Adapting a $200 Spool Gun to an off brand MIG

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For $200, I can afford either the Miller Spoolmate or Lincoln SG100 spool gun, but not the matching MIG welder box.  What kind of interface to the MIG welder box do these guns require?  Specific Questions:1)  Is the Wire Drive motor powered from the welding current, or does it require a seperate power input?2)  Does the trigger control the wire speed or is it just an On/Off for welder current?3)  Does the trigger control the gas locally, or does it require a seperate gas valve solenoid?4)  Is there any motor speed control in the spool gun itself?5)  Which  spool gun is better, the Miller or the Lincoln?Thanks for any info.mark
Reply:They are both Plug & Play Spool Guns with their respective machines.Ed Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by TwinCloneFor $200, I can afford either the Miller Spoolmate or Lincoln SG100 spool gun, but not the matching MIG welder box.
Reply:Originally Posted by TwinCloneFor $200, I can afford either the Miller Spoolmate or Lincoln SG100 spool gun, but not the matching MIG welder box.  What kind of interface to the MIG welder box do these guns require?  Specific Questions:1)  Is the Wire Drive motor powered from the welding current, or does it require a seperate power input?2)  Does the trigger control the wire speed or is it just an On/Off for welder current?3)  Does the trigger control the gas locally, or does it require a seperate gas valve solenoid?4)  Is there any motor speed control in the spool gun itself?5)  Which  spool gun is better, the Miller or the Lincoln?Thanks for any info.mark
Reply:DSW:  Thanks for the info..  so really it's just a wire drive motor and a switch.  I'm sure the Lincoln version is very similar in function.  After thinking about this more, I think I'll just stick with a TIG..mark
Reply:I looked at retrofitting a machine with a Lincoln 100sg.As I recall it had a four wire control cable.Two wires to a simple open close switch.Two wires to the 12vdc  feed motor.No speed control, no gas valve. Good Luck
Reply:Originally Posted by clearchrisGood question, I'd love to hear the answer too.
Reply:How well does a spool gun hooked up to a DC + MIG welder actually do on aluminum?  Without AC and HF, I would think not so well.  mark
Reply:It'd be fine. Aluminum MIG is a DC process, not requiring AC or HF.
Reply:1) Is the Wire Drive motor powered from the welding current, or does it require a seperate power input?Requires a variable dc voltage.2) Does the trigger control the wire speed or is it just an On/Off for welder current?On/Off.3) Does the trigger control the gas locally, or does it require a seperate gas valve solenoid?Uses the solenoid in the mig welder.4) Is there any motor speed control in the spool gun itself?No.5) Which spool gun is better, the Miller or the Lincoln?We would stay with the Miller.      weldersales
Reply:Miller is much nicer. Go to Miller's site and read their comparison. It has 4 wires that connect to the machine. The MM180 M-10 gun has 2 wires. Good luck and I'ld buy a MM140 or MM180.JamesDrag Racing is for Fast Cars. Time Attack is for Fast Drivers!Miller Dynasty 200DX SOLDWeld Tec WatercoolerSOLDMiller Millermatic 180 w/ Spoolmate 100 Everlast 325 EXT w/300 Water Coolerwww.felixperformance.com
Reply:Originally Posted by StillBoostinMiller is much nicer. Go to Miller's site and read their comparison. It has 4 wires that connect to the machine. The MM180 M-10 gun has 2 wires. Good luck and I'ld buy a MM140 or MM180.James
Reply:Psst Leon... The original date of the thread is 2008. I think he's got that handled by now hopefully..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You need something like a profax aec-200 and appropriate matching control box to do. What I think you are asking.    This spoolgun has on gun speed control, in gun gas shutoff/on valve but needs to connect to one of their control boxes.   See their website /catalog.  If you get one of their guns cheap you are set as its a pricey setup new.   As they have been making them for like 30 or 40 yrs doe various major brands they are quite common used.Another option is a Ready welder with the CV control module setup.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250