How do I test the wire feed on my Sealey Supermig 150?

[Jay Cartay]

Hi all, I've just bought my first (used) welder and was after some advice on how to test the wire feed and also, is there anything else I should initially test? I'm wary of just having a go, in case I do something silly by accident! Going to have a good read before attempting any actual welding.

I'm slightly concerned that the plug has been cut off though. Seems odd to me, as that's what you do to condemned gear! So yeah, very keen to test.

EDIT: Anyone able to advise me on what amp fuse the new plug will need? It's a regular 230a 3 pin job.

 

[rtbcomp]

Easy one 1st 13A fuse. Get a good quality plug.

Ideally you should get it PAT tested, but if that's not possible, connect to a circuit protected by an RCD, so if there is an earth fault that should trip.

Without any wire in, switch it on and pull the trigger, you should see the feed roller rotating. If that's OK, load some wire up, connect the earth to a piece of clean metal and see if you get an arc.

 

[Jay Cartay]

Thank you, that's great advice. I take the outer cover off then to do that, right?

Luckily we do have some RCD plugs in the garage and conservatory so I'll use those.

Already enquired about a course to learn how to actually use it

 

[Jay Cartay]

Some photos to oblige you:

Looks like the end of the torch has seen better days, will that be a problem?

 

[Macgyver]

Probably not. previous owner of the company where i work, i don't think he ever cleans the tip, sometimes hes whole torch get stock to the welding projects, and he uses the tip more or less as a hammer it sounds, so as long as the gas is flowing out nice it should be ok.
im sure its depending on the application you are welding of course. but mig mild-steal is pretty forgiving in all cases allmost.
nice thumbs up there.

 

[Jay Cartay]

Good news! Let's see how it goes then. I'm now told it was wired into a fused spur in a workshop, hence the plug. Just need a mask and some gloves now.

 

[Macgyver]

If ur getting a cheep mask, thay say that its smart to have some UV filtering safety glases under, to protect from the so-called '' bad light '' that youre eyes feels,
i dont use that myself and i havent used it before on cheep mask, and im not affected. but i would if i had known it before.