Clarke 160t

[jasongray5]

When i use power setting 3 low it seems to be more powerful than setting 1 high??? Does anyone know the exact ampage for each setting?
Also, how big a job is it to fit a longer torch and earth cable, about 3 meters would do?
Many thanks Jas Gray

 

[weldequip]

When i use power setting 3 low it seems to be more powerful than setting 1 high???

It will be:-
1 Min is your lowest setting, then
1 Max
2 Min
2 Max
3 Min
3 Max being the highest setting

 

[cantfindausername]

Mind if I tag a similar question on to this?

I'd like to extend the power supply cable on my 160TE, its pathetically short as standard. Is it safe to run it on a 30m heavy duty extension cable?

Weldequip, would those be the same settings on my 160TE?

Thanks,
Ant

 

[Wozzaaah]

30m is a pretty long way but you should be ok if you use 2.5mm cable.

 

[cantfindausername]

Not entirely sure what size it is. I've been told to make sure that the cable isn't coiled up as this can increase risk of heat/fire.

 

[Archie]

I think you only need to worry about it being coiled up if the cable's on a metal spool.

 

[madkayaker]

Coiling a cable under load is a bad idea all the time as the cable cannot dissipate the heat into the air/ ground and it will over heat and melt.

 

[Archie]

Coiling a cable under load is a bad idea all the time as the cable cannot dissipate the heat into the air/ ground and it will over heat and melt.

I suppose I'd best start uncoiling the cables when I use them then! cantfinausername, listen to the pro, not me!

 

[malcolm]

We had a melted extension lead on the farm once. No idea what it had been used for, but to get so bad it must have got very hot without being noticed.

I think those settings are the same for the 160 cantfindausername. You can test what they do by laying weld on a sheet using all the power settings in order.

 

[cantfindausername]

Yeah I need to get me a marker pen. What size sheet would be best to use? 2.5mm 3mm?

Maybe I'll test on a direct plug and on the extension cable too and see if there is a difference too?

Ant

 

[weldequip]

The power settings are the same on 160T, TE & now TM models.
As regards the mains input cable, they are annoyingly short & I'd be inclined to wire in a longer one, easy enough to do*
There'd then be no problems with voltage drop over long distances or the risk of melting the extension cable when fully coiled.
weldequip

*Disclaimer: Should only be attempted by a qualified electrician

 

[cantfindausername]

Cool. Its just something I'd thought of cos my enginner mate has done it with all their grinders and all sorts. Nice to have plenty of cable when you need to move around a lot.

Will defo look into it then I can make sure there is a good size cable in there.

 

[madkayaker]

I have extended the power cable and the welding leads on my arc make job a lot easier you can move around without moving welder i often leave the welder in back of van.

 

[jasongray5]

What about the mig torch and earth cable?? Is that a big job to make them any longer?

 

[Wozzaaah]

Return lead is fairly simple to extend but the torch will be more difficult as you have a power lead, gas line and wire liner all enclosed in the sheath so that's 4 things to extend. If the welder is worth spending money on then maybe do a euro torch upgrade on it. It should come in at about £100 for everything if you buy it all new, obviously a lot cheaper if you can source a good used torch.

 

[drjim]

The earth cable on my new 160TM is ridiculously short and flimsy. I am tempted to chop it off and connect up the upgraded one off the old welder - depends if that invalidates the warranty though - that's effectively a question for my supplier Mr Weldequip!

 

[weldequip]

Shouldn't bother whilst under warranty drjim, I ain't bothered but Clarke may well be. Persevere with it until just outside warranty & then go for the full custom pimp job
weldequip

 

[cantfindausername]

How long is the warrenty on the Clarke Machines? Mine sat in its box in my porch for 1 year after I bought it

 

[Dusty]

So is it possible to fit a 3mtr or so torch hose or not???
The 160t i have has been good so far but I think i'm goin to struggle to reach far enough to do all the floor in my disco. will probably have to take the bottle off and shove the box in the car with me!!!!

! maybe i'll "rescue" an old shopping trolly and convert it to take the mig/ bottle.
Lifting it up a couple of feet will help a bit.

suggestions anyone..........
dusty

 

[madkayaker]

Is the MiG a euro connector on the touch? if so a longer hose should be OK but some people have said they have had problems with long hoses.