Snap-on 130 Turbo Welder - Gas Issues

[OJM]

I've been offered a Snap-on 130 Turbo Mig Welder, but it has some issues since the guy changed the gas and wire, which means he has to turn the gas up really high to get a decent weld. Obviously, the gas then gets used up very quickly.

Any ideas what this could be, and if it's an easy / cheap fix?

Cheers!

Oli

 

[English Steve]

Assuming it's on disposable bottles, you have to open the little regulators fully to get the required flow. This will result in about 10 mins of actual welding time (which is considerably longer than it sounds).
This timescale is normal for disposable bottles, hence the reason some people go for the larger refillable type.

If the gas is running out quicker than this, check for leaks around the regulator and hose, and make sure that the gas valve in the torch is shutting off completely when not being used.

If you need parts for it, PM Weldequip on this forum.

Good luck!

 

[OJM]

Thanks for the tips Steve! I spoke to the bloke and he said:

"wire comes out fine its as if there is not enough gas getting to the nozzle when the regulater is at about 6-8 thats why i had to turn the gas right up then it uses it really quickly,ive been told today that it might be the gas pipe in the torch it might be twisted or punctured.i just looked on ebay and these are about £12 but i just want rid now"

Sound feasible?

 

[weldequip]

The gas pipe in the torch lead will only cause a problem if the outer cable has been damaged, burnt through etc. ...look for physical signs of damage. Other than the torch gas valve problem (which I PM'd you about) it could be a gas canister problem; some of those disposable gas canisters don't 'engage' properly when connected to the regulator, ie.you screw down the gas regulator fully & it doesn't depress the canister valve down far enough to release gas properly. Just try depressing the gas canister valve briefly (face WELL away) with a small screwdriver or something...that can release a sticking canister valve & give the gas flow required.
weldequip