Keeps snagging

[grayam]

Hi all,

just got my clarke pro90 mig and an having some teething problems.

The wire feed to the tip is fine when not welding but when welding, for only a second literally, it snags up round the friction wheel that sends the wire up to the tip. Also the weld produced does not seem very good even in that second.

Any thoughts??

The mig is 2nd hand btw

Graham

 

[BChild]

Using gas or flux cored wire?

What's the distance between the end of the liner and the roller

My SIP was a swine due to the liner end being a long way from the roller and I experienced exactly the same fault - in the end I adjusted the fixed torch mounting to bring the end of the liner closer

Some pics in my SIP "Saga" Thread (Pages 1 2 & 3 are relevant)

 

[Wozzaaah]

Is the contact tip new? If not then change it, they're pennies.
Also, if the wire has any signs of even slight surface rust, strip off the layers until it's nice and shiny.
The fact that you're getting birdsnesting at the rollers means you have the tensioner set too tight, the rollers should slip if there's too much resistance not carry on pushing the wire.
It's probably worth servicing the torch, new liner, tip, shroud and swan-neck spring if it has one.
Parts are readily available, if they're not listed in the shop then contact weldequip and he'll sort you out.
Welcome to the forum by the way.

 

[grayam]

Thanks for the replies,

using gass but reg not working properly but wouls still expect to see a bubbly weld, is that correct?

The roller feed is here

the exit sleeve looks a litthe mangled to be honest and there is some rust on the wire. Will get a new tip and try again.

How does the sleeve look to you.

Graham

 

[Wozzaaah]

Swap that liner for a steel one and I'll bet that will alleviate a lot of the problem, if not all.
Those plastic liners get scored and blocked up with rust dust from the wire.
As I said, new liner, new tip, swan-neck spring, clean wire - job done.
Re: Reg not working, that won't affect the feed as such but needs to be addressed if you're going to have any success using the machine.

 

[grayam]

Thanks but what is the swan neck spring, sorry, almost welding virgin !!

 

[Wozzaaah]

The liner goes from the feed rollers to the gas valve in the torch then there's often a spring which goes between the gas valve and the contact tip.
Not all machines have them but many Clarke ones do.

Available in the forum shop, along with all the other torch service parts.

 

[grayam]

tips, liner and neck liner ordered, I'll see how that goes !!

 

[Wozzaaah]

What's the condition of the shroud?
They can get a build-up of spatter inside which causes the insulation to short out. It's worth getting a couple of spares at the same time as everything else if it's not too late to amend the order.

 

[grayam]

Too late, doh !! If I need one then I'll get one locally if desperate.

Many thanks, think I will need plenty of help in the coming months

Graham

 

[shenion]

the exit sleeve looks a litthe mangled to be honest and there is some rust on the wire.
Graham

Replace the wire or wind off enough to get to clean wire. Rust on the liner will kill the liner in no time.

 

[grayam]

Great replies as the new tip, liner and swan neck liner has done the trick. Although I still need a regulator the weld and wire feed seem to be running fine.

Many thanks,

Graham