how many more mistakes can I make ?

[Paul-n]

Hi there

Mistakes

1) Bought a new Cosmos/Sip 150 gass-less MIG and gas conversion
2) Bought a poor autodarkening helmet from eBay

Welder initially would not work , returned and a new liner [ plastic was fitted ] and the person demonstrating it now worked was holding a filter up to his eyes with his left hand and welding with his right !

Seemed upset when I didn't want a go like that !

Tried it without much success then I found this forum.

Did the drive strap mod and have done a transformer/Bridge mod but I was so disappointed with the whole experience I never even tested that had improved it.

I just covered it in the garage and kicked it's trolley every time I saw it.

It is now crunch time , it either works or it goes so.

I want to add a metal liner , is it safe to buy one of eBay or are even some of them dodgy ?

If not a supplier of good one's ?

So far it has done less than 10" of weld !

regards Paul

 

[rtbcomp]

So far it has done less than 10" of weld !

Which is 6 inches more than mine!

Look up Weldequip in the members list and send him a PM with your requirements, he sells proper stuff whereas Ebay can be a bit of a minefield.

 

[Paul-n]

have you done any of the mods ?

or just hidden it from view like I did ?

regards Paul

 

[rtbcomp]

have you done any of the mods ?

or just hidden it from view like I did ?

regards Paul

It's on my "To Do" list, which is pretty much the same as the second option.

 

[MalkyH]

On my Sip Migmate 130, I did the drive strap mod, transformer/bridge, new trim pot, and fitted a wire liner (Machine Mart). I also fitted a bigger diameter knob for the wire speed adjustment to give finer control. It now performs reasonably well, although the wire speed adjustment is still a bit fiddly.

 

[pointer2null]

"how many more mistakes can I make ?"

The answer to the ultimate question is: 42!

Seriously don't give up on it yet.

For a good auto-darkening helmet (I got one so will vouch for it) have a look Here

 

[malcolm]

Steel liner is well worth the upgrade. With that the welder should work reasonably on 1.5mm steel and above.

If it's still not working it could be worth finding someone in your area that can tell you that you are holding the torch at the wrong angle (needs to be pointing down towards the metal not at any great angle), you are holding it too far from the metal (should be no more than 10mm shroud to steel), that you are moving too fast, and that you don't have enough gas flow due to the disposable bottle regulator. Those are the normal problems that don't make things easier.

Seriously, having someone around to help debug could help enormously.

 

[Paul-n]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies.

I have read the thread with 170+ post covering external pots , changing the onboard pot etc.

I just wonder whether it is worth throwing any more money at it ? or buying a Clarke TIG ? A lot of the welding I want to do could be done with a stick welder and TIG is closer to gas welding and once I was quite fair at that.

Well I rebuild a 2cv and they are thin , welded new floors in and it passed a MOT.

Yes I would happily pay someone to come over and tell me whether the welder is good enough for me to learn with , or whether it is junk !

regards Paul

 

[malcolm]

I was thinking more someone to help set it up and debug whatever is wrong with it. I've got a SIP 130 that I use for experiments (I call it Frankenstein). It isn't nice for thin metal. If you are doing that then I do find the Clarke MIGs useable. This mod brings the SIP to a similar level: http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=11532

Wouldn't fancy a TIG for positional work on cars. If you are really good at TIG you'd manage, but I've not got there yet.

Feel free to pass by here if you need a hand with the SIP.

 

[Paul-n]

Malcolm

Thanks for the offer , it is very tempting.

The mention of the car is just confusing this thread sorry , that was in the past.

My current needs are for building bicycles so all [ easy ] workbench welding no rust etc , I have another thread here :-

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=13920

Asking about TIG welders , as they can stick weld and TIG weld I think they would be a better bet than sinking any more money into the MIG I have.

regards Paul

ps luckily I cannot remember how much the MIG cost so I am thinking sell on here warts and all then invest in a TIG ?

 

[Tungsten Sharpener]

Paul, I live in shirebrook and work in sutton, I would be happy to drop by and see if its a junker or if your having a few operator problems. Its usually one of those "penny drops" moments and all will be ok.

PM me if of any interest.

TS

 

[cookie munsta]

try your local tech college, there no doubt you will find qualified tradies who are only too willing to help. trust me tech college teachers are ace tradies or they are here. run it past them

 

[Paul-n]

Paul, I live in shirebrook and work in sutton, I would be happy to drop by and see if its a junker or if your having a few operator problems. Its usually one of those "penny drops" moments and all will be ok.

PM me if of any interest.

TS

TS

That is a very generous offer , and one I will take you up on.

Currently I have to clean all the sawdust out of the garage [ been cutting wood in there for 6 years , it may make welding interesting ! ].

Also camping this bh so it will be a couple of weeks.

Think I may try to fit a MM steal liner as well as they are only a fiver.

cookie munsta

Sadly our government killed all the night classes that people were doing purely for pleasure , I did one 30 years ago and we touched on all forms of welding.

Now you can only do exam classes most of which involve sitting down learning theory , health and safety etc instead of having a welder in your hand and cost more than the welder !

Thank you all for your replies.

regards Paul