Test Piece

[Robert Weaver]

You might have

I'm thinking I'm limited on settings with this old welder? Presumably with a modern, inverter mig you can just turn a dial to set the amps?

An inverter might have more increments than a transformer, but that along doesn't make it better.

 

[Onoff]

Power on minimum was fine before and 5.5 speed was better but try 4.5 and allow it to penetrate longer.
The disposable bottles are expensive and inconsistent. A hobby bootle and regulator seems expensive but it will pay for itself in no time and the welds will be consistent too. Get a peashooter to measure the gas flow at the nozzle.

Will do. I did try I'm sure dropping the speed back but it was like the wire didn't want to come out quick enough and it really spluttered. I'll go back though and have another go.

A "peashooter"? Point me at one would you? Whatever a peashooter is!

 

[Craig-SM]

Argon Co2 Gas Flow Meter Peashooter Scale Tester Measure For Mig Tig Welder | eBay

Designed to check gas flow on Tig or Mig torches. Release the Mig wire tensioner to stop the wire feeding when testing. Disable the HF on Tig welders or you may get a shock. Quantity: 1 Pc.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Onoff]

Argon Co2 Gas Flow Meter Peashooter Scale Tester Measure For Mig Tig Welder | eBay

Designed to check gas flow on Tig or Mig torches. Release the Mig wire tensioner to stop the wire feeding when testing. Disable the HF on Tig welders or you may get a shock. Quantity: 1 Pc.

www.ebay.co.uk

Just ordered one thanks, who knew! Something else I've learnt.

If you fancy pointing me to a regulator that'll go atop a Hobbyweld bottle please do! Something like this maybe? I know I'll need the adapter hose:

MIG Welding Gas Regulator with 4mm Hobby Welder Adaptor Hose Kit ARGON CO2 | eBay

The regulator has a male 5/8 BSP thread for the bottle and a 3/8 BSP thread for the gas hose. Simply push your micro-bore hose into the end of the adapter hose, which then connects to the regulator.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Onoff]

I ran the flap disc over one of the better runs. I seem to have achieved penetration:

Best vertical up, top side:

Rear of the vertical up:

 

[a111r]

Will do. I did try I'm sure dropping the speed back but it was like the wire didn't want to come out quick enough and it really spluttered. I'll go back though and have another go.

You running this with the OEM black plastic liner?

 

[Onoff]

You running this with the OEM black plastic liner?

No, I replaced it with a blue plastic coated one I got from Weldequip. The blue plastic was a bit short so I added some (blue) heatshrink. Done back in 2017 but tbh the welder has hardly been used since.

 

[Onoff]

Scored some bits of 1mm steel destined for the bin, for MIG practice. Mounting plates from lighting control modules. Each yields 450x165 of steel. Not sure on the finish, like a light grey / silver wash. Comes off with a bit of emery cloth so a Scotch disc should soon get rid.

 

[daedalusminos]

Are you sure that's not stainless?

 

[Onoff]

Are you sure that's not stainless?

El fridge magnet...he say no!

 

[a111r]

Looks Zintec?

 

[Onoff]

Looks Zintec?

That's alright to MIG?

What exactly is Zintec, not galv or zinc flame sprayed I guess?

 

[Onoff]

Just bought this regulator and adapter hose:

MIG Welding Gas Regulator with 4mm Hobby Welder Adaptor Hose Kit ARGON CO2 | eBay

The regulator has a male 5/8 BSP thread for the bottle and a 3/8 BSP thread for the gas hose. Simply push your micro-bore hose into the end of the adapter hose, which then connects to the regulator.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Onoff]

So I've ordered the new regulator and adapter hose. That's not arriving until next week so I'll likely get the Hobbyweld 5 bottle then.

A mate on another forum has said, "You'll never get anywhere without doing a euro torch conversion on that!".

I started reading up on it, here and elsewhere. Typing in "clarke euro torch" etc.

I see it's been done, conversion kits inc a gas valve seem to be around the £85 mark though I couldn't find one specific for my Clarke 130TE.

My question is I guess is it really necessary? The Clarke feed mechanism here seems to work fine with no bunching. My welds I think show some promise and the inconsistency is mainly with me I reckon.

 

[a111r]

No, it's not needed.

 

[Onoff]

When I prep my next test piece of 1mm steel should I again, pre slit it multiple times as I did in my opening post above?

 

[Migmad]

Looks Zintec?

Wear a mask or make sure you have suitable extraction when welding zintec mate

 

[Onoff]

Ooh excited! This arrived today. That's a 5/8" BSP, 14tpi thread on the bottom according to my measurements with the Vernier, hopefully that'll fit into the Hobbyweld 5 bottle when I get it. Comes with adapter tube to go onto the 4mm hose on the welder. All new to me!

 

[Onoff]

The Chinesium (I presume) regulator fits the Hobbyweld 5 bottle nicely.

Is it normal to put PTFE tape around where the regulator attaches to the bottle?

Also, is it feasible to turn the regulator through 90deg with an elbow to make the gauges easier to read?

 

[Paul.]

No ptfe needed on regs, the seal is made on the brass bullnose not the threads, you can buy a proper brass 90deg adaptor but its just another joint to leak, I wouldnt bother, how often do you need to look at the gauges, dont be tempted to modify the reg, there is a lot of pressure in a cylinder.