Spool gun

[1930]

I need to get some aluminum welded and am tired of farming it out to someone else so I am on the hunt for a good quality, barely used spool gun possibly from local Craigslist.

Dont know what I should be looking for, I have a Millermatic 200 welder that has the receptacle for the gun and would probably prefer to find a gun from the same era as my Miller cause I am assuming it would be a better piece of equipment.

Can anyone suggest to me what I might want to start looking for.

Know virtually nothing about welding aluminum so any advice of what else I may need to go along with the gun would be helpful as well.

Thanks

 

[zkling]

IIRC it depends on the series (broken by serial number) on those units, if you need an adapter kit/box or not. The modern higher end spool guns 15/30A I believe will work on that unit but need an adapter. Even the original spoolmatic 1,2,3 were dependent on which version of the machine you had, again IIRC. I'd start by seeing which ones will fit direct and then look for a used one. Otherwise the new route is going to be pretty expensive.

 

[dynahoe]

maybe join a welding forum and get some real good tips on gun and use

 

[rsanter]

Have you tried to run the aluminum wire without the spool gun?
For some units of the mix gun lead is not too long and you keep it as straight as possible you can do without the spool gun.
Just a though if you only need to weld aluminum occasionally

Bob

 

[txvwnut]

Have you tried to run the aluminum wire without the spool gun?
For some units of the mix gun lead is not too long and you keep it as straight as possible you can do without the spool gun.
Just a though if you only need to weld aluminum occasionally

Bob

I've tried this before and had soso success. You need a plastic hose liner and to keep the hose as straight as possible. If you don't you will bird nest the wire everytime, or at least that's what I encountered. Spool gun or TIG is about the only way to go.

 

[trackwelder]

If you go to millers website you can get the exact manual for your welder. There are some models that have a 4 or 11? Pin connector. You can make an adapter to use a spoolmatic spool gun.

 

[brownbagg]

just buy a new one from miller

 

[Bill Bowman]

^^^This.

 

[Bobcat753]

just buy a new one from miller

I agree. Used spool guns are always problematic. You will never know its past or if it has been maxed out.
This one from miller should fit your machine fine.
https://www.millerwelds.com/accessories/guns-torches/spool-guns/r1022008-no-name

 

[kaymccampbell]

In the 80's I had a Millermatic 200 with a Spoolmatic 2 gun.
That spoolgun was about as unweildy as a panaflex camera and provided endless hours of cursing practice. The best thing about it was that I bought both as a set and the spoolgun was direct connect to the welder. No fiddling adapting it up. The fiddling time was spent on the gun itself.
Get the newer gun and the adapter. They've got to have improved them in the last 30 years to the point that they actually provide several hours of service for every hour of fiddling.

 

[zkling]

just buy a new one from miller

Looking at about a grand or more to really get it going though. If that was a viable option for him I'd spend a bit more or less (used) for a push pull system.

 

[zkling]

BTW OP, you will also need a tank of straight argon. What process do your vendors use that you are currently subbing out your aluminum work to?

 

[1930]

IIRC it depends on the series (broken by serial number) on those units, if you need an adapter kit/box or not. The modern higher end spool guns 15/30A I believe will work on that unit but need an adapter. Even the original spoolmatic 1,2,3 were dependent on which version of the machine you had, again IIRC. I'd start by seeing which ones will fit direct and then look for a used one. Otherwise the new route is going to be pretty expensive.

I had already signed up some time ago on the Miller welding forum and have mentioned your concerns, the topic is located here if you would like to follow it. http://www.millerwelds.com/resource...orum/welding-discussions/34004-milermatic-200

 

[1930]

maybe join a welding forum and get some real good tips on gun and use

Done, thanks

 

[1930]

Have you tried to run the aluminum wire without the spool gun?
For some units of the mix gun lead is not too long and you keep it as straight as possible you can do without the spool gun.
Just a though if you only need to weld aluminum occasionally

Bob

This will not work well especially with my 10 foot wand for reasons mentioned below the post you have just made here, thanks though

 

[1930]

If you go to millers website you can get the exact manual for your welder. There are some models that have a 4 or 11? Pin connector. You can make an adapter to use a spoolmatic spool gun.

I do have the manual, looking at my machine ( just now ) I do not see a plug in for a spool gun??? I guess maybe I am jumping the gun here? Maybe it is the deal lower right corner?

I see a hassle erupting here if so.

 

[1930]

just buy a new one from miller

I always have very good luck with vintage stuff, cheaper usually and better made.

 

[1930]

In the 80's I had a Millermatic 200 with a Spoolmatic 2 gun.
That spoolgun was about as unweildy as a panaflex camera and provided endless hours of cursing practice. The best thing about it was that I bought both as a set and the spoolgun was direct connect to the welder. No fiddling adapting it up. The fiddling time was spent on the gun itself.
Get the newer gun and the adapter. They've got to have improved them in the last 30 years to the point that they actually provide several hours of service for every hour of fiddling.

