welding lead reels

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im thinking about building some lead reels for my welding truck but not real sure how to go about that. i would like them to stay attached to my welder while im rolling and unrolling. if yall have any good ideas please let me know
Reply:ive seen several guys with lead reels made out of trailer hub and spindle assemblies, really simple, just some pipe and discs welded to the hub and the spindle gets welded to a mounting plate that is insulated from the truck with thick rubber or plastic.And the welding current is allowed to pass right through the bearings, yes you heard me right lol.
Reply:never knew it was that easy i appreciate all the info. so you just hard mount your leads to your reels is that correct?
Reply:I did trailer hub reels first, then I built these with sealed bearings. Both designs I let the current pass through the bearings up to 250 amps and never had a problem. The stinger reel is the only reel insulated. I just used a piece of 1/4'' delrin plastic, nylon washers, and fuel grade hose to insulated the bolts. Attached Images
Reply:Mine are basically like Bryan's, just different shape to fit into a bin on the truck. Stinger reel is insulated with two pieces of plastic cutting board and 1/2" plastic gas line like they bury in the ground. I used old trailer spindles and the current runs through the bearings. I cut a round and welded it to the spindle after knocking out the studs. Then I welded a piece of 4" pipe to it, centered. Welded on the other round and added a handle. It's just that simple. I made my reels 25 yrs. ago and they have never been a problem. Now the torch hose reel is way more complicated.
Reply:yep have the old fasion hub reels myself work good.
Reply:how do you keep the bolts from grounding everything out
Reply:Mine have 1/2" bolts holding it down. There is plastic cutting board under the reel base and under the bed. The holes you cut for the bolts are 3/4" and you have a piece of plastic tube in the holes, top to bottom, before you put the bolts in. Totally insulated.
Reply:okie dokie thank you man
Reply:Take a look at www.alumareel.com