4" spool adaptor to big welder's

[aametalmaster]

Hi Guy's, I have a pile of 4" spool's of .023 for thin sheetmetal. I want to use them on my MM185 but can't because of the 5/8" spindle hole. I was going to rewind them on an empty big spool but don't have the time. So i thought of an adaptor, i don't have time to make one for a few days but i will throw out the idea. Use a piece of 2" black pipe the width of the big spool. Bring 2 arm's straight out with a 5/8" hole to hole the 4" spool, you can tighten the 5/8" nut for some tension on the little spool. Then you will need an arm downward like a kickstand to keep everything level for the wire to go into the drive. I have some 1/4" bolts with rubber feet i plan to use. Hey give it a shot. Sure beats buying a giant spool of .023 if you only need a little. Will post some pics in a few days...Bob
One other thing it would be good for those small rolls of flux core if you want to try flux core welding without buying a $50 roll.

[MMW]

I can picture it & sounds like a good idea. Let us know if it works. Many times you can pick up these little spools for next to nothing but unless you have a little machine you can't use them.---MMW---

[brianw]

Universal Spool Adapter

Sounds like you are looking for a Universal Spool Adapter. You can goole it (put it in quotes) and get all kinds of results. Here is one from BR Welder
Universal Spool Adapter

[aametalmaster]

Wow, Always a day late. I didn't know about them. Thanks for the update. But for 29 bucks i will make one ...Bob

[Slash]

Sounds like you are looking for a Universal Spool Adapter. You can google it (put it in quotes) and get all kinds of results. Here is one from BR Welder
Universal Spool Adapter

HTP America also has one that sells for ~$20. I bought mine at the local Miller dealer a few years ago.

HTP: 1-800-USA-Weld

[aametalmaster]

WOW, 2 of them. I need to come out of the shop more...Bob

[aametalmaster]

Spool adaptor is done.

Went thru my junk box and found all the parts. Only had to buy a 5/8" ID x 4" spring for a buck. Works great...Bob

[Paul Seaman]

Bob:
Very nice, looks like it might just need to be copied here in my garage. Thanks.
Paul

[Fishy Jim]

I also copied Bob, but I don't care for the time needed to prevent unwinding of the loaded spool via tensioning with the double nuts (my design change).

I'm curious what was used (almost looks like a spring?) on the one you made, and how you would do it differently if you were to make another?

Anyone else can feel free to chime in with suggestions. I hate to think of my 309 springing on me when using this thing.

[Danny]

I also copied Bob, but I don't care for the time needed to prevent unwinding of the loaded spool via tensioning with the double nuts (my design change).

I'm curious what was used (almost looks like a spring?) on the one you made, and how you would do it differently if you were to make another?

Anyone else can feel free to chime in with suggestions. I hate to think of my 309 springing on me when using this thing.

Jim,

For spool tensioning try using a flat washer, compression spring, and a nylock nut.

I'd more than likely also add a spacer between the spool of wire, and the flat bar piece

[Fishy Jim]

I was going to get a nyloc nut, but they only had them up to 1/2" at the hardware store I frequent. Other than reducing friction on the back of the spool and preserving the surface finish of the aluminum bar (which I don't care about), what's the reason for the spacer?

There's always been some kind of friction pad material on my mig feeders. What do they use for those? I suppose I could see if they have any at the service shop too.

[walker]

Since you drug up this ancient thread... I don't know what the big deal is with the 4" spool adapter. I took the spool adapter off of my MM185 and put the 4" spool right on the shaft ( I may have put a plastic washer on first), then I put a small spring I had lying around and another washer, then the flat sided washer and nut from the original spool adapter. It took me 5 minutes to rig it up and I just let the spring sit in the bottom of the cabinet when not in use. It ran just fine with .023 wire in steel and stainless.

[Fishy Jim]

That's all fine and dandy unless your feeder uses a 3/4" bolt like mine.

[Danny]

Jim,

Friction reduction is the only reason I'd add the spacer. I was thinking along the lines of making a plastic washer. Nylon, Delrin, or Rulon would more than likely be good choices for material to use. Actually, even UHMW would probably work fine too.

[Fishy Jim]

I've got some nylon washers from various curbside supply fitness equipment I've snagged. I guess the issue is that right now I'm not getting enough friction instead of having too much.

In fairness to walker, my old mig had a 1/2" bolt, so I just made a little spacer bushing out of some pipe to allow use of the factory tension mechanism. I gave that to the new owner along with my extra tips and told him what it was.

The XR Control's center bolt is probably 1/2" as well, but I'm not threading, and then rethreading 24' of wire just to run a little stainless that will push up my 15' gun without issue.

The aluminum used on this was drop from an intercooler piping job. Whole thing took less time than ordering one out of a catalog. When I'm at a surplus place, I'll pick up a spring and should be good to go. It's not a pressing need.