I may still go this route, a gentleman here P.Md me. This is what he said......I have a brand new Spoolmate 100 that I got as a rebate from Miller when I bought a new 211. Still in the original box I would like to sell it if you are interested. New they are 250-275. I would take $175 and handle the shipping. I am leaving town tomorrow and will not be back until Friday and could send pictures then if you are interested...........

End of quote

I need to find out if this gun will work with my welder and if it would be a good option for me, looking at my poor pics above can you tell me where the spool gun is even supposed to connect?

 

[1930]

BTW OP, you will also need a tank of straight argon. What process do your vendors use that you are currently subbing out your aluminum work to?

I do know about that tank, not an issue, I do not know what they are using, since I am unfamiliar with all of this I am left guessing. Questions will only render a bit more confusion, subbees do not want to lose the business.

 

[fnieto]

I owned a Miler spool gun 2 back in the 80-90's. Used it a lot and it was a PITA. Have been welding for 36+ years so I know how to use /adjust those units. Sold off the Millermatic 200 with the spool gun as I do every 10 years or so. Went with out a spool gun for 10 years mostly because of the Syncrowave. I purchased a Miller 350-P and a 30A spool gun in 05 and I can tell you the 30A is superior to any older predecessor Miller ever put out. The old style cannon plug can be fitted to take the newer spool gun. Do your self a favor and get the notion out of your head that a spool gun from the same era as your Mig is worth owning.

 

[trackwelder]

I do have the manual, looking at my machine ( just now ) I do not see a plug in for a spool gun??? I guess maybe I am jumping the gun here? Maybe it is the deal lower right corner?

I see a hassle erupting here if so.

Lower right corner is where the plug is. I have four mm200 welders with two of them equipped with spool guns. One has a spoolmatic gun, the other a 30a. I have no problems with the older spoolmatic with the exception that my LWS doesn't stock any tips or parts for it.

 

[kaymccampbell]

Talk to your Miller dealer. I'm pretty sure the Spoolmate 100 will connect to almost anything. Sometimes an adaptor box is required. I've seen them connected to non Miller power sources.

 

[1930]

Do your self a favor and get the notion out of your head that a spool gun from the same era as your Mig is worth owning.

Done

 

[1930]

Here is a chart given to me on welding forum https://www.millerwelds.com/support/system-setup-and-software/spool-gun-hookup-chart
Once I decipher the info given ill prob. have my questions answered.

 

[sberry]

I kind of agree with some of the sentiment here. We can assume this is part time use, same here. I would also be hesitant about spending much to outfit the old machine, cheap is good.
If it was going to cost me significant would consider outright buying another machine that came with it. Small Hobart or 211.

The 300 synch has become a cart for a 210 and plasma.
I was late to the game with owning a tig and doing alum anyway but after caught up some I rarely weld alum in contrast to steel and I have a lot of stuff. Its a ball saver at times though and its zippy fast at what I do.
I have some thinner work but am able to compensate to the point its not worth firing up the tig. I actually fixed a rotted hose several years ago and havnt used it since.
If you have some repair you farm out on occasion this is for you. Especially if its time sensitive.

 

[brownbagg]

looking at about a grand or more to really get it going though. If that was a viable option for him i'd spend a bit more or less (used) for a push pull system.

$470 i,m sorry cyberweld has one at $270 brand new

 

[sberry]

Yes, good you been to the Miller forum. It used to be very busy but is full of good stuff and a couple guys that know hangout or look in.
The 210 is a backup plan. Most of my real work is or could/can be done with the little Linc which rides my bench. If it would die tomorrow have to be replaced in short order. The 250 feeder in the pic above falls in to that same class. It can fall in to the "cant remember" category as well.
I use it on occasion, when I do it saves money and isn't worth selling and might not even replace it at new cost should it croak. The little stick in the pic is near priceless in some respect. I really could do most with a small feeder but I have leads outdoor and I simply need to run a stick on occasion.
I weld often, not a lot. In the summer lots of pull ups, 1 rod modifications and repairs.
It took me a long time to figure out to move it from the first location to the second. It was quite convenient as it was so it worked but the ergonomics are really tuned in the second shot. It reaches the benches but reaches well out on the floor without additional hookups and quicker to move to the hoist if needed. I have a recept on it but may change the cord for a longer one to make any place use it local a one shot process. I have a short extension on now and the perfect setup would be 35 or 40 ft.

 

[zkling]

$470 i,m sorry cyberweld has one at $270 brand new

Doesn't fit/won't be able to use the machine to capacity. The adapter alone is ~$300 and he really should be running a 15/30 gun to really take advantage of all the machine has to offer. Even though it is called a 200 they are more in the modern 250 class machine.

OP what is your max budget for this?

 

[1930]

Doesn't fit/won't be able to use the machine to capacity. The adapter alone is ~$300 and he really should be running a 15/30 gun to really take advantage of all the machine has to offer. Even though it is called a 200 they are more in the modern 250 class machine.

OP what is your max budget for this?

I was told ( and hoping ) to be able to pick up a decent barely used gun for a couple hundred. Not looking like that is going to happen unless I am patient and one pops up somewhere.

 

[1930]

Evidently the spoolmate 100 is a hobby version gun, not liking that but realistically I do not plan to weld aluminum full time but only on sporadic occasions so maybe it will work for me.

