Wire spool size. Did I screw up?

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Hi guys.I just ordered some wire yesterday for my MIG. It's new to me so I'm wondering if I screwed up or not.They list little spools, then 8" and 12" diameter ones. I measured the OD of the empty spool that was on it at the outer rim and it's 12". Then I got to wondering if they go by the inner diameter and not the outer edge, which is of course 8".So the size of spool I need starts out at 12" and empties up to be 8". Perfect. Now I'm confused.What's the scoop on this. I ordered a 12" spool. Was that right or is that a huge behemoth with a 12" inner spool diameter? My spool is 8"ID, 12" OD, with a 2" hole thru and about 4" wide. Pretty standard size I think. So is that a 12" or 8" spindle?
Reply:You have what is called a 12" spool of wire.  Spools are measured by the overall diameter.  Wire is sold by the pound.  Typically, 4" spools are 1 or 2 lbs, 8" spools are 10-14 lbs and 12" spools are 20-35 lbs.  If the spool fits in your machine, load it and use it.  MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Ok Thanks. I got the right thing then.It kind of threw me off when it appeared that the most common size "pushed" by the suppliers seemed to be 8". I guess those are for the smaller units after all.My spool is supposed to be 44lb, which is about what I have been seeing for steel wire (30-something to 40 something).
Reply:Originally Posted by tyrone shewlacesHi guys.I just ordered some wire yesterday for my MIG. It's new to me so I'm wondering if I screwed up or not.They list little spools, then 8" and 12" diameter ones. I measured the OD of the empty spool that was on it at the outer rim and it's 12". Then I got to wondering if they go by the inner diameter and not the outer edge, which is of course 8".So the size of spool I need starts out at 12" and empties up to be 8". Perfect. Now I'm confused.What's the scoop on this. I ordered a 12" spool. Was that right or is that a huge behemoth with a 12" inner spool diameter? My spool is 8"ID, 12" OD, with a 2" hole thru and about 4" wide. Pretty standard size I think. So is that a 12" or 8" spindle?
Reply:Picked up an Airco Dip/Stick 160 a couple weeks ago.It appears to work pretty well in "stick" mode. Came with a Tweco gun - I decided to just make my own adapter and that's about complete. I'll post a picture of that project since it actually turned out pretty nice.Just ordered a few consumables and some wire on Saturday, so I'll be able to send it through some paces later this week.