Snap-On Pro 160. Euro torch upgrade possible?

Hello,

I just bought a Snap-On Pro 160. Its a good few years old, square box design not tapered. I'm used to working with nice professional welders like Murex and Esab so was a bit surprised to see how insubstantial the torch and earth lead are. However it may be totally useable so shouldn't dismiss it before actually using it.

I've got a few questions about the welder if anyones got the time to answer would be most grateful.
Q: I'm wondering what's the thickest steel I can hope to weld consistently with this model.?
Q: The torch looks like it needs an upgrade to a Euro, the current shroud as the cable exits the body looks unsupported and taped up, hiding an issue no doubt.
Q: What torch, Euro or otherwise would be a suitable replacement?
Q: Are there any instructions online for replacing a torch and coupling on an older Snap-On?

Thanks

Hi and welcome to the forum.
Q: I'm wondering what's the thickest steel I can hope to weld consistently with this model.? Realistically, about 3-4mm
Q: The torch looks like it needs an upgrade to a Euro, the current shroud as the cable exits the body looks unsupported and taped up, hiding an issue no doubt. It's probably been dragged around by the torch, I expect it's just the covering that's come adrift.
Q: What torch, Euro or otherwise would be a suitable replacement? If it's a keeper then a euro upgrade would set you back about £90 if you need a gas solenoid or a fair bit cheaper if you don't.
Q: Are there any instructions online for replacing a torch and coupling on an older Snap-On? If replacing like-for-like then it should be pretty easy to work out how to do it.

Thanks for the reply, Good forum by the way.

Yes I took a gamble rather with this purchase but lets see what it can do. It came with a full L size bottle and full roll of wire so it was defo worth a punt at the price.

Our Murex 165 at work will weld up to 10mm, I was hoping i might at least get 5-6mm out of this Snap-On.

There is actually a gap between torch cable and metal casing, which makes me think there is a support collar missing as the cable is not supported properly. I think its what is called a hobby torch, not sure though?

On Ebay i can see a a'MIG EURO TORCH CONVERSION KIT WITH MB15 4m TORCH' for £60, which could be ok.

That probably doesn't include a gas solenoid. Does your machine have a gas valve in the torch handle (power off and gas on, press the trigger, does gas flow?) or does it have a solenoid inside the case (gas only flows when the power is on)?

Cant check till tomorrow, will reply with an update then

If its similar to the 130 then you just need to get the kit that includes the gas solenoid.

THere are plenty of threads on converting that welder including my own.

Well it appears to be a model that would need a gas solenoid.

I had my first to weld with it today and I thought it was actually not too bad just as it is. By going a bit more slowly than I would normally with the 3ph welders it produced an almost spatter free smooth weld on 3-5mm plate and box section. It didnt loook like it was going to bond anything to anything before I tried it but at the max it looks like it'll penetrate 5mm I'd say.

I would say however that torch for the snap-on pro 160 is a bit small for using for prolonged periods, a slightly bigger gun would be better I supppose thus the initial interest in upgrading to a euro torch.

Does anyone think that getting a new liner for this might assist and old welder like this?

The Snap-on Pro-Mig 160 is a rebadged Cebora AS160 and so is quite a reasonable machine and it does have a gas solenoid valve. A Euroadaptor can be fitted but avoid the 'universal' adaptors - we have done a fair few conversions on this type of machine and always make up an adaptor specific to each machine as required.
However, most problems with the torch on this type of machine are caused by the operator dragging the machine by the torch or the torch being knocked where it enters the unit. This results in weakening of the torch outer casing and distortion of the liner. So, a money saving tip: Get a standard Binzle type torch and a new liner. Remove the euro plug assembly and liner, strip the end back until you are left with the brass threaded end and trigger wires.
Then remove the existing torch from the brass adaptor that is fitted to the machine. This will have a M12x1 female thread. Screw in your new torch (same thread), extend and reconnect the trigger leads and use a bit of heatshrink tube or insulating tape on exposed parts. Then, fit the new liner (less the brass end stop) and cut it to length, ensuring it protrudes far enough into the feed rolls. Now you have a new torch without the hassle of fitting a euroadaptor. This takes me no more that 15mins on site (but then I have done a few!)
HTH Dave

All excellent advice.

<and it does have a gas solenoid valve.>

I take you mean an internal gas solenoid. Good news! I've not had a chance to check today whether thats in the handle or body?

