Problems

[demondriver]

well i have got a free day toady and decided to get the welder out again to try and i lent a friends camera, well i started trying to feed the .8 wire through and it just kept getting jammed (pic follows) does anyone know what could be causing this? and how to fix it. thanks in advance Ian

 

[demondriver]

while ive got this thread open i would also like to ask if there is any advice on where to buy parts to service this clarke 90en? i was kindly given it from glyn and would like to service it if possible just to look after it and hopefully make it easier to learn and last longer i.e new liner, torch etc but have no idea where to look? only place i think of it ebay but its mostly from usa the stuff on there.
Thanks again Ian

 

[Glyn]

Hi Ian, how far is the wire going before it jams? Unscrew the shroud off the torch and remove the tip (the small copper part, right at the end) also keep the torch straight, not coiled as you thread the wire. I don't recall having problems feeding the wire through. Also, make sure you don't flatten the end of the wire when you cut it, use good quality cutters but first, try removing the tip.

 

[demondriver]

will do, prob just me, ive bought some new .8 tips pack of 5 will be putting one of them on.does anyone know of any good places to buy the service equipment from? thanks ian

 

[Glyn]

Forgot to add, I think Weldequip on here has parts for Clarke welders. The outer cover on the torch is rather curly as I remember. No doubt the liner will have taken on the same shape. I think (not too sure) I've got an old steel liner. It's out of a euro torch and hadn't seen much use when I changed it. It wouldn't be a direct fit but could anyone on here advise if it could be cut to fit? Or would it be too large in diameter?
Anyone?

 

[SPLATTERMAN2]

I had the same problem with my near new SIP 150 amp model, so today, I dismantled the whole handle and hose, used baby powder as a dry lubricant in the feed hose, re routed the gas hose so its now inside the spool section ( get that SIP designers, dont copy my patent ) and the discovery ??? it was the tip, anyhow, learnt a few things My son may be right, the SIP is ?hit why ??? the wire speed controller does not run at one speed it fluctuates ,this affects the weld puddle, you loose control, the tension has to be spot on for the wire diameter its all plastic and flexes , the answer another weekend project to make one out of something that dont flex hope this helps

I nearly forgot, one more thing to examine the plastic inlet hose and the entry to the lead must be set so the tubes are just clear of the driving wheel , this reduces the risk of the wire bending if there is a friction drag problem in the hose

 

[Hitch]

I think it would be usefull to check the wire hasn't been flattened where it has been cut. Quite a common problem that.

Otherwise, remove shroud tip, put the torch out as straight as possible, then try and feed it through.

 

[demondriver]

will give all the ideas a try thanks again.
i have pm'd weldequip about the service parts etc thanks again

 

[Dave J]

if you want the parts quick than nip down to Machine mart in warrington.

 

[demondriver]

didnt know they sell the parts? would i get a new wire liner for it?

 

[demondriver]

what would be the best wire liner? metal, teflon or plastic? thanks ian

 

[shenion]

Metal is best. Nylon if you do aluminum.

Stay away from plastic, as they wear fast.

 

[Dave J]

last time i was there i think they were in the back left hand corner, but yes they do the liners, tips, shrouds what ever you want inc new welders!!!!. from what i remember Clark is a MM Brand, but im probabley wrong

 

[demondriver]

metal it is, thanks again

 

[BillJ]

My son may be right, the SIP is ?hit why ??? the wire speed controller does not run at one speed it fluctuates ,this affects the weld puddle, you loose control, the tension has to be spot on for the wire diameter its all plastic and flexes

There have been a number of DIY modifications devised for these two failings. Have a browse of the "SIP & Cosmo" forum in the "Welders and Welding Machines" section:
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=28

The wire feed tension is fairly straightforward to sort out with a brace. The feed speed is a bit more involved. I've sorted out both on my Migmate 130 and it has transformed the machine.