My first Mig - SP-170T

admin

Just bought my first welder that I found on Craigslist near Cleveland today and it looks like I'm going to need a few parts for it.  I picked up an SP-170T that was listed for $600 w/cart that I ended up getting for $375 because it needs a new gun.  Not sure if I got the "best" deal, but it's one that I can live with.  It's definitely going to need a new gun and I've been researching a bit, but I'm not really sure what will best suit my needs plus the price range on guns is pretty significant.  If anyone has any suggestions as to which model would be best for this welder and a good supplier, please chime in.  Once I get it cleaned up a bit more, I'll get a few pictures posted of the unit.Looking forward to making some sparks!-Tim"The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
Reply:Look here for a new gun: http://cgi.ebay.com/Magnum-100L-K530...item2ea753b25aOr do you just need a new liner?  It's available from the same place as the gun.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Why does the gun need replacing and what else may be wrong?
Reply:The wire was getting stuck (bad tip IMO) and they basically broke the end of the gun trying to fix it."The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
Reply:Where did they break it at?  The nozzle, gas diffuser, the tip or the whole gun?  If it's the tip, you can change that, the gas diffuser, a new one can be had fairly inexpensively.Post up some pic's of what's wrong, we can help diagnose the problem.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Sorry for the delay on getting these pictures.  Not sure if the tip is actually bad or just worn.The welder and cart.  This cart is fairly flimsy, so I'm not sure if I'll stick with it or not.Here is the issue with the tip, seems like there was some denting around the curve.  Not sure whether it is affecting performance or not."The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
Reply:They overheated the gun while welding.  Or they used it as a hammer.Follow the link for a new gun.  You might be able to get a new housing for it, but more than likely the threads look boogered where the gas diffuser goes in.  I've ordered parts & consumables from this place, fast service & easy on the wallet.  Link:  http://cgi.ebay.com/Magnum-100L-K530...item2ea753b25aMarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:Thanks Mark.  Appreciate the info/suggestions.  I knew I'd have to invest a bit into getting this thing back to tip-top shape, so I appreciate the link for parts."The important thing is this: To be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become."
Reply:I looked in my parts catalog & they don't list a breakdown for the gun parts, except for the liner.  I get my liners from the same place.If you're going to run flux core through it, a flux core cover would be a good idea to have.  It covers the gas diffuser so it doesn't get gunked up with slag & stuff.  Your local LWS or Home Depot should have them too.Your welcome on the link.You can go onto the Lincoln Welding site & download a manual for your welder.  It's a great help.  If you search that site, you can get a parts manual too.  I needed a couple parts for mine & went to the LWS gave them the part numbers, they ordered it for me.Last edited by MarkBall2; 11-06-2009 at 01:57 PM.MarkI haven't always been a nurse........Craftsman 12"x36" LatheEnco G-30B MillHobart Handler 175Lincoln WeldandPower 225 AC/DC G-7 CV/CCAdd a Foot Pedal to a Harbor Freight Chicago Electric 165A DC TIG PapaLion's Gate Build
Reply:You only need a whole new gun assembly if the original was -really- abused.  Like run over by a forklift or truck, crunched the gun cable, melted the insulation, cracked insulation/rubber from ozone or old-age, frayed interal wire(s) from bending the cable too sharply, that sort of thing.Tips are a normal replaceable part, sometimes the diffuser has to be replaced, the liner may have to be replaced every now and then.  LWS or online and you can usually easily get those parts.  Nozzle may have to be replaced once in a while, if you will be using FCAW wire then I do suggest using the Lincoln 'black nozzle' to keep the FCAW slag out of the diffuser.  Note:  the black nozzle can melt.    Lowes or HD usually have the nozzles (black FCAW nozzle and the regular MIG nozzle) and the 'regular' tips, at least by me.IOC is also good about things.  http://stores.ebay.com/Welding-Suppl...286Q2ec0Q2em57  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...