Mig torch ceramic breaking up

[jordan1]

The ceramic spacer part of the torch where the tip holder screws in to is breaking up, is this a consumable part or does it mean a new torch?, pic attached [bit blurry but you can see what I mean].
Thanks

 

[BrokenBiker]

I would think that is part of the swan neck assembly which should be an easy swap if you can find the part

 

[jordan1]

I would think that is part of the swan neck assembly which should be an easy swap if you can find the part

Just found on Weldquipe site a diagram of torch consumables, could be the ceramic gas defuser. I'll have to have words and see if my torch can be ID'd and how they are replaced.

 

[wyn]

It should be replaceable...just unscrew the brass bit.

 

[jordan1]

It should be replaceable...just unscrew the brass bit.

The brass bit [tip holder] screws off ok just leaves the threaded end of the swan neck with the ceramic a tight fit inside the recess.

 

[Jim Davey]

It's not replaceable, that's the insulation between the current carrying inner part of the neck and the electrically dead outer metal jacket. It's non replaceable. The torch will be useable until the empty space that was filled with insulation gets bridged with metal spatter etc. then your shrouds and neck will go live and short out if you touch grounded metal while welding. Either buy a new swan neck or a new torch.

 

[jordan1]

It's not replaceable, that's the insulation between the current carrying inner part of the neck and the electrically dead outer metal jacket. It's non replaceable. The torch will be useable until the empty space that was filled with insulation gets bridged with metal spatter etc. then your shrouds and neck will go live and short out if you touch grounded metal while welding. Either buy a new swan neck or a new torch.

That's that then. Would one like this be ok.
Thanks all.

 

[Jim Davey]

It's not going to do any real harm until it shorts out. Even then it will just weld the tip to the shroud or melt holes in the neck. It's just a matter of when. If you're careful it may last a long time. The insulation normally breaks up because people smash the shroud into the bench to get the spatter to fall off rather than take the nozzle off and put a round file up it to clear the spatter.

 

[Tigman]

are your talking about the white defuser in the picture above ? they are most certainly available and easily fitted !
I had a few issues with porosity and changed the defuser and bingo , no holes in my welds

 

[Jim Davey]

I'm not, I'm talking about the broken insulator between inner and outer parts of the swan neck.

 

[Jim Davey]

It's a Murex/Lincoln torch that you have, the MB36 you pictured won't be any good to you.

 

[Tigman]

oh ok then

 

[Jim Davey]

oh ok then

Take a closer look at the first two pictures, you'll see what I mean

 

[Tigman]

yeah I got it , his defuser is brass , not the same torch !

 

[Jim Davey]

Bingo.

 

[Tigman]

is there a prize ?

 

[Jim Davey]

If there is I should get it for being first with the right answer

 

[Tigman]

To be fair you are a profesional mender of welding machines

 

[jordan1]

It's a Murex/Lincoln torch that you have, the MB36 you pictured won't be any good to you.

Does it mean a new torch then?, what would be the difference in cost between one or a replacement swan neck. Have seen a Binzel MB25 torch complete with cable etc. would this be ok?.
thanks

 

[Jim Davey]

You can buy a neck, but it will be something like half the cost of a new torch at least. What is the model of torch you have?