Thoughts on a Binzel 250amp MIG Torch

[Mr shiney]

The Tweeko torch on my Thermal Arc has failed, specifically the microswitch inside it has fault giving intermittent contact. I can get a replacement micro switch from America but they are quoting me 5 weeks for delivery!

The torch has been OK but its a bit of a pain getting parts for. My local BOC guys have offered me a compatible Binzel 250amp torch at a stonkingly good price plus a bunch of spare tips and shroud.

So my question is it worth sticking this on instead and assigning the tweeko to the spares box? BOC carry the spares of the Binzel as standard stock.

 

[mike 109444]

I would ask whats so special about the microswitch ?

 

[Mr shiney]

I would ask whats so special about the microswitch ?

Nothing other than the way its mounted inside the handle. It sits on a pair of prongs that are moulded onto the case and I have not found anything that will remotely fit. Its only a £2 part but has to be shipped from Tweeco. As I understand it, its a common failure point on these torches.

 

[mike 109444]

Is there a brand name on the switch ? such as cherry or a logo? Can't see that tweeco would make there own switches or even have them custom made.

 

[Mr shiney]

Is there a brand name on the switch ? such as cherry or a logo? Can't see that tweeco would make there own switches or even have them custom made.

Nope, I have taken it out and looked it over with a magnifying glass!! All it has molded on it is 5amp/120v

 

[mike 109444]

unless it has a very funky lever (and even then the lever could be transferred to new switch) then should be possible to get one on ebay.

 

[gaz_moose]

or pop into your local RS components with the old one.

 

[Mr shiney]

or pop into your local RS components with the old one.

Already did that. I have ordered the replacement part.

However I am going back to my original question......... Whats the Binzel like?

 

[Paul.]

Whats the Binzel like?

Pretty much the industry standard mig torch, parts are available anywhere, robust and comfortable to use, not much more to say about them really

 

[Mr shiney]

Pretty much the industry standard mig torch, parts are available anywhere, robust and comfortable to use, not much more to say about them really

I have been quoted £47 for a new one with a pack of tips and spare shroud. Seem like a worthwhile swap? I would fix the other one and keep it as an emergency spare.

 

[Paul.]

I use a parweld equivalent they are pretty good too, £47 is a good price for an MB25 size torch, the parweld equivalent I bought about 18 months ago paid just over £50 and that's with a 4m lead, got them to throw in a couple of shrouds and a hand full of contact tips too,

 

[norlander]

I stuck a Binzel on my MIG and it was loads better-nice and flexible and its taken a fair bashing and is still OK.

 

[Liquid Metal]

For general sort of stuff couldnt want for much better, although will say, if you do a fair bit with thickish material they can get quite hot quite quickly

 

[Mr shiney]

For general sort of stuff couldnt want for much better, although will say, if you do a fair bit with thickish material they can get quite hot quite quickly

Its only a 180amp unit so not doing a lot of thick stuff with it. I mostly do small fabrication jobs for friends and repair bike frames and exhausts etc.

 

[mike os]

Binzel is nice kit.. very robust for the average user to, at that price for a mb25 ist a steal

 

[Robotstar5]

Due to the cost of spares we changed from Murex to Binzel torches and they stood upto a production welding environment well, usually got damaged due to the idiots using them - a few pics in one of my galleries.

I believe we used the MB25AK "Ergo" model, had a ball joint at the base of the torch giving greater flexibility.

 

[Liquid Metal]

Its only a 180amp unit so not doing a lot of thick stuff with it. I mostly do small fabrication jobs for friends and repair bike frames and exhausts etc.

That will be ideal for what your after then

 

[Mr shiney]

Thanks guys. Picking the torch up in the morning so will let you know how I get on with it.

 

[Mr shiney]

Just an update....

Picked the torch up earlier today. Its the 4m Ergo model with the ball joint.

I have to say its absolutely transformed the welder. I have a Thermal Arc 181i which I have always been delighted with. Its produced quality welds which are consistent. My only gripe had always been the soot which I could never get rid of despite messing around with gas flow. With the Binzel its virtually non existent. You can hear there is a lot more gas coming through the shroud now and the arc seems to strike easier. The welds are lovely!!

I was advised when I first bought it to stick a Binzel on but being a tight Yorkshireman figured the standard torch would be good enough...... I should have taken the advice from the start!

I will repair the Tweeko and leave the Teflon wire in it for the occasional stainless and aluminium jobs but the Binzel is going to be the puppy now!!!

 

[mike os]

4m ergo is a great bit of kit