Got a Clarke 135TE Mig so I can just use it with 0.6 wire to save me the trouble of changing wire reels, roller etc on the other mig that has 0.8 wire. But, the hose/cable to the torch is too short and rigid for my liking. Assuming the the Clarke will feed the wire 3 mtrs+ ok, I could fit a euro connector and use a spare torch that I have with a 3 mtre hose/cable but then the gas valve is wrong, The gas valve for the Clarke is in the handle, and the torch intended is for a solenoid valve in the welder. Has anyone any idea of how I can extend please? Ideas gratefully appreciated. Thank you.
- Thread starter Bsmith
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if you want to fit a euro connection you'll need to buy a solenoid valve and wire that in somewhere. (hopefully someone else will tell you)
when I got my clarke 151te I didnt want to go down the euro torch route, so lengthened the torch lead.
I used convoluted tubing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121460853966
and some 135 amp cable
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141138904459
and made a new connector from 1.5mm copper for the connection in the handle and some new wire for the switch and some 4mm nylon tubing for the gas connection
with a 3m long 135a cable the new torch lead ended up being 2.5m long. I had to change from a plastic liner to a steel one,as it was originally too flexible but the steel liner tries to keep the lead straight, which makes it easier for the wire too.
when I got my clarke 151te I didnt want to go down the euro torch route, so lengthened the torch lead.
I used convoluted tubing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121460853966
and some 135 amp cable
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141138904459
and made a new connector from 1.5mm copper for the connection in the handle and some new wire for the switch and some 4mm nylon tubing for the gas connection
with a 3m long 135a cable the new torch lead ended up being 2.5m long. I had to change from a plastic liner to a steel one,as it was originally too flexible but the steel liner tries to keep the lead straight, which makes it easier for the wire too.
Good 1 rtb thank you, are these valves readily available?
brightspark
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what are u using the blue plug on front of the welder for??
if you want to fit a euro connection you'll need to buy a solenoid valve and wire that in somewhere. (hopefully someone else will tell you)
when I got my clarke 151te I didnt want to go down the euro torch route, so lengthened the torch lead.
I used convoluted tubing
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121460853966
and some 135 amp cable
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/141138904459
and made a new connector from 1.5mm copper for the connection in the handle and some new wire for the switch and some 4mm nylon tubing for the gas connection
with a 3m long 135a cable the new torch lead ended up being 2.5m long. I had to change from a plastic liner to a steel one,as it was originally too flexible but the steel liner tries to keep the lead straight, which makes it easier for the wire too.
Thank you optima, That is another way, complete new cable home made. I'm surprised Clarke/Machine mart dosn't do extensions, mind you with their parts/consumable prices, think I would be very much considering home made anyway.
I know of an old dishwasher with one on it, no harm in sizing it up for ideas.
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Appliance inlet to power the welder instead of a mains lead.
brightspark
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- yarm stockton on tees
note i said plug and not socket 
So, was looking on eBay for a euro conversion, most in Uk are around £30, bought this one in China for £18, £12 saving, I will have to wait a week or 2 for it but for the saving I recon worth it.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130645798890?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130645798890?_trksid=p2060778.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT
Havn't got the conversion kit yet but since it's a non productive Sunday afternoon I thought I would ask, Will I be able to find the contactor/relay easily enough when I remove the outer panel? I have a multimeter.
F.A.O. rtbcomp
Got the euro conversion kit so did some checking with the multimeter tonight.
I found that I get 250v ac on the middle 2 terminals of these switches when I press the torch trigger.
Would it be ok for me to add wires to these connections and run them to the gas valve (washing machine valve) please?
Showing panel with the front of the 2 switches.
Got the euro conversion kit so did some checking with the multimeter tonight.
I found that I get 250v ac on the middle 2 terminals of these switches when I press the torch trigger.
Would it be ok for me to add wires to these connections and run them to the gas valve (washing machine valve) please?
Showing panel with the front of the 2 switches.
mike 109444
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mike 109444
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Just a bit 
Remember to sleeve any wires you add as some will be carrying mains and if it pulls off could short to machine (or you!).
One headache you might get is finding suitable fitting to go from the washing m/c threads to a size for the gas pipe. Take valve to a plumbers merchant with the pipe you are going to use (1/4 or 3/8 braided type?) Note does not need to withstand a lot of pressure as this gas will be AFTER the regulator so <30 psi.
Remember to sleeve any wires you add as some will be carrying mains and if it pulls off could short to machine (or you!).
One headache you might get is finding suitable fitting to go from the washing m/c threads to a size for the gas pipe. Take valve to a plumbers merchant with the pipe you are going to use (1/4 or 3/8 braided type?) Note does not need to withstand a lot of pressure as this gas will be AFTER the regulator so <30 psi.
mike 109444
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- 4,790
