Wire feed problem

[Andrew Christophersen]

I’ve owned my SIP Supermig 225 for nearly 30 years and always been impressed with its performance when welding both thin and thick material. The machine is used spasmodically. Some years ago the gun was damaged and replaced with a Liquid arc brand Binzel style 3 metre gun.This is longer than the original. I now find that if there is any significant curve in the torch the wire will not feed. I have changed the liner ( it is red - correct for .9mm wire). The welder uses a single drive wheel and I have cleaned this with brake cleaner. The mig wire is old but not corroded. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Andrew

 

[jo1010]

Are you using flux core needing a knurled roller?......when you cleaned the roller did you get right down in the groove...I've seen it get fairly jammed up before - some have used ultrasonic cleaning......are you using 1.0 tip ?

 

[roofman]

I’ve owned my SIP Supermig 225 for nearly 30 years and always been impressed with its performance when welding both thin and thick material. The machine is used spasmodically. Some years ago the gun was damaged and replaced with a Liquid arc brand Binzel style 3 metre gun.This is longer than the original. I now find that if there is any significant curve in the torch the wire will not feed. I have changed the liner ( it is red - correct for .9mm wire). The welder uses a single drive wheel and I have cleaned this with brake cleaner. The mig wire is old but not corroded. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Andrew

How does it feel pulling some wire through the torch and lead by hand, it should slip through really easy

 

[Dapph2]

Has the arm pushed down by the feed screw spring bent/deformed . If so , could a couple of nylon washers under the knob on the threaded rod make the roller press further down .?

I usually remember to slacken off the wire feed pressure screw knob two full turns to prevent such a bending happening after every use of my MIG welder

 

[Andrew Christophersen]

Are you using flux core needing a knurled roller?......when you cleaned the roller did you get right down in the groove...I've seen it get fairly jammed up before - some have used ultrasonic cleaning......are you using 1.0 tip ?

Thanks for your suggestions. I’m using solid wire. I used a sharp edge and brake cleaner to clean down to the base of the groove. I am using a 1.0 tip.

 

[Andrew Christophersen]

How does it feel pulling some wire through the torch and lead by hand, it should slip through really easy

Thanks - there seems considerable resistance, even with the spool of wire manually rotated to create some slack and the spring loaded drive roller unlatched . I’ve now discovered that contrary to my initial report there is some surface corrosion on the wire. Could this be the problem?

 

[Andrew Christophersen]

Has the arm pushed down by the feed screw spring bent/deformed . If so , could a couple of nylon washers under the knob on the threaded rod make the roller press further down .?

I usually remember to slacken off the wire feed pressure screw knob two full turns to prevent such a bending happening after every use of my MIG welder

Thanks for your suggestion,however the spring steel arm seems fine. I now think the problem is excessive drag between the wire and the liner possibly caused by surface corrosion on the wire

 

[roofman]

Thanks - there seems considerable resistance, even with the spool of wire manually rotated to create some slack and the spring loaded drive roller unlatched . I’ve now discovered that contrary to my initial report there is some surface corrosion on the wire. Could this be the problem?

yes if the wire is corroded then its skip time...the liner will need cleaning too now, i use GT85 with the straw and blow it through with air line.

 

[Robotstar5]

yes if the wire is corroded then its skip time...the liner will need cleaning too now, i use GT85 with the straw and blow it through with air line.

I maintained production welding kit for many years and would advise against using any sort of cleaner/lubricant through the liner, even when you think it's blown clear it can still leave a residue to pick up stuff, the worst offender is flecks of the coating used on the welding wire. If blowing through with an air line doesn't work just replace the liner for a few quid or if it's a hobby type welder a length of curtain wire will work.

 

[Andrew Christophersen]

I’ve owned my SIP Supermig 225 for nearly 30 years and always been impressed with its performance when welding both thin and thick material. The machine is used spasmodically. Some years ago the gun was damaged and replaced with a Liquid arc brand Binzel style 3 metre gun.This is longer than the original. I now find that if there is any significant curve in the torch the wire will not feed. I have changed the liner ( it is red - correct for .9mm wire). The welder uses a single drive wheel and I have cleaned this with brake cleaner. The mig wire is old but not corroded. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks Andrew

I’m pleased to report that the new spool of wire has resolved the problem. Thanks for the advice and suggestions- much appreciated!
Kind regards
Andrew