Spool gun for MIG... Question?

[CGCINC]

Would you get the 10' or 15' spool gun? I could save $40 if I go with the shorter one.

I'm not even sure I'll use it but I would like the option of running Aluminum wire.

[DaveO]

Maybe we could also expand the discussion to include, "do you need to match a spool gun to the machine or application" because I notice the Everlast spool guns feature different duty cycles. It may also expand your capabilities with MIG, since these will also weld steel and stainless, and may allow a slightly wider range of wire sizes.

CGC, have you used GMAW on aluminum before? I'd be curious to hear from somebody that has, and what their results have been.

[CGCINC]

CGC, have you used GMAW on aluminum before? I'd be curious to hear from somebody that has, and what their results have been.

Only in welding class

And I was also wondering if you could buy a spool gun rated for less than your max since there is a duty cycle? (and I guess that's what you mean DaveO?)

[geezer]

Would you get the 10' or 15' spool gun? I could save $40 if I go with the shorter one.

I'm not even sure I'll use it but I would like the option of running Aluminum wire.

,,,the whole idea of having a spool gun is to give you the option to weld away from your machine,,, get the longest leads that you can get ,,the 200 amp SM-200m with 20 foot leads is the only way to go,,, it costs more but then how many do you want to buy,,,I don't use mine on aluminium but I do use it on steel

[Ram48]

,,,the whole idea of having a spool gun is to give you the option to weld away from your machine,,, get the longest leads that you can get ,,the 200 amp SM-200m with 20 foot leads is the only way to go,,, it costs more but then how many do you want to buy,,,I don't use mine on aluminium but I do use it on steel

I second that I just added a 15for mig gun to my 205 and I am glad I did, I do not feel tied to the machine anymore It always seemed to be in the way or I was moving the work to get at it.
I also have the 20ft 200 spool gun and like it. By the way Welding direct stocks the consumables for that spool gun, Nozzles, diffusers and insulators along with tips are as mentioned by Geezer elsewhere are from the Binzel 24 KD

[CGCINC]

I actually screwed up... I was looking at replace torches for the Mig as well as Spool guns and mixed up the length of hoses. Both spool guns for the IMIG 200 are 20' long.

geezer - the 200 amp SM-200m with 20 foot leads is the only way to go

Because of the size wire you can run through it or is there more reasons?

[kenwhite]

I actually screwed up... I was looking at replace torches for the Mig as well as Spool guns and mixed up the length of hoses. Both spool guns for the IMIG 200 are 20' long.

Because of the size wire you can run through it or is there more reasons?

It should be rated as high, or higher, than the welder so it does not over heat and fail.