Clarke 150TE - Splayed Wire Feed moulding

[jamesamor]

Hi,

I’ve been lurking (and learning!) on here for ages, thanks to all!
Anyway, I’ve finally been on a course and bought my own welder (Clarke 150TE)…. which has predictably generated a query!

The unit is in good nick, however it appears the previous owner has been ‘over zealous’ with the wire feed tensioning, which has caused the plastic moulding that supports the ‘follower’ wheel to splay (see attached pic). The end effect is that the follower wheel now runs on an angle as it’s not got enough support from the plastic moulding, causing erratic wire feed.

Before I invent a mod to un-splay the moulding, I was wondering if anyone has a tried and tested method of sorting this out? I’ve spoken to machine mart, who don’t sell the mouldings in isolation but are happy to sell me a new wire feed (for £50!)… I think modding the moulding is more than feasible and cheaper!

Thanks for any advice,
James

 

[andyvw]

I know that you've likely solved your issue. Mine had a similar problem, but in my case the bit you outlined had warped outwards so the roller bearing missed the wire completely. I suspect the hinge pillar (the one with the screw in had warped).
The fix in my case was to make a replacement from folded aluminium sheet, allowing for the non perpendicular pillar.

 

[mike 109444]

Good on you andy for posting your fix as others finding this post may just assume that the only answer was the £50 one!