euro torch conversion

[superfly]

hi lads,

I am experimenting problem with my mig welder, the wiring feed does not work properly.
And this other day when I change the wire, the wire when through the torch and so damage the plastic linear.

So I am wondering would I benefit to change the wire feed, and the also get a euro torch. I have already 2 euro torch at home so I would not need to buy them.

I am actually not sure of want need to be change for a euro torch conversion.

I have some work coming where I am going to need the mig welder in about 1 month or so, so I need it fully operational.

What do you reckon?

The machine is a Dega mig 270, it is a small machine but it is good for what I do with it.
Cheers

 

[madkayaker]

the big difference is that on hobby machines the gas valve is often manual in the torch where as euro is a electrical valve in the machine. also if the machine is permantly live tip it can make the conversion harder if it isnt then get a 230V gas valve and wire accross the input side of the welding transformer

 

[superfly]

Thanks for the response.

How can I determine if the machin is a permantly live tip?

 

[mike 109444]

Superfly You could turn welder on (but not press trigger!) and meter between the tip and the earth clamp. If you have about 15 to 22 ish volts then it's probley permantly live tip. Or if you don't have a meter then just remove the shroud again with welder turned on and just touch it to the earth clamp. If you get a big spark then it's permantly live. ps there are kits for euro conversion that come with instructions (so I understand from other posts)

 

[superfly]

Yeah lads,

I have made few pics of it.







To help understand, I think there is a gas solenoid link as there nothing mechanical at all in the torch.

At the moment the wire feed do not push the wire through anymore, I wonder if a change of wire feed is a good idea or simple change the bearing.

What do you think ?

Cheers

 

[superfly]

Do you think I could replace my wire feed by something like that
http://www.weldequip.com/cebora-wire-feed.htm

Any idea are welcome really, I have the project to start in about 2-3 weeks so I need to make sure the machin is good.

 

[Sean]

Wont just £10 on a steel liner will sort it for now ? If your going to be needing it soon then thats not the time to be taking the innards out the welder especially if you dont really know what your doing.

 

[Lawnmowerboy]

If the machine is a gas solenoid type then the conversion will be very simple, just buy a socket connector from weldequip and get a mb250 torch at either 3 or 4 meter long

 

[Ducky]

What state is your reel of wire in? Looking at the first picture it looks like the wire is dirty and has a small kink in it just after the hole (could just be the picture making it look like that), but anything like that will cause you wire feed problems.

 

[superfly]

I will re-wire everything tonight hopefully, I have cut the damaged part.
The thing is I am pretty sure the roller is a bit old and don't bring the wire properly.

So it is why I am thinking of changing the wire feed plate as well, as changing for euro connector.

I have 2 euro torch so I might as well use them instead of replacing the old one which show her age.

 

[Sub-arc]

Dude, If you're anyway close to me i'll give you a hand/take a look and see if we can sort something out.

 

[mike 109444]

Superfly I think the main thing to lookout for on your welder if you go for a euro connector is the gap between the exit from the wire feed area and the frount case of the welder (ref pic 1 where the red crimp connection is) it looks a bit tight there for the back of a euro socket (you might want to measure an existing one first). On the ori point of " when I change the wire" did you maybe replace 0.8 wire for 0.6 , but not swap the roller around? I would have not thought the roller bearing (top roller) would be worn but the bottom roller looks a bit pitted (and worn?) Might be worth removing the bottom roller and giving it a good clean inparticular the wire groove. You could also replace/uprate the lever that pushes the top roller down, a strip of steel maybe 2 or 3 times thicker should give less flex.

 

[superfly]

It is funny when I look at my old post I realise that plan are always going out of the window.
So since last year the project have not move, and I am getting ready to have a go at it.

I fixed the problem of wired feed, I just needed to review and clean.

However I am still thinking about getting it converted if it was possible.

I am going to have a look tonight or tomorrow and actually get some pics and try to explain what I know about it

 

[mike 109444]

Take a look at the catalog in the link. about page 20 something. Think you will find they do a feed motor/euro assembly and have a list of machines with the version you need. Not cheep (look on ebay they ad on there) but it's one lump and job done. Someone on here did do one within the last year
http://technicalarc.co.uk/TECARC 2012 no prices.pdf

 

[mike 109444]

Linky linky
item number on ebay 121055783989