Reel adaptor

[VL1500]

Howdy folks,

After all the swatting up and hours of studying advice on these Forums, my shiny new Portamig 185 arrived today! I plonked it up on my bench this afternoon & unpacked it, then sat there lookin' at it for ages. Anyway, I've got to learn to use it now so I'm gonna pester you with more questions. (Oh no, not him again!!)
Firstly, I saw on one of the welding supplies websites, an adaptor to use a 5kg. reel on a 15kg. machine. I thought it might be beneficial if I learn and play about with small reels first. Does anyone know if these adaptors work or not, and if there's any problems with them? The price was around 24 quid!

cheers,

Tony.

 

[malcolm]

£24? Rip off. I can sell you one for £23.50

See this page for the cheaper option (which is actually what I'd send if you gave me £23.50) - http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/album.php?albumid=28&pictureid=170

I've no idea why they don't bung in a bit of plastic. Nobody uses 15kg wire reels. 5kg is much handier. I use 1kg quite a lot and have a bodge for them too, but it doesn't work too well so no photos.

 

[Archie]

Only thing to point out is that the 5kg rolls are more expensive, meter for meter, than the 15kg ones. For example, my last 15kg roll of wire (Lincoln, so not something manky) was £17 give or take. Last time I looked a 5kg roll is about £15 so there's not much difference!

 

[Robotstar5]

Only thing to point out is that the 5kg rolls are more expensive, meter for meter, than the 15kg ones. For example, my last 15kg roll of wire (Lincoln, so not something manky) was £17 give or take. Last time I looked a 5kg roll is about £15 so there's not much difference!

That's because 15Kg are mostly commercial and would probably go rusty on a hobby mig due to low usage, our production welders can burn a 15Kg roll in a couple of shifts which is why they are on 475Kg marathon packs!

 

[Archie]

That's because 15Kg are mostly commercial and would probably go rusty on a hobby mig due to low usage, our production welders can burn a 15Kg roll in a couple of shifts which is why they are on 475Kg marathon packs!

 

[VL1500]

Thanks Mystery man!

Looks like you've got it taped! That's obviously a far cheaper option and if you use it then it must work. The other replies point out the fact that the price difference between the 2 reel sizes is hardly anything, so I'll find a supplier and check this out.

Much obliged to you other responders and thanks for bringing up the price factor. As mentioned above I'll look into it and take it from there.

Cheers,

Tony.