10lb spool on an HF welder?

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I know I asked this in a previous thread, but I only got a response or two... I hope with a seperate thread more people will give their couple cents...

On the 90amp Flux Wire Welder, can a 10lb spool be fitted? How about if I got a big old washer(since the tie down is merely a wing nut on top of essencially a washer..).. It seems one would fit, but I am worried about the centre hole... Anyone have experience.. I really dont want to waste money, nor build a cart, unless I have to..(future project..)

 

[Doc Sprocket]

I'm not familiar with that unit. The Lincoln's require a spool adapter to tesion properly. It seems to me that a big waher may help with the tension but not very reliably. Moreso, the hole in the big spool is a lot larger 2"-ish, and you do not want it flopping around on a 1/2" spindle. That's an expensive bird's nest.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Lol, it would be indeed.... I guess I may be forced to make a kart after all... then *gasp* drill a hole though the case... Now alas the issue is... where to find 2inch tubing...

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Is there not room inside the unit?

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

There appears to be room... maybe 2 inches on all sides...(on top of the 2 pounder) But thats pointless if its the spindle thats an issue...

 

[Doc Sprocket]

My point is that if there's room for the spool, go get the Lincoln spool adapter- The spools are standard, so the spindles will work- if it doesn't, return it...

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Could you tell me the size of the spool? A measure, so I can check ...

 

[robbie]

I wind the wire onto small spools so I don't have to figure out how to adapt the big spool. It's kind of tedious, but it's no big deal.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Spool diameter is 8". Sorry it took so long, first chance I had...

EDIT- I just D/L'ed the manual and had a look around. No, there's simply no room in the case for a large wire spool. So either keep buying the small spools, or modify/fab something.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I am currently building a stand for my welder.. I will simply have to drill a small hole for the wire.. not exactly what I wanted to do... but hey, no sense in spending 100s extra on wire..

Is the tension that the spring provides needed? Or can I simply stick it on a piece of round tube, and call it a day?

 

[Doc Sprocket]

You must tension the spool, or the wire will unwind itself, causing a "birdsnest".
If you drill thru your case, be sure to pass the wire through a plastic or rubber grommet, not jut the bare hole or it will short out the machine.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I assume shorting out= bad? Or it just wont function...?

 

[r97]

what happens is all the wire unravels and becomes a tangled mess! either rip the cover off or make a welding kart.

 

[redsox985]

Will it short? Is there a current running through the metal body? I've never played with one of these always hot HF welders.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

I dont think any current is running through the BODY... else I think I would feel it touching it... its grounded for sure though...

 

[Doc Sprocket]

There isn't current running thru the body, people. There's current running thru the WIRE! That's why you don't want it shorting against the case. It WILL cause unit failure. Been there.

 

[redsox985]

Sounds good

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Then how do you suppose I do it? I know people some times make spool holders for the 50# and 25# spools, yet I never hear of them shorting... but thanks for the info.. that would have been bad..

You said a rubber grommet.. Like on the back of your computer(if its set up for water cooling)..

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Water cooled computer? I dunno- go to any place that sells electrical supplies, automotive, household, whatever- and ask for a small package of, say, 1/4" grommets. Then periodically check it. If the wire starts to cut through after time, replace it.

 

[Flexibel_kampfe]

Never heard of water cooling your computer? It helps with the heat... and its not real water, so no frying issues if you get a leak..

Okay, I will check that out... Good thing about HF... is if I fry it... I exchange it, for another 2+ months... Plus the extended warranty..