Fitting a small wire reel?

[HasBean]

I was wondering if it is possible to fit a small reel into a mig that normally takes 5Kg+ reels?
Just that it seems if you have a small job to do than having to buy a 5Kg reel seems a bit OTT.
Is there a work around or an adaptor available (aside from a spool on gun job)

 

[irondarren]

You can make one yourself, a holder that is. My uncle made an adapter, to run a small reel. it depends what your machine is like. his feeds wire from the bottom of the reel. you just need to make something that fits over the existing reel holder,(large piece of steel tube) and allows a small roll to be hung underneath. not sure what size spindle a small roll is. basically large tube welded to a bit of flat with a spindle fixed to the flat, if that makes sense

 

[HasBean]

Hi irondarren, yup I guess it is that straightforward, wasn't sure if the smaller reel would unravel itself or not.
Just another one of those questions that passes through what's left of my tiny mind

 

[irondarren]

you might need to make up some sort of tentioner for the little reel, nothing more than tightening a nut against the small reel to provide a little friction

 

[aametalmaster]

Here is one i made from a small length of 2" black pipe and a 5/8" bolt to fit the spool. The 5/8" ID spring keeps tension on the spool so it dosen't unwind. The little foot keeps the wire in line with the guides but can be omitted...Bob

 

[HasBean]

Nice one Bob, shall have to make something similar methinks

 

[aametalmaster]

Here is a better pic...Bob

 

[HasBean]

Thanks mate

 

[zardoz]

Looks a nice design Bob. What is the 'butterfly' clip i see to the right of the reel ?

 

[Robotstar5]

I reckon the 'butterfly' clip is a wire cleaner?

 

[irondarren]

The butterfly clip looks like there is a bit of scotch brite under it, my uncle does a very similar thing it scrubs off any surface rust from the wire. Doesn't matter if you use the wire quick enough as it wont go rusty but if your a little slow at using wire it isnt a bad idea

 

[aametalmaster]

Yes it is a felt wire cleaner pad. I have used them for 30 years. The wire is filthy dirty no matter how new it is...Bob

 

[lexi]

Well Bob that is a cracker. I have to say in my best Chinese Dialect " That will be getting copied".............did it come out ok?...

Alex