BiPolarBear
New Member
- Messages
- 10
- Location
- Australia NSW
Hi all
A year ago I purchased an old ESAB compact 160 mig. Before purchasing I tested it out at the sellers shed and it tripped a breaker instantly when I went to weld. Probably should have walked away but I’m a sucker for a bargain. I got it for $100 aud thinking I could sort the issue easily. I replaced the electrical plug which got it working though the welder would only just barely ark and the wire would not actually penetrate metal much at all. It looks like weld splatter on the work piece. Tried all different settings and combinations and checked gas flow and earth connections. Still acting like there isn’t enough heat.
Transformer hums like it should. Gas solenoid works. Speed control for the gun works. (don’t think it’s an issue with the board)
I noticed that a few of the diodes on the bridge rectifier were broken and I decided to replace them. Even after this the issue is still present and I cannot get good penetration.
It’s been I while since I played around with it but I do remember seeing the correct voltage at the gun when I metered it from memory around 30volts. Don’t have the equipment to check amps though it seems to me it isn’t getting the correct amount at the gun which is causing the lack of penetration/ heat.
I am fairly new to electronic repairs and I am yet to learn the art of how to read wiring diagrams but I am willing to give it a go.
Could there be an issue with a transformer or choke or some other component? Do these ESAB models has thyristor? I researched a similar issue with a Panasonic machine that was caused by a faulty thyristor.
Are there fuses I should check?
I have identified most of the internal parts but would love to know where to start my troubleshooting.
I’m hoping it could still be something simple like the polarity is reversed or something like that but I honestly doubt it.
I have attached a diagram I found from another thread.
Thanks in advance for any replies/ help.
A year ago I purchased an old ESAB compact 160 mig. Before purchasing I tested it out at the sellers shed and it tripped a breaker instantly when I went to weld. Probably should have walked away but I’m a sucker for a bargain. I got it for $100 aud thinking I could sort the issue easily. I replaced the electrical plug which got it working though the welder would only just barely ark and the wire would not actually penetrate metal much at all. It looks like weld splatter on the work piece. Tried all different settings and combinations and checked gas flow and earth connections. Still acting like there isn’t enough heat.
Transformer hums like it should. Gas solenoid works. Speed control for the gun works. (don’t think it’s an issue with the board)
I noticed that a few of the diodes on the bridge rectifier were broken and I decided to replace them. Even after this the issue is still present and I cannot get good penetration.
It’s been I while since I played around with it but I do remember seeing the correct voltage at the gun when I metered it from memory around 30volts. Don’t have the equipment to check amps though it seems to me it isn’t getting the correct amount at the gun which is causing the lack of penetration/ heat.
I am fairly new to electronic repairs and I am yet to learn the art of how to read wiring diagrams but I am willing to give it a go.
Could there be an issue with a transformer or choke or some other component? Do these ESAB models has thyristor? I researched a similar issue with a Panasonic machine that was caused by a faulty thyristor.
Are there fuses I should check?
I have identified most of the internal parts but would love to know where to start my troubleshooting.
I’m hoping it could still be something simple like the polarity is reversed or something like that but I honestly doubt it.
I have attached a diagram I found from another thread.
Thanks in advance for any replies/ help.