They are the readings from the wires on the motor as i vary the speed from hi to low
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Wire feed - Butters AMT 180C
- Thread starter reb78
- Start date
I did wonder if this was the problem. I didn't really want to spend out on another torch but this might be worth trying as finding a new motor and feed mechanism that will fit or making it fit the machine is proving difficult! (i havent been completely idle since initially posting this thread and have been looking at least!)my Butters 180 AMT was a pig to use with a 4m torch, try going back to the shorter torch?
Back in Post#2 three years ago, I wrote this:
Apparently the Butters 180 is the same as that 170, which looks rather basic, not "pro" at all, it just has the Butters name....
There is no separate supply for the wirefeed motor, so the 15v to 31.6v that you measured at the motor will also vary depending on the setting of the welding voltage rotary switch. In addition, this means that it is possible that the problem you are seeing is due to the wirefeed motor power dropping when an arc is struck ( although there are two 4,700uF capacitors across the welding output, which should help to stabilise the wirefeed voltage ).
The wirefeed assembly is the cheap plastic version. An upgrade to the all-metal type, with a 24v motor, is possible, but maybe not easy to fit. Perhaps a stable power source ( e.g. a 20v laptop adapter ) for the existing motor would be an easier first fix?
I have now found this thread:Most low-end welders run the wirefeed motor from the DC welding output. I would not expect a pro machine like a Butters to do this
BUTTERS 170c Mig Test
Ok, I've still not seen that article in the Classic Car mag that voted the Butters 170c Mig as Best Buy, but I like to make my own mind up about things anyway, so I bought one to have a play with:p:- First impressions taking it out of the box was that it was a heavy little sod! so must have...
www.mig-welding.co.uk
There is no separate supply for the wirefeed motor, so the 15v to 31.6v that you measured at the motor will also vary depending on the setting of the welding voltage rotary switch. In addition, this means that it is possible that the problem you are seeing is due to the wirefeed motor power dropping when an arc is struck ( although there are two 4,700uF capacitors across the welding output, which should help to stabilise the wirefeed voltage ).
The wirefeed assembly is the cheap plastic version. An upgrade to the all-metal type, with a 24v motor, is possible, but maybe not easy to fit. Perhaps a stable power source ( e.g. a 20v laptop adapter ) for the existing motor would be an easier first fix?
But will soemthing have failed to cause this? It hasnt always done this. It used to be quite nice to use.Back in Post#2 three years ago, I wrote this:
I have now found this thread:
Apparently the Butters 180 is the same as that 170, which looks rather basic, not "pro" at all, it just has the Butters name....BUTTERS 170c Mig Test
Ok, I've still not seen that article in the Classic Car mag that voted the Butters 170c Mig as Best Buy, but I like to make my own mind up about things anyway, so I bought one to have a play with:p:- First impressions taking it out of the box was that it was a heavy little sod! so must have...www.mig-welding.co.uk
There is no separate supply for the wirefeed motor, so the 15v to 31.6v that you measured at the motor will also vary depending on the setting of the welding voltage rotary switch. In addition, this means that it is possible that the problem you are seeing is due to the wirefeed motor power dropping when an arc is struck ( although there are two 4,700uF capacitors across the welding output, which should help to stabilise the wirefeed voltage ).
The wirefeed assembly is the cheap plastic version. An upgrade to the all-metal type, with a 24v motor, is possible, but maybe not easy to fit. Perhaps a stable power source ( e.g. a 20v laptop adapter ) for the existing motor would be an easier first fix?
TBH - I havent done anything as I dont really know where to start. New motor and a load of fettling to fit or shorter torch may or may not fix it. I wouldnt know where to go after that and would have wasted a chunk of money. It seems too good (well it was) to just ditch it though.
I cannot think of a component or part failure that would cause this scenario to suddenly arise. Please confirm my understanding of the issue:
The torch is 4m, but always has been.
Wirefeed without welding is OK, but fails shortly after an arc is struck.
Wire stops, but motor and feed roller keep turning.
The problem still happens even if the torch umbilical is kept dead straight.
Does the wirefeed problem happen at all settings of the welder voltage level?
Please check the motor voltages at low speed to high speed on the lowest and also the highest welder voltage ( on rotary switch ).
A 3 meter MB15 torch costs about £30. Maybe you could borrow one from a nearby Member to test?
The torch is 4m, but always has been.
Wirefeed without welding is OK, but fails shortly after an arc is struck.
Wire stops, but motor and feed roller keep turning.
The problem still happens even if the torch umbilical is kept dead straight.
Does the wirefeed problem happen at all settings of the welder voltage level?
Please check the motor voltages at low speed to high speed on the lowest and also the highest welder voltage ( on rotary switch ).
A 3 meter MB15 torch costs about £30. Maybe you could borrow one from a nearby Member to test?
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