Converting Clarke 160T to Euro Connector

[Popcorn]

On the clarke the gas is controlled by a valve behind the tigger.
A euro torch will have 2 wires. all the info is in the above posts and once you buy the bits it will all become clearer.

 

[Spektrum]

Glad to see the old post isn’t dead. I’m doing the same thing to my 180en. But I also want to be able to add a spool gun. Anyone have any recommendations on what wires to tap into for a toggle switch? I need to be able to choose power spool gun or the drive motor. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Tifa]

Hahahaaa....I LOVE this site!!!
Why didn't I find it sooner?!?!

I have an old (1980's?)170a Clarke turbo weld.
Works Ok but could do with a bit of tlc, so I thought I'd treat it to a nice new spangly Eurotorch jobbie.
Any advice or hints very welcome.

 

[choco]

I converted a 160en to spoolgun for aluminium while back. Can't remember what wires but it wasn't hard. I keep the full functioning of the stock gun etc. Wired in a gas valve and a plug to connect the spool Gun. Had it all switched. You need the stock motor switched so the power goes to the spool gun(two wires). Speed adjusted on the machine. Also the trigger on the spool gun to trigger the gas solenode. Its works surprisingly well. It welded 5mm alluminum with preheat no problem. Won't be good for thin stuff.

https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/spool-gun-wiring.54542/page-2#post-74562

Make sure you get a spoolgun with the same voltage as the drive in the machine.

 

[Spektrum]

Could I just take the wires off the back of the small electric motor that drives the wheels and connect them to a on off on toggle switch as the common? Since power will be given to it when the trigger is pulled? Whether you pull the trigger on the torch or the spool gun correct?

 

[choco]

Ya switch it so power goes to the drive motor on the machine one way and the spool gun the other.

 

[Spektrum]

That’s what I was going to do. I just wasn’t sure where I could get the power source from. Thanks for the help.

 

[choco]

You will need to get a solenode for the gas also

 

[Tifa]

I've got my welder in bits.
Easy peasy.
The conversion looks fairly straightforward as there is a gas solenoid already there. (Result!)
But I'm a bit confused about which socket to buy. (The part that bolts to the welder chassis?)
I don't appear to have much wriggle room between the feed roller mechanism and the inside front of the cabinet...
There are loads to choose from.
Argghhhhh!!!!
Helppp please!!!
lol

 

[Spektrum]

Any Euro connector will work as long as it’s air cooled and not water cooled. And you cut the bolt and hollow needle the wire feeds into to length. There’s a really good YouTube video of a guy doing it to a harbor freight welder.

 

[Tifa]

Thanks Speks!

 

[Tifa]

Just finished fitting euro socket.
Used M5 bolts...solid.
Looks like a factory fit!
Works beautifully too, lovely smooth feed.
Fiddly to fit, but easy enough if you take your time.
I now has the 'sizzle' sound!
Chuffed!

 

[Spektrum]

Nice. Did you wire in a switch and plug to use a spool gun? I’m almost done with my conversion. The only gas solenoid I could find had to come from China.

 

[Tifa]

No, I didn't....I'm just getting the hang of welding steel...once I've got my head around that properly, I might have a shot at the ali. I think ali might be a bridge too far with my skillset...lol

 

[choco]

Some pics of my conversation

 

[choco]

...

 

[Spektrum]

Looks good Choco. What did you tap your gas solenoid into for power? Is it still a 220v solenoid?

 

[Spektrum]

I ordered at 220v and they sent me a 24v. It’s going to be another month coming from China.

 

[choco]

I can't remember either 12v or 220v.

 

[Tifa]

I-spy-with-my-little-eye....

A motorcycle!!!!!

Pics and details please!!