clarke hobby 90 broken?

[johntb]

why does my welder only operate on a very low wire speed like just over 1 on full power? Any higher and the wire doesn't burn properly.
when i first got it i think it was about 3 to 3.5.

I replaced the motor and transformer about 8 months ago, the transformer was an oem replacement which didn't mount to the board so mounted it the floor of the welder and bridged wires up to the board but still had the same voltage rating as the old one.

Also I wasn't aware of duty cycle until recently, so I might have over used it slightly, could that cause damage?

 

[rtbcomp]

Welcome to the forum.

Does the speed knob control the wire speed OK, or is it the same speed no matter where you set the knob to?

If you exceed the duty cycle the welder should cut out and then cut back in once it has cooled down.

 

[johntb]

thanks

It speeds up and slows down when I adjust it.

Never cut out either I don't think.

 

[johntb]

tried it tonight, it burns almost perfect on about 1 and a third on full power but it's just not consistent, it will burn perfect for half an inch then it starts spitting for a sec then catches up go again - really frustrating.

I suppose I can't expect too much from an old hobby 90.

 

[the snooper]

could be the liner, try blowing it out check the tips and feed rollers also make sure the roller is the right way round ie .6 if you are using .6 wire