And I was doing so well....

[crustycrutc]

After blagging some plate from a local engineering workshop, I set to with my 150TE doing practice welds. After a really good start and some promising welds, it all went t*ts up when I welded the shroud to my test plate and ******** two tips. I think I'm getting too close to the workpiece!!
Trouble is I think I've knackered the thread in the torch as I can't get another tip in. Is it possible to get a new torch? Is there a better torch available for the 150TE? And is it possible to get a longer cable/tube from the machine to the torch?
Cheers all

 

[irondarren]

Not sure about the clark 150TE but euro torches have a tip adapter, basically an extra bit that screws to the torch and the tip screws into that. on Mig you should be 8-10mm away from the work piece. Its common for people when starting to either hold the torch to far away or to close. The shroud shouldn't get welded to the plate as its insulated, but it can happen if to much splatter gets inside and cause a short circuit between shroud and the tip.

 

[weldequip]

Trouble is I think I've knackered the thread in the torch as I can't get another tip in. Is it possible to get a new torch? Is there a better torch available for the 150TE? And is it possible to get a longer cable/tube from the machine to the torch?

The threads in the neck will burn out eventually & you just replace the neck... no need to replace the whole torch. The Clarke torches are the best quality amongst the small machines but only come in the standard, 2.5M length unfortunately.
I can have a replacement neck to you next-day at MM beating prices drop me a PM if you like.
weldequip

 

[Reprobate]

Try running a bottom tap through the thread to clean it up. Be much cheaper than a new torch.