I will just hook up my spool gun. I looked at the Miller catalog but I am confused as to which controller I need to purchase that would enable me to hook up my Spoolmate 185. I think I need the WC-24, but they also show another version that may also apply. I know I can only get 150 amps out of the spool gun, but I can stick the heavy projects when needed. Right now my options are limited to hooking up the 185 gun, or lifting the MM210 on and off the truck. I have a small project to do this coming week, and would like to get the correct controller (and any other equipment deemed necessary) to make the gun work with the 302. Thanks for any info you can provide.

[HAWK]

PAT,

I am not 100% sure and do not want to tell you wrong. My suggestion is to call Miller at 1-920-735-4505 and ask for the wire feeder applications. These guys are good. They may have to pass you between them and the applications guys for the TB302, but I promise you the problem will be resolved.

What you really need is either an 8RC or 12RC CV suitcase feeder. I just sold one for a friend at an almost give me price. He had the 8RC, 3012 Roughneck Gun and a 75' 14 pin extension cord all for $1000. This is right at $2000 at a good deal. His package was only 3 months old. I advertised it on this forum for a while.

That wire feeder package is sold, but if you want to email me and give me some indication of the price range you can pay for a wire feeder package, then I will keep my eyes open as I run across many good deals. I do not advertise on EBAY and have always sold everything through this forum. My email address is: [email protected]

The Miller number I gave you is open around 8:30AM EST and will get you what you need for the cost of a phone call and the necessary equipment.

[Pat]

Hawk,

Thanks for the info. I will give Miller a call later this morning. That was a great deal on that suitcase package. Like I said above, I don't have much more money available than what the Spoolmate controller will cost, but I do appreciate your offer to snag me a good deal if it comes along. I will print out your response with your e-mail address and keep it on my desk in the event that rare occaision occurrs when I have a plan and the money at the same time........thanks again.

[HAWK]

Pat,

Let me know what they say. That is definitely a good question.

[Pat]

Hawk,

I contacted Miller and was told that there is no way to make the Spoolmate 185 work with the 302 Trailblazer. Something about the 185 being made to operate off the older MM185 mig machines. I guess I am limited to getting a new spool gun (30A?) or save my nickles for what I would really like, the suitcase 12RC. I forget the name of the guy I talked with, but he was very helpful and sure knows where to dig info up from..................thanks

[HAWK]

Pat,

I have a 12RC suitcase that I used with my 301G when I did mobile work. It is a nice feeder for sure. In addition you will need a 14 pin extension cord to supply 24VAC to the feeder. Don't forget a good MIG torch. Go ahead and get the one with meters and the trigger hold as it will have better resale value. On the other hand the voltage and amperage meters will not function with the Trailblazer since it does not have the feedback circuit built into it. I now use the 12RC with an ALT304 and the meters work fine. There is a kit that will let you use the meters with the Trailblazer, but it is more of a hassle than anything else. It is just extra wires at the point of welding. I just sold a 30A Sunday. Your luck runs like mine. When you get ready to buy a 12RC. shoot me an email. There are a couple out there for sale.