New MIG - trouble w/ arc

admin

Hey all,I just picked up a used Schumacker 145 amp 110V MIG welder.  I purchased a tank of C25 and started fiddling with settings today.  No matter what the setting, I could not get a constant arc.  The arc would go on-off-on..etc.  It did this to the point where I really couldn't heat up the metal at all.  I had the ground clamp hooked to clean metal.  The wire isn't new at all and I really have no idea how old it is.   Here is a link to the unit I got.  I wish I had the instruction manual, but I don't.Thanks for any help - Drewhttp://www.midwayautosupply.com/pc-2...olt-90441.aspx
Reply:did u set the polarity to use with mig instead of flux coreKISS...KEEP IT SAFE STUPID
Reply:Yep...did that!  When I saw it was arcing weird I double checked to make sure.  I also started with an extension cord and then hooked directly to the 20A outlet to make sure not loosing juice.
Reply:Does the wire stub?  What thickness wire size are you using?  What size contact tip is in the gun?  Can you get a new contact tip?  Does the wire feed out consistantly when just pulling the trigger?What I would do to start in your case is get yourself a new contact tip and wire spool (dont need a 10 pounder, just try one of the small spools), blow out the liner and give it another try.  If your unsure of the type of tip, just take it off and hop on down to your local welder supply and pick up one.  (probably tweco compatible).Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:Here's a bunch of stupid questions, cause assumptions leave all of us confused.Is this solid wire (GMAW), or flux cored (FCAW), if FCAW is it self shielded or gas shielded?What wire diameter?  This is a low power unit, probably suited to wires 0.030" maximum.If its solid, then it's DC electrode positive (DCEP), torch connected to (+). If it's flux cored, it could require either polarity, you need to know what wire you have and what the manufacturer specifies for polarity.What is the contact tip to work distance (ctwd)?  CTWD should be no more than about 3/4".  Longer stickout, more current lost to resistance heating the wire and less current to the arc.What gas flow?  Not too important, but it doesn't need to be cranked up to the max.The age of the wire should not matter if it's solid and looks clean, however, if its flux cored, made in China, or retrieved from a hurricane Katrina basement, you may want some nice new Lincoln wire.Does the wire feed freely when not welding, with the gun stretched out straight?  Does it feed with the gun conduit kinked up in a pretzel like when you're trying to weld?  The feed rolls should only be tight enough to feed without slipping.Are you running this of off a 300 ft extension cord?If you have the correct wire type and diameter, and the correct polarity, then try setting the voltage to the maximum, then adjust the wire feed speed (wfs) to maintain an arc.If that works, but is too hot for the thickness, reduce voltage and wfs.
Reply:Man, you musta been typing the same time I was...Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:thanks..I'll get the info tomorrow and use these suggestions and see what happens.  thanks - Drew
Reply:I am not familiar with your machine being from Down Under. However it could be that the unit is supplied with a weld timer switch. A few years back, the fad was to use a stitch weld feature where you pulled the trigger and it supplied power for a second or two as per the setting. If the switch was (just) switched on it was very  easy not to notice and at a quick glance the rotary switch appeared off.Check the any rotary switches that are there and see if they click (switch off). I teach high shop and I have a troubleshooting procedure glued inside the hinged cover of the school migs.If they want to use the machine they have to learn to trouble shoot it.When I was in the trade, it was always good fun to crack this switch  on and watch how long it took the self proclaimed experts to twig it.It may or may not be the problem even so, you will find that the MIG process is one where you will need to understand  and learn your troubleshooting technique. The blokes here have pretty well covered what else can be wrong .Grahame
Reply:thanks for all the words of wisdom. I got her up and running today.  I cleaned out the lines and cranked the juice up and started adjusting the wirefeed.  I think, in the end, I just didn't have the wirefeed high enough.  Works great now...till I ran out of gas!!Drew