Welder issue

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PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 11:39 am
I have a craftsman 110v welder that gets me by. I use a 75/25 gas bottle.

Recently, when I pull the trigger the gas will continue to flow after I let go of the trigger. Eventually it will cut off but it is 10-15 seconds, maybe longer. It is also erratic--sometimes it will not cutoff.

Before, I had the gas to regulator full on and the gas to the machine set about 12psi. I have adjusted both (lowered the gas at the bottle and lowered the regulator PSI to 8) with no change.

Is this a machine issue or a regulator issue? I think it is machine but have no idea how to problem shoot.

Any thoughts?



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PostPosted: Mon Oct 30, 2017 4:58 pm
12 PSI ????

You should be reading it in CFH and it should be about 15-20 cfh
If you are indeed reading psi that's entirely too hi and I would think that it may be over coming the welders solenoid valve hanging open. Too hi a pressure could damage the valve.

On the other hand if it's just a Typo then the solenoid valve could be bad and it sounds like it probably is BUT you could also have a machine that has PRE & POST flow adjustment's on your machine, If so you could just adjust Post flow to zero and leave it or set it to 1 sec but for plain steel I wouldn't bother and just leave it at zero. If you have Pre flow set it at 1 sec as well depending on Hose length and Stick out.

The Good news is Solenoid valves aren't all that expensive and are fairly easy to replace with standard hand tools.
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



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PostPosted: Wed Nov 01, 2017 3:56 pm
Yep, typo. 12 cfh originally then last weekend moved down to 10 and lower.

My machine is pretty basic so it doesnt have any flow adjustments that I am aware of. I will get out the manual and see if I can find anything on replacing the solenoid.

Machine is 5 or so years old but not a lot of hours. I wanted to make sure it wasnt the HF regulator before I started digging into the machine.



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PostPosted: Thu Nov 02, 2017 11:29 am
No not the regulator it just lets a set amount of gas go through the solenoid.
The Solenoid opens and closes the Gas flow its gonna be your problem.
Some Gas Solenoids are rebuildable like the ones used on Nitrous oxide systems, its nothing more than a hose in and hose out and two wires going into the top of it but if your not up for rebuilding it I am sure you can buy the whole thing.

Being its a Craftsmen welder you should be able to look up the parts and order online. should be a no brainier after locating the correct Parts manual for the machine online and even then they have help available over the phone as well. you'll need your model of the machine and its Model number off the ID tag and maybe the serial number too. Sears has always been good about Parts so should be a easy deal.

I don't like how Sears went to the all online deal for parts myself. Used to be every city in the US had at least one sears parts store for stuff they sold and all sears carried at least some consumables for the crap they sold but not any more now you have to order every thing online.
That reminds me I still need to order new drive deals for my Riding lawn Mower deck AGAIN!
Dennis B.
A&P Mechanic, FCC General radio Telephone Operator
Line Maintenance A&P Mechanic and MOC Tech specialist.



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PostPosted: Fri Nov 03, 2017 11:01 am
Most inexpensive welder have the valve in the handle vs internal to the machine. If it's in the handle it may be a good time to upgrade and get a new replacement torch which has some additional length to actually use.

Your gas is way too low, 20 cfm is more the norm but I guess it all depends on how clean your welds are coming out!

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