"Need Help 8VS or 12VS"

[gary k.]

Thinking about getting a mig to run off my Bobcat 250 .Don't know to much about them . Looking at the 8 and 12 VS. Need opinons.

[DDA52]

Either will run just fine. For me, the 12VS makes the most sense. I started with a 8VS on my Bobus Catus. I was constantly having to turn down jobs because I couldn't get the wire I needed in 8" spools. 12" was not a problem. After loosing maybe 6 grand worth of work a few times, I got a Super S-32P, which is the 12" predecessor of the 12VS. Now, I hardly ever use the 8VS.

If you are absolutely certain, you will have zero issues with 8" spools, then the 8VS could work. But don't try to get large flux core over .045, hardfacing and dual shield in 8" spools. I later got the dual shield wire in 8", but the 12" were much, much cheaper per pound.

[Miller John]

Gary,
It depends on how much welding you are doing. Really anything from a Millermatic 140 to a Suitcase 12. If you are running enough wire to use up a 12 inch spool before the wire becomes rusty and causes feeding problems, the 12 VS is a great way to go. If you use it less frequently, the 8 VS is better. If you use smaller diameter wires, lower duty cycles and want a feeder for your shop as well, the Millermatic 140 or 180 may be the best choice.
I hope that helps.

[MAC702]

Either will run just fine. For me, the 12VS makes the most sense. I started with a 8VS on my Bobus Catus. I was constantly having to turn down jobs because I couldn't get the wire I needed in 8" spools. 12" was not a problem. After loosing maybe 6 grand worth of work a few times, I got a Super S-32P, which is the 12" predecessor of the 12VS. Now, I hardly ever use the 8VS.

If you are absolutely certain, you will have zero issues with 8" spools, then the 8VS could work. But don't try to get large flux core over .045, hardfacing and dual shield in 8" spools. I later got the dual shield wire in 8", but the 12" were much, much cheaper per pound.

You never were too bright, Don. Well, maybe for a Texan.

Anyway, here is in your state, looking for a VS, and you got an 8VS that you hardly ever use anymore.

You shoulda talked it up more...

[fun4now]

You never were too bright, Don. Well, maybe for a Texan.

Anyway, he is in your state, looking for a VS, and you got an 8VS that you hardly ever use anymore.

You shoulda talked it up more...

LOL..
now for the silly question of the day.......
how much trouble would it be to get a 12" spool and wind it onto an 8" ?? i know it would not all fit, but if you don't do enough to justify the 12" spools and went with an 8" couldn't you just re-spool an old spool with the wire you cant get in an 8" spool ??
If you use smaller diameter wires, lower duty cycles and want a feeder for your shop as well, the Millermatic 140 or 180 may be the best choice.

the new HH-210 would be a nice option as well. still small but more power and optional plug &play spool gun that could also let you leave it on the truck and just roll out the spool gun for small stuff.

[beamwalker]

You never were too bright, Don. Well, maybe for a Texan.

Anyway, he is in your state, looking for a VS, and you got an 8VS that you hardly ever use anymore.

You shoulda talked it up more...

LOL..
now for the silly question of the day.......
how much trouble would it be to get a 12" spool and wind it onto an 8" ?? i know it would not all fit, but if you don't do enough to justify the 12" spools and went with an 8" couldn't you just re-spool an old spool with the wire you cant get in an 8" spool ??
If you use smaller diameter wires, lower duty cycles and want a feeder for your shop as well, the Millermatic 140 or 180 may be the best choice.

the new HH-210 would be a nice option as well. still small but more power and optional plug &play spool gun that could also let you leave it on the truck and just roll out the spool gun for small stuff.

i have done this b4 to get rid of some 035 flux core and gave it to a welder who was not as sharp as a butter knife on the handle. im not using small wire anymore anyway but have 2 rolls of it

[fun4now]

I'm not using small wire anymore anyway but have 2 rolls of it
well feel free to send it to me, i can use small spool's

so although a bit of a pain, you could roll the larger rolls onto smaller ones if you needed the wire but could not get it in the size you needed. it would probably be best to store some of it inside a temp. controlled area to keep it from going to poo before you get around to using it all though.
this would allow you to buy the feeder that best fits your needs and still allow the use of the harder to get wires on the occasions you may need it.

[Steve]

I restring the spools on my weed eater but that's it. Between the two get the 12vs.

[DDA52]

You never were too bright, Don. Well, maybe for a Texan.

Anyway, here is in your state, looking for a VS, and you got an 8VS that you hardly ever use anymore.

You shoulda talked it up more...

Hmmmm........welp, you're entitled to your opinion. I use it once in a while. I am holding onto it for the moment. That is why I didn't say much about it.