SIP mig

[Bsmith]

I notice in the forum that the SIP mig welding sets are not, lets say, the favorite choice. I bought my SIP Autoplus 180 amp mig around 15 - 20 years ago at a cost of around £570 and really can't say that I have had any problems with it, apart from the odd annoying time that it cuts out on overload and I have to leave it for some time to reset. Can members tell me please the downsides to SIP as this is the only mig I have ever used and really dont know any different. Many thanks, Brian (",).

 

[danelectro]

I have to say Brian, I have had my SIP Autoplus 160 from new, like you 15 - 20 years ago, and it's still going strong!!! The only thing that lets it down is the wire feed, but that's easily rectified these days.

Got to say I love my old SIP!!!!!

 

[rtbcomp]

It's the wire feed on the TopMig range that seems to let them down badly, otherwise they're not a bad machine.

 

[BillJ]

It would appear that the older SIPs, made when all MIGs were expensive, were good, reliable machines. It's only when they started to slash the price that they seem to have gone a bit too far. I haven't heard anything bad said about the SIPs of the period your machines are from.

 

[steve202]

i have to agree, my 20 year odd SIP ideal 120 looks a world away from the new hobby SIP weldmates. It has a wire feed like a wiper motor and is metal instead of plastic. Night and day between the old and new SIPs it seems.

 

[steve202]

Wire feed aint working!

 

[Bsmith]

Wire feed aint working!

Ahhhh D@mmit, sorry to hear that, bet mine is the next to go.

 

[steve202]

I am hoping there is a loose wire or something simple as i dont want to take it back to the seller. Might be able to get a look at it tomorrow evening.

It switches fine when the torch trigger is pulled but the wire feed motor isnt turning. First check will be to determine if there is power to it.

 

[Bsmith]

I could'nt offer advice as so far no probs with mine so no repair experience. Yes I think I would start at the same place as you, try a test meter on the motor connections while you pull the trigger. Good luck......

 

[steve202]

Thanks!

Good news, it was merely a clapped out fuse holder. The motor is very smooth and i am well happy with it.


Fuse holder is on the front panel and someone had jammed a screw in it!

 

[Shedendman]

Hi,i just won this from fleabay picking it up tomorrow night,just wondering have i bought a pile of poo poo ?
Also does anyone know where i can get the specs for it,google hasn't give me much luck so far
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270472098167&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT
Any help will be most grateful

 

[BillJ]

Nope, it's an earlier generation SIP, made before they started slashing costs and slashing quality. I can't vouch for its condition now but when it was built it would have been a decent, reliable welder.

I can't help with specs, though. Sorry. I'll bet someone here will be able to help, though, and once you get it there should be a plate on it carrying the electrical specs.

 

[Shedendman]

Thank you for that,as soon as i can i'll pop some photos of it let you guys see what you think.
Just one thing,as the link said it needs a new gas shroud,i take it spares for these are still available?

 

[steve202]

Someone on here has a similar one. Sorry not much help

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=12246

 

[Bsmith]

Great to hear that Steve, I'm glad you got it going again. What are the 5 knobs in the vertical row on your welder plz? Just 1 on mine, (the wire feed speed) Can't add a photo as I'm waithing for a cable to come for my camera, but will later.