FJ12jagman
Member
- Messages
- 23
Hi. I'm new to welding and, after reading several recommendations on this forum, picked up a Migatronic Rally 166 off flea bay. Really wanted a Clarke 190 but couldn't afford it.
I don't know if it's my welding or the machine but I don't seem to be getting a consitant run.
This welder looks like its been rallying for years. There has obviously been an issue with the trigger control and the previous bloke has disconnected the thin wires running along the torch and taped a 2 core cable to the outside of the torch. This cable goes thru the side of the machine where it connects to a couple of thin wires thru block connectors. The machine is full of dust and cobwebs.
I have visually checked, and tugged at to ensure tightness, as many connections as I can get at. One of them to the gas valve was a bit loose, in tightening it up with pliers it fell apart. Replaced that. the rest seemed alright, no obvious burnt bits or chaffed wiring. One of the plastic connecting blocks (rectifier?) is swinging off the wires, but all appear firmly connected.
I have acquired lots of off cuts of new mild steel sheet (1mm) to practice before I weld my Mini back together. I have spent a lot of time adjusting the speed with one hand whilst welding with the other. Once I hear the sizzling bacon noise I believe I am somewhere near, swap to both hands and continue the weld. All goes well for about an inch, there's a stutter, no weld produced then it comes back again (see photo) 1) is obviously rubbish 2-5) I didn't change the settings but on each line can be seen the break.
Any advice appreciated.
I don't know if it's my welding or the machine but I don't seem to be getting a consitant run.
This welder looks like its been rallying for years. There has obviously been an issue with the trigger control and the previous bloke has disconnected the thin wires running along the torch and taped a 2 core cable to the outside of the torch. This cable goes thru the side of the machine where it connects to a couple of thin wires thru block connectors. The machine is full of dust and cobwebs.
I have visually checked, and tugged at to ensure tightness, as many connections as I can get at. One of them to the gas valve was a bit loose, in tightening it up with pliers it fell apart. Replaced that. the rest seemed alright, no obvious burnt bits or chaffed wiring. One of the plastic connecting blocks (rectifier?) is swinging off the wires, but all appear firmly connected.
I have acquired lots of off cuts of new mild steel sheet (1mm) to practice before I weld my Mini back together. I have spent a lot of time adjusting the speed with one hand whilst welding with the other. Once I hear the sizzling bacon noise I believe I am somewhere near, swap to both hands and continue the weld. All goes well for about an inch, there's a stutter, no weld produced then it comes back again (see photo) 1) is obviously rubbish 2-5) I didn't change the settings but on each line can be seen the break.
Any advice appreciated.
