100E wire feed stops and starts

[Lorcan]

Hi guys (and gals?),

I bought a 100E a while ago and have been going to evening classes to learn how to weld and getting along just fine using the college machines. Today I tried using the 100E but the wire feed stops and starts, about once a second. Took the side off the machine and the wire spool is doing the same thing, turning, stopping, turning again.

Is this normal for this machine? It's not what I am used to. If it's a fault can anyone point me in the right direction towards fixing it? I bought the machine secondhand but the previous owner only used it a couple of times, so it's practically new. I've tried turning the wire speed up and down, and the wire speed does change, but it still stops and starts every second.

 

[shenion]

Check the roller is clean.

The pinch roller may be worn, it can wear on one side and get crooked.

You are using the right groove on the roller? IIRC the "0.6" stamp would be facing out when using 0.8mm wire.

 

[Lorcan]

So it's not normal then...

 

[hunter27]

I have an old 100E that I have not used for several years but am sure that the wire feed motor did not stop and start in use, have you tried it with no wire installed to see if it is a wire/liner tip or tight wire reel holder problem
Pete

 

[slimjim]

Hi guys (and gals?),

I bought a 100E a while ago and have been going to evening classes to learn how to weld and getting along just fine using the college machines. Today I tried using the 100E but the wire feed stops and starts, about once a second. Took the side off the machine and the wire spool is doing the same thing, turning, stopping, turning again.

Is this normal for this machine? It's not what I am used to. If it's a fault can anyone point me in the right direction towards fixing it? I bought the machine secondhand but the previous owner only used it a couple of times, so it's practically new. I've tried turning the wire speed up and down, and the wire speed does change, but it still stops and starts every second.

if you have compressed air, blow out the liner, otherwise
change the torch liner and fit a steel one

make sure the wire is not rusty, never let rusty wire go through the torch.

you might have to change the torch kneck liner too

http://www.weldequip.com/clarke-wire-liner.htm

http://www.weldequip.com/clarke-swan-neck-liner.htm

it happened to me last week, but blowing out the liner and running some wire through sorted it (it happened when I changed the wire reel), but I have a new steel liner which I will fit, as its long overdue on mine

 

[Lorcan]

Thanks for the tips. I tried everything suggested to no avail, but a change of welding tip sorted it.

 

[Lorcan]

more drama

Ok I've had some time to experiment with some 2mm steel - tried some overlapping joints and a t-fillet.

Can't say I am doing too well, it seems very low on power and keeps cutting out after about an inch of weld - the manual suggests leaving it for 20 mins if it does this. Is 2mm steel too thick for this welder? If so I am going to need something with a bit more oomph. I think the ones at college were 200 amps.