Welder torches - What is a Euro torch?

[grizz]

Right..........

I am now miffed and tired of swearing, restarting on even the smallest jobs

This is my truck build thread where the welder is being used (well, will be used)
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/showthread.php?t=585901

My Clarke welder, pictured below does a decent enough home hobby weld and even heavy stuff, but the torch started to fall apart, front tip ahead of trigger falling out/off longer ago than should be tolerated.

I am about to start welding the sheet metal on the truck, and cannot work like this.

So my question is this.......

What is a Euro Torch?

Is it easily compatible with my welder, in other words, can an idiot like me fit it without having to call a helpline?

Or do I replace it with the clearly inferior original torch?

ALSO...... As I have not opened it to look, can one upgrade the earth cable easily? The one fitted is very skinny. I did upgrade the clamp before as the pressed steel one was *****.

All advice appreciated.

Thanks for the advice.


Torch



Welder

 

[optima21]

if the neck is coming out of the handle, it could be that the screw that holds it to the valve body is loose.

this thread might help

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/converting-clarke-160t-to-euro-connector.14323/

 

[grizz]

Thank you very much Optima21

I will take a look tonight.

I certainly do not want it to be messing when I start on the sheet metal.

 

[slim_boy_fat]

Here's your possible starter for 10......

Converting mig welder to euro torch

Good luck, nothing worse than not being happy with the tool(s) you're using on a job.

 

[Windy Miller]

Hi Grizz, very good to see someone else from the Medway Towns on here!

Give Tec Weld in Gravesend a ring - he will be able to get you a euro converter for your MIG, and a decent torch too.

If you get stuck I'll give you a hand fitting it.

 

[grizz]

Thanks Guys.

I am of the belief that I would do well to seek and upgrade, however, I still need to fix this one first.

Earlier this year I was welding wheel rims and 10mm with this as easily as my stick welder, but I think a new sleeve and trigger may be a good start.

 

[grizz]

Hi Grizz, very good to see someone else from the Medway Towns on here!

Give Tec Weld in Gravesend a ring - he will be able to get you a euro converter for your MIG, and a decent torch too.

If you get stuck I'll give you a hand fitting it.

Thank you.

I am not very good at this sort of thing, so am always scared I create a machine that can kill me....... ;-))

 

[skotl]

I bought a "hobby torch service kit" off of Weldequip a couple of years back and it made a massive difference. Think it was only about £25ish so would be an easy and cheap way to improve what you've got without resorting to gas solenoids and fitting new sockets and the likes.

Weldequip's contact details are at the top of the page - drop Steve a note and point him at this post and he'll sort you out.

 

[skotl]

Here's your possible starter for 10......

Converting mig welder to euro torch

Good luck, nothing worse than not being happy with the tool(s) you're using on a job.

Linky busticated.

 

[Appyasme]

Take a tip from skotl.You could end up spending a lot of money on a conversion kit

 

[Appyasme]

What`s wrong with the Earth,looks ok to me

 

[mike 109444]

One point to note IF you do go the "euro torch" route and intend to use 0.6 wire for welding then avoid the temptation to get a 4 meter euro torch but better going for a 3 meter one. Reason with 4 meters of 0.6 in the torch a lot of build up of wire compression (?) can happen, think of the wire as having a slight "wave" to it down the length of the torch hose which can then be released suddenly causing erratic feed in of wire into the weld pool. I hope that makes sense as it is difficult to explain the effect. I set aside my 4 meter torch and went back to the old 3 meter one for 0.6 wire.

 

[cumbriasteve]

What`s wrong with the Earth,looks ok to me

The cable that comes with the machine is very small diameter and can get fairly hot on a busy day, putting a higher rated cable on does make a difference.

 

[grizz]

Thanks again guys.

I was given a different brand of torch by Scottie in Scotland for postage to try on my welder.



So will try this route first.

I totally understand the implications of a 4 meter torch with 0.6 wire.

And yes, the earth cable on my welder is both short and has a very thin diameter, so replacing with thicker and using the existing upgraded clamp will probably be a good thing.

There is a point where it becomes a lot more sensible to upgrade than modify, but I am not there just yet.