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McGyvering a gun

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Steve B

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Dec 19, 2009, 1:25:24 PM12/19/09
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I have a Lincoln SP175+ MIG. The gun that comes on it is crappy. I've had
it apart a half a dozen times, fooling with the contactor points in there,
which amount to a tiny washer, a spring, and two wires with crimps on the
ends.

The gun has some life in it. Rather than just junking it and spending $100
or more for a new one, couldn't I just go get a decent pushbutton and wire
it to the outside of the handle in the most comfortable position, and
rerouting the wires? It's just a shunt from the relay. When it's welding,
it's a joy, but when it goes in 2,5, and 10 second spluts, it's a pain.

I need to get this running, and running like it's supposed to because I have
a project to do. $100 would buy some materials, and if I can fix it with a
$5 switch, that would be fine with me.

I don't know why Lincoln would put such a piece of crap on one of their
welding machines.

Steve


Gunner Asch

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Dec 19, 2009, 4:07:13 PM12/19/09
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Go for it.

Gunner


"First Law of Leftist Debate
The more you present a leftist with factual evidence
that is counter to his preconceived world view and the
more difficult it becomes for him to refute it without
losing face the chance of him calling you a racist, bigot,
homophobe approaches infinity.

This is despite the thread you are in having not mentioned
race or sexual preference in any way that is relevant to
the subject." Grey Ghost

Steve W.

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Dec 19, 2009, 6:29:15 PM12/19/09
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Shouldn't be that hard. I replaced the switch on my Century with a
standard micro-switch. MUCH better now. I milled a small plastic block
to hold the switch and with the block it fit directly in place of the
original switch.

--
Steve W.

Steve B

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Dec 19, 2009, 7:39:33 PM12/19/09
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"Steve W." <csr...@NOTyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:hgjnim$ojq$1...@aioe.org...

I futzed with the switch a while back, and I thought I had it working good.
But it just gets in a certain position, and it goes off and on. Nothing
that is good for a good consistent weld. Was thinking of buying another
gun, then thought of just getting a new switch. Will go shopping and see
what's available. There's just two wires. As you say, making a block or
something to hold the switch is the work of it.

Steve


dan

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Dec 19, 2009, 7:45:44 PM12/19/09
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What's that Lassie? You say that Steve B fell down the old
sci.engr.joining.welding mine and will die if we don't mount a rescue
by Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:25:24 -0800:

>The gun has some life in it. Rather than just junking it and spending $100
>or more for a new one, couldn't I just go get a decent pushbutton and wire
>it to the outside of the handle in the most comfortable position, and
>rerouting the wires? It's just a shunt from the relay. When it's welding,
>it's a joy, but when it goes in 2,5, and 10 second spluts, it's a pain.

Search around a little for switches for tig torches. There are
several types, all made to be strapped to a tig torch. Should work
good for this purpose too.
--

Dan H.
northshore MA.

Steve W.

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Dec 19, 2009, 7:50:27 PM12/19/09
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One thing I don't have to look for, probably have 50 on hand. Plus
assorted membrane types and various others.
Hit any of the surplus outfits and you will find lots of them.

--
Steve W.

dan

unread,
Dec 19, 2009, 7:58:12 PM12/19/09
to
What's that Lassie? You say that Steve B fell down the old
sci.engr.joining.welding mine and will die if we don't mount a rescue
by Sat, 19 Dec 2009 10:25:24 -0800:

>The gun has some life in it. Rather than just junking it and spending $100

>or more for a new one, couldn't I just go get a decent pushbutton and wire
>it to the outside of the handle in the most comfortable position, and
>rerouting the wires? It's just a shunt from the relay. When it's welding,
>it's a joy, but when it goes in 2,5, and 10 second spluts, it's a pain.

Here's a link to one place:
http://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=13_674_1154

Steve B

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Dec 20, 2009, 12:21:54 AM12/20/09
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"Steve W." <csr...@NOTyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:hgjsau$tsp$1...@aioe.org...

I think I just want something substantial that will hold up to
dingleberries. I think I will have to handle the handle ergonomically to
see just where I end up putting the switch. I think a button type would be
best, and anything with a membrane would get smoked in ten minutes.

Steve


Steve B

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Dec 20, 2009, 12:23:52 AM12/20/09
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"dan" <no...@privacy.net> wrote in message
news:4b2e767f...@news20.forteinc.com...

I have a cost ceiling on this of $5. I can darn near get a new gun for
those prices.

Steve


Steve W.

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Dec 20, 2009, 12:09:52 AM12/20/09
to
Steve B wrote:
>
> I think I just want something substantial that will hold up to
> dingleberries. I think I will have to handle the handle ergonomically to
> see just where I end up putting the switch. I think a button type would be
> best, and anything with a membrane would get smoked in ten minutes.
>
> Steve
>
>

The membrane types I use are stainless steel snap dome switch. Also have
stand alone versions. Still I would think a Cherry or Honeywell with a
narrow body would be easier to adapt.
Got any dead mice around. The switch from one of those would likely work.

--
Steve W.

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