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I picked up a nearly new Hobart 180 with a regulator and a cart for $275. Thought it was a good deal...When I plugged it in and tried running some beads it didn't feed the wire right. I finally removed and replaced the nozzle tip and it seemed to run much better, but I still get a feeling that it skips now and then. I'm a little worried about this - called the seller and told him that I'm not happy with the way it feeds but need some time to test it out - he said to keep him posted.Is it possible that the rollers that feed the wire are worn out or need adjustment?! What else should I check and/or clean on this machine as part of maintenance to make it perform like it should?!
Reply:Give Hobart tech support a call, they're very helpful and willing to lend a hand. I can tell you from experience that the little Craftsman welder that I learned how to mig weld with had a bad case of the skips, turns out the drive roller had a flat spot on it, so take a look at that, might not be a bad idea to replace the gun liner also. Did you get an owners manual?, if not download one off the Hobart website, that will help with setting up spool and tension feed adjustment . I just bought a new HH 187, awesome machine for the money, I think you'll be pleased with your purchase once you get the feed issues straightened out.....Edit to add: Make sure you're using the right size roller groove for the size wire you're usingLast edited by number2onmyshoe; 08-31-2011 at 01:45 AM.Reason: Addendum
Reply:A "bad" roll of wire could also be part of the issue. If they birdsnested the wire and weren't careful when they cut it off, they might have gotten a wrap of wire under itself. As the wire unspools it tightens on itself until it binds up and then slips off and the process starts all over. This kind of thing frequently happens if they let the wire unspool, then try and save it by rewinding the wire. You might be able to unwind some carefully and get to clean wire, but it's also possible that you will just keep pushing that wrap back as you go, if you don't pay attention to how it's unwinding.If the spool doesn't turn easily that could also cause what you are describing. Check that the tension is right and that the spool can turn freely and isn't all gunked up. with dirt/dust from improper storage. If they had another roll installed on the machine and had this one just laying out on the shelf open, it's possible it got gunked up..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I bought my Lincoln SP125+ off CL. It also suffered a slight "glitch" feeding wire. Besides replacing rollers and liner, I found the feed's brake disk was slightly bent, and that, as the wire spool unwound, Lincoln's brake adjustment tended to self tighten applying more and more resistance! So ... I flattened the disk, made my own brake adjuster using a bolt and self-locking nut, and the machine welds very smoothly now.HTH |
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