mig welder won't weld on 1 and 2 second power setting

[rangel]

Hi i have a welder which use to work fine but now stop working on 1 and 2 power setting works fine on rest of the power settings any idea what is the problem thanks

 

[shenion]

Sounds like there is a break in the transformer windings.

 

[mike 109444]

What welder?? If it uses a rotary switch then could be a broken/loose connection on the switch. If it has rocker switches ie 1-2 and hi-low or somthing similar then could be as above or just one of the rocker switches duff. Pics required to guide you.

 

[PTvor]

It could be transformer windings as Scott says, or the selector switch, or a loose contact or a dirty or corroded contact.

Time to get the circuit diagram for the welder, or a similar one, and do some continuity checking with a meter, and give it an eyeballing.

 

[rangel]

 

[rangel]

setting 2 is working now but 1 is on end of

 

[PTvor]

What caused setting 2 to start working (a broken transformer winding is unlikely to fix itself) and what does "but 1 is on end of" mean?

I'm thinking this is bad/broken contacts or a dodgy switch.

 

[rangel]

I don't know just come back from itself setting 1 is arcing then stops

 

[weldequip]

Looks like a Migatronic to me that, most likely cause will be voltage selector switch; if it's been used most of the time on positions 1 & 2 the contacts in the switch may have burnt out.

 

[rangel]

yes is Migatronic 221 automig is it expensive to fix ?

 

[PTvor]

Once you are satisfied it is the selector switch, you could try taking it to bits and cleaning and tightening the contacts. Maplins contact cleaner works very well. If the contacts are obviously burned, the switch is likely to be history. It could be that the contact arms just need gentle tweaking with some snipe nose pliers.

The only way you are going to find out what a spare selector switch for one of those costs is to search the web and try a few spares suppliers.

I doubt that Migatronic would have designed a special switch, they probably just bought one from a catalogue. so there might be a generic one which you can get from Farnell or RS much cheaper.

 

[weldequip]

I wouldn't attempt taking one of those to bits! Check connections & try contact clean as suggested, failing that a new switch, not expensive (original if available).

 

[rangel]

thanks guys can you recommend service in London that I can fix it ?

 

[mike 109444]

thanks guys can you recommend service in London that I can fix it ?

No but if you have a go yourself for gaw sake LABEL and PHOTO it BEFOR disconnecting any wires!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You could try setting switch between 1 and 2 then spray the switch cleaner in any holes you can find then work switch to and frow. Switch cleaner < £10 welder repair shop cost ££'s Worth a try.

 

[rangel]

I won't try my self I have no idea how to fix it I have check all the connections they look fine and tidy so I will send to the repair shop

 

[PTvor]

What a wimp!

Seriously, if you don't feel comfortable with electrics, it's silly to start it. A lot of people just hate electrics.

It helps if you are having something repaired, if you show you have a clear idea of what's wrong.

As for repairers, try google and phone a few and sound them out.

I'd be surprised if it was less than a ton to get it fixed.