i-mig 205 Spool Size

I just picked up an i-mig 205 and wanted to test it out with a 2lb spool that I have. I checked the specs and they say:

Larger roll capacity

By offering a larger spool capacity than the competition, up to 12” (44 lbs.), the I-MIG increases welding time without changing rolls. Small, 2 lb. rolls of steel wire are easily used without the need of special adapters.


I suspect that this is a misprint and that I need to get a larger roll. Just in case it isn't, does anyone have a 205 that has figured out how to make this work? Is it possible that there are different 2lb formats?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MoJo1917

I just picked up an i-mig 205 and wanted to test it out with a 2lb spool that I have. I checked the specs and they say:

Larger roll capacity

By offering a larger spool capacity than the competition, up to 12” (44 lbs.), the I-MIG increases welding time without changing rolls. Small, 2 lb. rolls of steel wire are easily used without the need of special adapters.


I suspect that this is a misprint and that I need to get a larger roll. Just in case it isn't, does anyone have a 205 that has figured out how to make this work? Is it possible that there are different 2lb formats?

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Just need a piece of pvc tubing cut to length to center roll if I remember right. But if you are using 2 lb rolls, you bought the wrong welder for something like this. That might last 10 minutes of welding.

Thanks for the information Mark. It looks like removing the large roll spindle might work, there is a plastic insert that should be setup to center the roll. It appeared that the bolt would be too short to work that way, but I will give it a try.

Your probably right, I overbought on purpose. I don't get to weld that much now, but hope to find more time in the future. The big spool isn't really an issue for me, I just don't want to throw away the small one that isn't used up.
Joe

Save the small one for a future spool gun. If you aren't using it that much, why not consider a 10 pounder?

We ran out last weekend, Saturday, did not realize someone grabbed the last 10lbs spare.

I would have killed for that 2lbs to be laying around somewhere :). I eyeballed the 2lbs SS roll a couple times, then went to Home Depot, since it was a lot more welding we had to do..

Good then they are open and have wire on the weekends. I would drop it in a ziplock bag and store it for now.

I've run out several times on weekends. A few times it was where I could not wait. The manager of the lws closest to me has become a good friend, and of course, he has his emergency "number" posted on the door of the store. A quick call and we synchronized our runs to town, or he left a roll behind the bushes. I would come in on Monday or later that week, to pay.

I've never called on the weekend other than to go ski or boat, but I know the owner of an ironwork shop and have his number.. I would call in an emergency for sure.

It is nice to know those guys for sure and have their direct cellphone.

But that 2lbs spool might save the day, one day. If stored right.

Thanks Mike and Mark, I took that approach. It is stored in our closet for when I need it. I bought a 12 pound roll and ended up still needing/making the adapter that you mentioned Mark. Here is a link for anyone that runs across this thread:

http://www.everlastalaska.com/index....-Spool-Adaptor

I am still waiting on my regulator, but was able to use the one from my old weld-pak to get it up and running. It works great, I hope that I start using it enough that I need a 44 lb roll in the future.
Joe

I hope you will soon see 10lbs as too small (means you're making money or having a lot of fun). Glad you're up and going.

On the smaller spool, throw some desiccant bags from things you buy in the bag and squeeze all the air out. Otherwise you might have to remove a layer of rusting wire down the road.

Thanks Mike, will do. I knew they must be good for something!