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Very new to welding, yet to even get started. I'll be starting my first project using flux-core, as I continue to gather the parts and supplies to be able to work with gas. This may be a bit long, as I have a lot of questions, OK?I've got a MM 175, but the gun I have is a Tweco #2 Mig-gun with what I believe is the Tweco direct-plug end on it. I do know that the end on the gun is shorter and smaller diameter than what I need, and it also appears that the plastic "housing" around the end is too big and rectangular to fit the front circular opening in the welder. I'd like to know what my options are, and with my finances the way they are, I'd hope to avoid spending a lot more money.It appears that there is an adapter I can buy that should convert this to a Miller end. What I'm not clear on is, will this end fit my welder, or just a bigger Miller machine? Are all Miller torch ends the same? The adapter I've seen costs around $50, which is too much for me, for what I'd be getting. I'd likely get another used gun and sell this one if that's my only option, unless I can find it cheaper - perhaps from a broken gun out there somewhere?If I look on eBay, how can I decide if a torch will fit my machine or not? What would be a good torch for me? I've seen a used Miller M-10 gun for sale, is this gun adequate for this welder? I believe the gun that came with this welder was the M-15, but I suspect that the M-10 was supplied with them in the past. I will be an occasional user, so perhaps this will be my cheapest option, if it will work well enough for that kind of use. I've seen an OXO APX 30 300Amp gun with a Miller end on it, will this be good for me?I don't even know if this welder works, so I'd really like to get a gun that fits and test it out - running the 220 out to the garage will cost me some more, so like I said, I'm trying to economize with the gun as best I can.Another issue is the control wiring connection. The Tweco gun doesn't have the wire I need, and I hate the idea of paying $25 for a short piece of wire with a connector on it (that's about what I've seen it for online.) What are my options here? Is it a standard connector size that I could find in a Mouser or MCM catalog?I appreciate any advice and opinions you can share, and also any sites you might chose to refer me to for more information.
Reply:The Tweco #2 is a larger gun than you would want to put on a 175 amp welder. However, I dont know your application. By the time you buy the adapters to make the Tweco fit the Miller, you are probably better off buying a new gun that will plug directly into the machine without any adapters. We sell our M2010 for $110.The 300 amp oxo gun would be way too big. It would be like using a ½ drive ratchet when you need a ¼ drive ratchet.Miller uses the same connection on just about all of their machines. I have attached a picture of the machine connection.You can test the welder to get a rough idea if it works or not by bypassing the trigger connection with a piece of welding wire (check your owners manual, I think they are pins 1 & 2 but can not be sure). This will activate the machine. The drive motor should start running, make sure the speed of the motor varies when you change the wire feed rate. The solenoid valve should open - you should be able to blow through the gas hose. Turn the machine off and you should not be able to blow through the gas hose. (if you have a tank, test the whole gas system by connecting it to the tank)Turn the machine back on, and using a voltmeter, measure the no load voltage on the wire feed side of the welder where you reverse the polarity. Start with the voltage at minimum and gradually increase it you should see the no load voltage go up as you increase the voltage setting. You would be measuring DC voltage and it should start about 20 and go up to about 40 volts. If you dont have any no-load voltage then you have other problems with the welder.Good Luck, Attached ImagesJeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP
Reply:Thanks for the reply. The picture helps a lot. I also appreciate the info about testing the welder, I'll do that as soon as I get my 220 line run to the garage, or I may test it with my generator, which is already out there and has 220.I'm going to try to find an M-10 or M-15 Miller gun. However, while I understand that this Tweco #2 gun is big for my welder, I don't see why that would make it totally undesirable for me. It would still work. Sort of like when I drive my 15 passenger Ford van when I'm alone. More capacity than I need, but I get where I need to go. I am still hoping that I can find a broken Tweco gun with a Miller end, as that would be very easy to use to make mine fit. Then I could be ready to run two different sizes, say solid .023 or .030 in one gun, and flux .030 or .035 in the other (I'm still too new to know what sizes I'll be using, though I gather from these forums that I may want to stay to the smaller side for starters...)As an aside, I see that you use an HTP. Is there somewhere online where I could see pricing for the HTP welders? I looked at their site and they show no prices with their product listings (no posted prices always leads me to assume that they're high...)Regards,Scott WilliamsPenfield NY
Reply:Scott,None of the welding distributors give pricing. At best its a MSRP which is stupid cause the manufacs dont actually adjust pricing. Locate your local welding shop. Many are now online. SHoot an email or a phone all and they will be glad to give you pricing. Their pricing is going to vary based on your location. Dallas for instance has some of hte lowest prices, in my experience. Plus, if there are any deals to be made, you may be able to find out when you make a phone call. Good luckIF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:Scott,If you send your name and address to me at [email protected], I can have a catalog sent to you with a price list.Jeff NolandDrive a LincolnDrink a MillerWeld with an HTP |
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发表于 2021-9-1 00:18:13