Mig Torch Reccomendations

[K18 NOB]

Hi,

Sorry if this isnt the right place to post this but i couldn't see anywhere more suitable. I bought a Used CEM 140A Dual Mig a while back and although im finding it to be a pretty decent little machine with all things considered id really prefer a torch with a lighter trigger.

The one which is on it is fine for doing short beads but anything longer or which requires a slower travel speed is really giving me cramp. Im having to use 2 fingers on the trigger which still isnt helping much.

Another point which may limit my options here is that the torch which is on the machine is a direct wire jobby. Ive seen those euro plug conversion kits....would it be worth getting one of those to possibly expand the range of torches available to me?

 

[K18 NOB]

If it's the type of torch with the gas valve in the handle, yes they're a heavy pain.

If you want something with a lighter trigger, you'll need to fit a gas solenoid so you can use a microswitched torch...

Ah ok, I wasn't aware there were different types......is it quite a simple modification?

 

[K18 NOB]

Depends...

If you need a video tutorial to change a fuse in a plug - then no, it's well above your pay grade

No not at all, Im guite handy with a wire or two. Just never played with the innards of a welder.....wouldnt want to make it worse some how.

 

[Kent]

Just consider how much your into the current thing money wise. Is it worth it? Or time to cut n run?

 

[K18 NOB]

Just consider how much your into the current thing money wise. Is it worth it? Or time to cut n run?

Valid point. Tbh I won't be using the mig that much anyway so is it worth it? Possibly not but I have also thought I'd like something with a slightly longer reach....the one on this is just under 2m.... I'm not sure if that's anything to do with the power of the wire feed motor?

I didn't pay a great deal for the machine but I also don't imagine I'd be parting with it any time soon so it may be worth a punt?

 

[mike 109444]

It might be possible to extend/replace (makeup) a longer trigger thus giving more leverage but at the cost of needing more distance for the trigger to travel.
Post a pic of the trigger and handle for suggestions. Might be a quick fix

 

[K18 NOB]

Sorry guys I've only just seen your replies. I've attached pictures which may help

 

[mike 109444]

Not sure what your mechanical abilities/tooling is like but you could add a longer lever by making up an aprox 12mm (?) x 2 or prefer 3mm x 75mm (ish!) strip and using some BA screws= nuts (fiddle !) or pop rivets and attaching to the original trigger taking care not to crack the plastic and/or you could make a second trigger the same shape as original from a chunk of kitchen cutting board (nylon type material) and attaching strip would give the extra leverage.
As the above will move the position for the trigger finger you may have to move your hand further back so you could trim the butt end of the torch, drill a new hole for securing two half's together and then add a short length of drain/waste pipe to extend it if needed.
Any thing you add to the original trigger must allow the trigger to sink into the body of the torch which the strip would do. Also you would have to take care when putting down the torch between welds as the longer trigger will get operated quite easily.

 

[K18 NOB]

Never thought about a simple fix like that. Certainly would cure the issue without any expense.

I may well look into it even if its just a temp fix to get me by for now.
Cheers

 

[mike 109444]

Just don't make/remake the red trigger from metal cos if you look you will see that the spring strip inside the torch connects to a blue wire. This forms part of the "switch" and shorts/makes circuit with the brass block (crude I know!) So if you replaced the red trigger part with metal it would be live with weld voltage !!

 

[K18 NOB]

Just don't make/remake the red trigger from metal cos if you look you will see that the spring strip inside the torch connects to a blue wire. This forms part of the "switch" and shorts/makes circuit with the brass block (crude I know!) So if you replaced the red trigger part with metal it would be live with weld voltage !!

That would be interesting