Still am not clear on what adapter is going to be needed and price. If its the 300 dollar unit mentioned above than not worth the effort, I just assune get the better gun that might be a direct connection.

 

[zkling]

I was told ( and hoping ) to be able to pick up a decent barely used gun for a couple hundred. Not looking like that is going to happen unless I am patient and one pops up somewhere.

Pretty much, the Spoolmatic 100 could be adapted, but it is a much lighter duty gun than the MM200 is capable of.

What are your planned uses for this anyways? I just hope your expectations aren't too high/unrealistic for spool gun work. I've been down this road before and ended up with a better tig machine. Even bought an OLD hobart gun at one point in time with hopes to convert it to my millermatic. If you are really serious and have money making jobs lined up a push pull system is the way to go. Otherwise to take full capability of your MM200, you will need an industrial spool gun. Take a look at the parts you currently sub out, it should be pretty easy to determine what process they are using, unless they are using a high end pulse system. Even then you can usually pick out what process was used.

Evidently the spoolmate 100 is a hobby version gun, not liking that but realistically I do not plan to weld aluminum full time but only on sporadic occasions so maybe it will work for me.

Still am not clear on what adapter is going to be needed and price. If its the 300 dollar unit mentioned above than not worth the effort, I just assune get the better gun that might be a direct connection.

THERE IS NO CURRENT DIRECT CONNECT GUN FOR YOUR MACHINE. Millers chart is very easy to decipher.

 

[1930]

Pretty much, the Spoolmatic 100 could be adapted, but it is a much lighter duty gun than the MM200 is capable of.

What are your planned uses for this anyways? I just hope your expectations aren't too high/unrealistic for spool gun work. I've been down this road before and ended up with a better tig machine. Even bought an OLD hobart gun at one point in time with hopes to convert it to my millermatic. If you are really serious and have money making jobs lined up a push pull system is the way to go. Otherwise to take full capability of your MM200, you will need an industrial spool gun. Take a look at the parts you currently sub out, it should be pretty easy to determine what process they are using, unless they are using a high end pulse system. Even then you can usually pick out what process was used.



THERE IS NO CURRENT DIRECT CONNECT GUN FOR YOUR MACHINE. Millers chart is very easy to decipher.

Effective with JJ407380 Spoolmatic® 1 (N/A) WC-1A (N/A)
Spoolmatic® 3 (N/A) Direct Connect

Spoolmatic® 15A
Spoolmatic® 30A

Spoolmate™ 200 Series
WC-24 #137549

Looks like spoolmatic 1 N/A and Ill assume that means not available?
You say Spoolmatic 3 which is a direct connect is not avail. as well. N/A not avail.

Not sure what the other guns listed are

Light duty work

 

[zkling]

Yes, "N/A" is a common method on parts lists to abbreviate "Not Available". Meaning part is out of production. Also sometimes put as NLA (No Longer Available"). Not to be mistaken for SOL.

The current guns 15A/30A and 200 require the WC-24 adapter, which is ~$300 IIRC. This is used on older mig machines and even current engine drives.

 

[1930]

Im just going to start looking for a tig I guess, I can prob. pick up a second hand one for less than the 800 plus needed for a decent spool, someone suggested a Lincoln Precision Tig 225

 

[zkling]

How about you give an example of what you are needing to weld? I'm not sure if you are in the position to be able to determine what you need at this moment quite honestly. Seems like you are trying to make this more difficult than need be.

 

[1930]

Not trying to make this difficult, alot of good helpful information here and I thank-you and everyone else that contributed. I can take the info and make a more educated decision.

 

[JoeFin]

I have a Miller XMT 304 with the Push / Pull gun and honestly for 1 off work I just grab my Lincoln Square Wave and Tig weld it.

The Miller set up is really great but the time it takes to get every thing dialed in just right is a bit. Tig welding gives me much better control while making the weld. So if your talking production yes of course the Miller is much better suited for the job.

If your talking random repairs around the shop pull out a Tig tourch and get er done

 

[Showkey]

Im just going to start looking for a tig I guess, I can prob. pick up a second hand one for less than the 800 plus needed for a decent spool, someone suggested a Lincoln Precision Tig 225

If your looking for a spool gun to get by.... Eastwood MIG comes witha gun for $479


http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-175-amp-mig-welder-w-spool-gun.html

 

[1930]

If your looking for a spool gun to get by.... Eastwood MIG comes witha gun for $479


http://www.eastwood.com/mig-welders-175-amp-mig-welder-w-spool-gun.html

How the heck do they sell these things so cheap....and with a 3 year warranty ( thats prob. useless )

 

[1930]

I have a Miller XMT 304 with the Push / Pull gun and honestly for 1 off work I just grab my Lincoln Square Wave and Tig weld it.

The Miller set up is really great but the time it takes to get every thing dialed in just right is a bit. Tig welding gives me much better control while making the weld. So if your talking production yes of course the Miller is much better suited for the job.

If your talking random repairs around the shop pull out a Tig tourch and get er done

Which square wave version do you have?