spool gun wiring

[mike 109444]

If you go for a separate psu then might pay to read through the SIP section on the mods done on them as if your psu does not shut off sharply then you will get run-on when you release the trigger, causing the weld wire to stick in the weld pool. Think some have tried psu's from Hong Kong (ebay sellers) but not sure what ones have worked.

 

[choco]

The one I postage on the link (lcd-vision) spool gun looks like there's a little dial on the side of the gun to adjust the speed. Don't know if it's 12v or 24v. The cheap ones on ebay are 12v with no dial on the side. Thanks Mike I'll have a look at the sip threads. If the clarke takes the power from the welding voltage it should power a 24v motor then??

 

[choco]

If the I don't tap the power from the welder to power the spool gun and that Spool-Gun I listed has a speed dial on the side. Really all I need to do is wire in a laptop power supply and mount it inside the welder to feed the Spool-Gun and let the dial on the side adjust speed??

 

[mike 109444]

I thought at first that the knob on the side was the thumb screw for the cover but having looked closer it does look to be a control for speed?
The chap in the video did say he "added the control" but then failed to go into detail as to how apart from saying it was a potential divider.
I am guessing that as he said it was same design as the mega buck one he seen then they were internally much the same so came out the same mold (in China)
When you cone to add the plugs and sockets etc to the welder, then think long and hard as to where it gets mounted to avoid clashing with any of the switches and controls already in machine. if necessary draw it out onto some paper and place on there to see how it looks/fit in. Take care when working with the mains voltage present on any switches original or ones you have added.
Reason I have followed any of these "spool gun" post is that I was in the process of building one for the pile (big one!) of 24VDC motor and gearbox assemblies I have but having part made one I then realized I had made 99% of it form metal and as the weld voltage runs through the assembly then any part of the gun touching the metal (car body work) being welded would short the spool gun....
Hence why the commercial ones are part plastic/covered. So that project is on hold

 

[choco]

Mike thank you for all the help. I'll keep this thread updated when I start. But could be slow. Back to college while working full time and another baby on the way will slow things down. I'll end up getting the lcd spool gun rather than the ones on ebay.

 

[mike 109444]

Will look out for updates

 

[choco]

Ok I'm nearly positive that the lcd visions spool gun motor speed is on the gun. Came across this wiring diagram. Any idea where the other wires would hook to? The extra 3 pot wires must be for the dial on the side.

 

[choco]

Yes it's a potentiometer but im wondering will I wire it in or will it screw things up with the welders potentiometer

 

[Kram]

I have the cheap ebay spool gun. You can use welding +/- to open a 24v gas solenoid, they are not too fussy about voltage provided its dc, I got mine here www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331723048201
I did not bother with welding connectors, I will do some day.. doesnt get use much... for now I have crimped the cables using some copper pipe..
The other stuff. motor, switch and gas I wired up with 2mm bullet connectors. Its also useful put a reversing switch on the motor feed so you can wind wire back in.

 

[choco]

Oh that's nice and cheap gas valve. Will the 24v one work with the clarke?

 

[Kram]

It will almost certainly work if its connected to the welding +/- leads.

If you connect to the switched transformer like the diagram, then you need a 240v version.

 

[choco]

Perfect thank you ordered it and all

 

[choco]

Finally got round to doing this. Everything works as it should. Ended up getting the eBay spool gun think it was 85 euro, as it had a 12v motor. The lcd-vision spool gun looked better but the motor was 24v. Just need gas to see how it welds.

 

[choco]

I forgot I never updated this. Actually quite surprised how good it welds, obviously no where near as much control as tig. Spool gun motor speed is adjusted on the front control panel. Socket for the spool gun on the front with a toggle to switch from normal to spool gun. Also upgraded the earth lead and clamp, and mounted a din connection.

 

[mike 109444]

Good to see you got it sorted !
So do you have a link to the one you ordered ?

 

[choco]

Yes same one as this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/381824196907

The other type of gun lcd-vision sells would be much better quality but I went for this as the motor is 12v opposed to the latter 24v so less hassle getting it to work.

 

[Kram]

If I did not have one, I would be very tempted by one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/331876222930

I imagine it is better or equal quality to the ones sold by 160572carol (gearbox, tensioner, roller and spool fitting are all pretty ****. It works but pain to use, I made a new roller.