Millermatic 252 - Eastwood spool gun?

[ishiboo]

I have a 252 I use all the time for steel, and I love it. But i occasionally want to do some aluminum work - mainly some additions to the boat trailer like guideons. The Miller spool gun is very pricey, and if i used it frequently id go for the Miller gun in a heartbeat. But I'm wondering if I can get away slapping the Miller trigger connector and gas connector on easily?

If not, I think I'd rather spend the money on the AC/DC TIG instead of the Miller spool gun.

 

[Balor]

I'd like to hear this too?rngr1

 

[HMCFab9]

In for info also.
I have a 252 & had planned on buying a spoolgun, but can't justify the cost.

 

[BD1]

I know there's a generic spoolgun for the Miller 211. Maybe post this on the WELDINGWEB site.
http://weldingweb.com

 

[kkroger]

211 spoolgun is junk... the spoolgun for the 252 is Ok...

 

[skipnay]

I need to follow this. I have a Miller 250 DX and been thinking about picking up a mig welder. Trying to figure out if I need the spool gun. Also the bigger the machine the better usually. I have a hobart 140 but sometimes I do heavier stuff at home!!!

 

[Hybridss]

211 spoolgun is junk... the spoolgun for the 252 is Ok...

Which 211 spoolgun is junk? Aren't there more than 1 available?

I have read to spoolmate 100 is junk but that the spoolmate 150 works fine.

 

[koditten]

I have a 30A, but never really thought it was Millers' highest quality. I would like to know why people are calling the spoolmate" junk"?

I never used a Spoolmate, so just subbed for info.

 

[gt1guy]

It was always my understanding the spool guns were junkish- to- ok, while the high dollar push-pull guns where it's at for quality results.

Also, remember the 252 (I have an older 251, but same machine) doesn't have a pulser built in like the 350P, which helps greatly for running alum.

I tried using a spool gun once, made me want a TIG machine.

 

[jamscal]

You can run aluminum through your normal whip if you're careful...it might give you about as many fits as a cheap spool gun though.

Plan your welds and keep the whip as straight as possible.

I worked at a place that did a lot of tacking on ally parts with conventional machines/guns and they did fine.

Some recommend a different liner for aluminum (teflon).

Some info here:

http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?37192-Success-in-using-teflon-liner-for-alum-MIG

Finally, my old lincoln spool gun used split tips to deal more easily with burnback, which will happen.

I ground my own a few times.

 

[Sycan]

211 spoolgun is junk... the spoolgun for the 252 is Ok...

I've run several spools of wire through, mine. When exactly is it going to become junk so I can be ready.

 

[ADSR]

I've run several spools of wire through, mine. When exactly is it going to become junk so I can be ready.

How do you like spending 3 times the money on tips that they just changed the thread pitch on?

It's a **** move like that, that makes me buy a different brand of welder. It's so bad, a lot of guys mod them.

http://www.millerwelds.com/resources/communities/mboard/album/559071-?albumid=48

 

[Sycan]

I honestly never noticed. When I switched to .035" wire I just had my wife pick up a pack of tips

Sent from my HTC6535LVW using Tapatalk

 

[fourjeepin]

In for info also. Never welded aluminum but have a couple of projects lined up. Own an older Miller 185 that needs the additional hardware to run the spool gun

 

[ishiboo]

Well, there's a few considerations:

1. The thread of the gas/electrical connection has to be adapted, if different
2. The electrical connector for the trigger and motor has to be purchased and swapped out
3. The voltage supplied by the 252 has to be compatible with the Eastwood (we would need someone to measure the Eastwood motor voltage) or adapted. This is assuming they are both variable voltage to control wire speed, and one is not like PWM or stepped or something that would not work with the other.

Personally, after considering all options, I think I'm going to buy the Eastwood 200A AC/DC TIG. Not saying it isn't possible, probably just not a project I want to mess with when the full TIG machine is so reasonable.

I'll definitely be following this thread if anyone makes any progress.

 

[gt1guy]

You'll be much happier going that route.

Kevin

 

[ADSR]

Well, there's a few considerations:

1. The thread of the gas/electrical connection has to be adapted, if different
2. The electrical connector for the trigger and motor has to be purchased and swapped out
3. The voltage supplied by the 252 has to be compatible with the Eastwood (we would need someone to measure the Eastwood motor voltage) or adapted. This is assuming they are both variable voltage to control wire speed, and one is not like PWM or stepped or something that would not work with the other.

Personally, after considering all options, I think I'm going to buy the Eastwood 200A AC/DC TIG. Not saying it isn't possible, probably just not a project I want to mess with when the full TIG machine is so reasonable.

I'll definitely be following this thread if anyone makes any progress.

That eastwood looks like it;s made by these guys... But this welder has way more options....

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00REX6USW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BigMike782]

The Spoolmatic 30A is the gold standard of spool guns. Yes, I have seen Prince, Lincolns. The 30A is built for everyday use and as such is a grand. The Spoolmate 100 and 200 are built to meet a price point. If you are going to use a spool guns 3,4,5 times a year why not pay someone to weld your aluminum and save the money? Spoolmate 100 is 250-300, cylinder is 200.00, Spoolmate 200 is more.

Push pull is ok for production but a 252 with a 30A can weld steel one minute and by moving the work clamp you are welding aluminum......can't do that with push pull.

Not just any spool gun made by Miller will work with any Miller machine. 185 for instance has to use the 3035 and an adapter and may even need and conversion kit......all depends on what you have and the serial number.

I doubt an Eastwood spoolgun could be plugged into the 252 drive housing as it most likely uses a Tweco(Lincoln Magnum) power pin and the 252 uses a 10 pin Amphenol for controls and stud for weld power.

 

[Farrier]

BigMike has a good idea. Just pay someone to do it, or....... rent a machine for when it's needed. I've used different types of spool gun, but I've never liked them very well. If you want one bad enough, your money would go farther if you put the money towards a capable machine of your own and forget about the spool gun.

 

[HAP]

The 3035 is a good gun @$600.00. I put it off due to the price, but with a MM210, it really works great. Just grab which ever gun you need and pull the trigger. Best feature on the 210.