Wire feed problem?? 150te

[split999]

Hi all,

I've recently acquired an almost new 150te. Literally the machine has only used several metres of wire at the most.

I was getting used to it the other day and finding it ok to use. Then the wire stopped coming from the torch. No burn at the torch tip, so I looked back at the machine to see a loop coming from the vents. the wire had backed up and broke (new reel and no kinks!), I couldn't see the reason why it had this. The wire had also bent over where it enters the torch, so it prevented me from pulling the wire clear from the torch.

Could this have been due to incorrect pressure on the wire?
Should I change the liner for a steel one?

Any help appreciated. Many thanks.

 

[Jake SS]

Yes definitely change liner to steel. When you do recheck all wire feed adjustments. Check you have the right size tip and that you are not welding with the gun in a tight loop.

 

[shenion]

Also check that the liner runs all the way to the roller with just a small gap. It can get pulled away if the machine is pulled by the torch.

 

[split999]

Thanks guys. I'll change to a steel liner. I'm using .6 tip for .6 wire, and when I was using the torch, the torch was in a straight line. im always careful not to pull on the torch lead.

The roller....mine has like a millgrain effect in the groove. is this correct? It leaves tiny impression on the wire when it comes thru the torch. Is this correct? It's not major, but you can just make out the tiny marks all the way along the wire.

How do I know when the wire tension is set right?

Many thanks for your help guys.

 

[malcolm]

The rollers can be a bit confusing. 0.8/0.9mm might have the knurled groove on the rollers for gasless wire (don't ask me why) so if the other groove looks a bit more narrow it might be the 0.6mm one.

My own thoughts on setting the spool tension are to have it as loose as possible while still keeping it from unravelling and getting tangled. See http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/wire-feed.htm

While fitting the steel liner check the liner in the swan neck is clear (or replace it if you can't blow it out). I've found 0.6mm tips to be variable in size and quality so decent ones rather than DIY store ones might also be worth a shot, or try 0.8mm tips to see if they reduce the problem.

 

[shenion]

Yes, the Clarkes have a knurled roller.

The tension should be just enough as needed. It should not leave much of an impression on the wire. I never noticed it on mine. Should slip if you hold the torch against some wood.

How much of a gap is between the liner and roller?

 

[split999]

Thanks for that Shenion. there is a gap of approx 15mm (5/8") from roller to start of liner inside the unit. ve since read that this gap should be as small as poss i.e just slightly away from the roller. Also do all Clarkes have knurled rollers? On the link from Malcolm above, it says that knurled rollers are for flux cored wire (gasless). Im using Argoshield light.

Thanks again

 

[split999]

The rollers can be a bit confusing. 0.8/0.9mm might have the knurled groove on the rollers for gasless wire (don't ask me why) so if the other groove looks a bit more narrow it might be the 0.6mm one.

My own thoughts on setting the spool tension are to have it as loose as possible while still keeping it from unravelling and getting tangled. See http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/wire-feed.htm

While fitting the steel liner check the liner in the swan neck is clear (or replace it if you can't blow it out). I've found 0.6mm tips to be variable in size and quality so decent ones rather than DIY store ones might also be worth a shot, or try 0.8mm tips to see if they reduce the problem.

Thanks Malcolm, Ive noticed the varying .6 tips. I'll look at that tomorrow.

Many thanks.

 

[shenion]

Yes, looks like the liner got pulled or never fitted properly. You can loosen the two screws on the clamp and pull it closer. Should be less than 1/4". If it is a plastic liner, it can get pulled easily as it is smooth.

My 130EN came with knurled rollers, I looked for a smooth one and I don't think Clarke sells them. I ended up making some.

 

[split999]

Thanks Shenion.

Ive just ordered a torch service kit from Weldequip. Comes with steel liner and some other bits.

Thanks all you guys for your help

 

[shenion]

Good, weldequip always comes through.

If it is used, then the liner could have been abused. I replaced the liner on mine and it helped.

I should have taken pictures on how to change the liner. Can't now as I sold my Clarke . Not that hard to do; you will have to remove the top cover as the front two screws of the feeder have nuts inside the case that will fall off so you need to get to the back side to remove them.

And, when you remove the top cover, the plastic pins and the side door will fall off. That was the longest part on mine; finding where one of the little plastic pins rolled off to

Also, make sure the wire is not rusty, will ruin a liner in no time.

 

[split999]

Sounds like a nitemare!!

I think I'll manage hopefully!

It's turned out strange really, coz I only bought the Clarke because my SIP was having wire feed problems! I'm buying a liner already for the Clarke, when I should probably tried that for the SIP before buying the Clarke!

Oh well...so long as I get to the bottom of these teething problems, I'll be happy. (I hope)