<avoid the 'universal' adaptors - we have done a fair few conversions on this type of machine and always make up an adaptor specific to each machine as required.>

Is it possible to adapt the universal kit? I guess I just havent seen specific kits for this model of snap-on/cebora.

Happy to go with your euro torch alternative good advice just wondered if I see a cheap univeral kit whether it isnt worth going with that. I'm just thinking about transport and supporting that exit point from the casing, which is obvously a weak point.

I think it welds ok though, I was pleasently surprised.

Yep, it has an internally fitted electric gas solenoid valve, not one mounted in the torch handle.
I advise against 'universal' euro adaptors as they are often a very poor alternative to a properly made set up. You pays yer money etc... Take a look around and see if there is a decent cheap kit (oxymoron?) that is designed for your machine but I doubt you'll find one.
Dave

Slight divergence here... I managed to damage my torch on its exit from the unit when it fell on its face during loading..
After various fixes and bodges, I finally bought a euro torch + an adapter kit from welding warehouse. Fitted in a half hour, and solved all the problems. The bunching of ss wire disappeared and the normal fe wire was smooth. As I was living in S. Iberia, sources of such kit were rare and the t'net only recent, so I didn't trip over it. This forum has been a revelation.
KF

Bump!

I just bought one of these today - £200 including a big gas bottle (lots of gas left) and regulator. I've tested it and it welds OK... so far so good.

It's well used and the torch is a bit tired, so this thread is ideal for my needs, as I was planning to replace it with a Euro / other new torch.

@ KemppiFrog, was it this adaptor you bought, along with a Euro Torch
http://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding/Euro_Adaptor_Conversion_Kit.html

This torch?
http://www.thewelderswarehouse.com/Welding/Mig_Gun_Ergo_15.html


Also, has anyone got a manual for one of these, or a link to one? I'd appreciate a copy!

Unfortunately the original torch isn't available any more, so I'm looking at a 'universal' Euro Conversion.

Anyone bought one of these from Flea Bay? Thoughts on the quality or any potential problems?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MIG-EURO-...ltDomain_3&hash=item19ccde3055#ht_1561wt_1064

Read post #8, Notanormalcoder doesn't advise using those 'universal' adapters.

Yep, can't say I understood all of that, but I did read it.

However, there's no fixed torch or adaptor available for mine any more, so what choice is there? I've had Weldequip checking if they could get one, but no such luck.

Mine still has the original (probably) fixed torch attached. I think it pre-dates the Euro Type. I'm not sure what a 'Standard Binzle (Binzel?) torch' is. Is that a Type of fixed torch, rather than a Euro one?

I also rang up the supplier of the ebay item. He says they're a business building welding machines for industrial use, and they buy those torches in to fit to all their machines (exact model depending on Amp Rating of the machine) and have no quality problems.

...but then he's hardly likely to tell me they're junk, is he?

This one?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MB15-Binz...ltDomain_3&hash=item1e6b4695af#ht_2027wt_1064

or
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-BINZE...ultDomain_3&hash=item27bdb5b3c4#ht_830wt_1297

...but then he's hardly likely to tell me they're junk, is he?

Click to expand...

Technical Arc produce Portamig - well known on here for quality

Cobs said:

Technical Arc produce Portamig - well known on here for quality

Click to expand...

Good to know - thanks. I didn't have an issue with anything he told me... I'm just naturally suspicious of anyone who's trying to sell me something. It's genetic for Scotsmen

Bought and fitted the Euro Conversion from Technical Arc - as per the ebay link. Lined up OK and fitted fine with minor adjustments to the length of the guide tube, but you can see why it might not work for all welders. Took a bit of fiddling and checking to make sure it was lining up properly with the wire feed rollers.

I'll report back once I've done some welding with it. Fed the wire through to the torch fine and gas is coming through ok too.

Update... seems to work pretty well after the torch change. I changed wire size down to 0.6 at the same time, and took a bit of fiddling to get the tension right. I'm setting it to just enough tension to stop it from slipping. that way, when the tip starts to block up with spatter it slips rather than forcing the wire through till it breaks (welding underneath a rusty Scirocco, so the angle of approach and metal being welded isn't always ideal).

So far I'm pretty impressed with it. I'm not going to start posting pictures of my welding on here though