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  1. #1
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    Default Mig Torch Replacement

    My BOC Smootharc 175 welder has a Binzel type MB15AK torch with a 3m cable and Euro connection. I would like to have a bit more length and would like to know what my options are and what to look out for.

    Is there any reason why I could not use a different torch, except that I have quite a few spares for the 15AK?

    Dean

  2. #2
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    Hi Dean, You should be able to use any torch set up as long as it has the Euro connection. The only problem I've come across is that the longer the cable the more chance of wire feed problems, the cable needs to be kept straight as possible, I have a 4m cable and when working close to the machine (a 250 CIG unit) is when problems arise. Another alternative is to run a remote wire feeder, which is what I've done, as it allows me to weld approx 10m from the machine, my remote sits on top of the welder, except if I'm welding out of range, I then drag it out and sit it on a 4 wheel trolley. Can do a pic if required, the cylinder still remains attached to the welder.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  3. #3
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    Default

    Thanks Kryn. I am not planning on spending big dollars or complicating things any more. I would just like to have a bit more length to get around my welding table. This table is out in my shed extension and on a dirt floor. The welding cart is sitting just off the concrete of the main shed and in the doorway. I would like to move it back up on the concrete so it is not blocking the doorway, but I need more cable to do this, and some more to reach around the table better.

    Dean

  4. #4
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    Sep 2010
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    Lebrina
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    Default

    I would be confident that a 4 or 4.5m mig gun would work for you, but I wouldn't go any longer as wire feed issues will be your eternal friend if you do. Few if any of the knock off guns will be of the super long variety as far as I am aware.
    I don't know if you play around with Aluminium at all, but the 3m gun could be worth setting up as a dedicated ally gun. I have a 3m MB36 Binzel (Lincoln knock off) set up on my pulse mig for ally and the shorter cable leads to better feeding of soft wires.
    If it were me, I would consider stepping up to a larger gun such as an mb24 or mb25 Binzel, (mb 24 being my preference) as they are more workman like without being cumbersome. Don't go any bigger though as larger guns are biased towards spray transfer and their nozzles tend to be too long, thus handicapping you when you run in the short circuit mode.
    While not the most fashionable choice, a Tweco No 2 is a sweet little gun that would be a perfect match for your welder.
    Lincoln have a line of Binzel and Tweco knock offs that are very well made and the Parker knock offs seem to be a quality product as well.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
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    Mackay North Qld
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    Default

    Dean,
    I believe Bob the Welder may have a suitable unit for you.Arguably, he stocks the best range of Mig guns in Australia. When I bought mine he was offering up to 4 metre lengths.For the quality he offers the prices are good.

    MIG guns & MIG Torches, replacement Mig guns, Tweco Mig guns, Bernard Mig Guns, Binzel Mig Guns.

    Grahame

  6. #6
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    Default

    I always thought bob the welder was overpriced compared to what I could achieve locally, but those mig gun prices aren't too bad at all, free shipping too.
    Interesting to compare those prices against the genuine article. Somebody's creaming profit!

  7. #7
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    Hi Dean,
    How heavy is the welder? Have seen where the welder is suspended on an overhead railing system, possibly using an endless chain, so that it can be lowered to change wire etc, with the cylinder tied to a beam so that it won't fall over. Is this a feasible suggestion?
    I think from memory that 4m is about max for .9 wire?
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  8. #8
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by KBs PensNmore View Post
    Hi Dean,
    How heavy is the welder? Have seen where the welder is suspended on an overhead railing system, possibly using an endless chain, so that it can be lowered to change wire etc, with the cylinder tied to a beam so that it won't fall over. Is this a feasible suggestion?
    I think from memory that 4m is about max for .9 wire?
    Kryn
    I'd go along with the 5m as maximum for .9 wire. I have used a bernard gun with a 5m cable fairly extensively with both .9 solid and 1.2 flux core and while it was reliable provided you didn't tie the cable in knots, you had to be very aware of both liner cleanliness and not tying it in knots. Hanging the wire feeder/welder is a technique sadly underutilised, but oh so effective.
    I can think of few occasions when longer than 4.5 or 5m is truly required.

  9. #9
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    As I said earlier, going from memory. That's why I have a remote wire feeder on my welder, been caught faaar to many times of needing that extra 400 - 500 mm, especially up 4-5 metres. Welder balanced on a pallet/s, no forklift readily available.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  10. #10
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    Default

    That didn't quite come across as I intended, had been at work since 5 am. Sorry about that.
    I actually agree with you and was trying to say that lengthening the mig gun cable excessively is a poor substitute for putting the welder/feeder in a closer location.
    Forklifts and pallets have solved many a dilemma, just make sure the welder is secured well (ask my old foreman how well an Esab mig doesn't bounce ).

  11. #11
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    Thanks for the great advice.

    Karl, I haven't played with ali up to now but I do intend to have a go. The problem up to now has been the cylinder supply, but now that is a lot cheaper and possible for the short term. Keeping the 3m gun for a dedicated ali gun is a good idea.

    I am currently using .8mm wire simply because that was the drive roller size that came with the machine. Is it worth going up to .9 for the rigidity?

    Grahame, thanks for the link. Some good research there. I will have to buy online as I doubt anyone locally stocks mig guns.

    I do need to look at the overhead mounting idea. At first I thought is was impossible as the shed extension is a lean-to and very lacking in height. I may be able to have a mount point between the welding table and the wall. That area is full of junk so I can't walk around that side anyway. This means that all I need is an extension to the gas line. I need to sort that out anyway as I have it setup to use disposable cylinders and have made up an adaptor to fit the normal cylinder. I should change it back to normal and use an adaptor for disposable cylinders. I need to get some gas fittings. I have no idea what type of fitting it is. Are they normally a standard fitting? Bobthewelder has disposable gas hose connectors, but they just have a female screw fitting on the end.

    Kryn the welder weighs 12.8kg so not too bad. Having it mounted from the roof will allow me to put the trolley back inside the main shed and on the concrete where it can be wheeled around. I am not looking forward to lifting it back up on the floor. I will take the cylinder out I think, or maybe I can use a strap held in both hands. I have some welding to do on the shed extension at the far end. I am finally closing it in. Mostly so I can use gas with the mig. I need to weld some brackets on to the uprights for the cross bars to bolt to. The nearest flat hard surface is in front of the main shed so I need to weld at the other side of the extension which is 4m wide. A long gas supply hose will be very handy here.

    I will have to think about ways to mount the welder so it is accessible. The pile of junk (steel offcuts) makes it a bit difficult. Yes I should get rid of it out to the implement shed.

    Dean

  12. #12
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    Default

    Hi Dean,
    Any chance of some pics of the welder from both sides, top and the back please? Would like to see it, so I might be able to offer some ideas as to be able to suspend it. H/D roller door tracking is quite often used, even M/D will do, failing that some angle welded back to back to form an upside down T, with a couple of wheels mounted on a carrier will suspend the welder underneath. As height is a problem, could you do a pivoting post mounted near the centre of where you want to weld, so that it goes in an arc over and around the welding bench. The tracking could be suspended from the pivot and braced with 15nb pipe or 12mm rod.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  13. #13
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    Default

    Here is a pic from the manual.

    Clipboard02.jpg

    The other side is the same except for the recessed latches and the wire reel door which sits flush. The top consists of the same construction as appears here. The handle is screwed into the frame of the unit underneath with M6 screws I think. This picture lies with respect to the bottom. There are bolt heads sticking out of those feet so the unit actually sits on the bolt heads. Not the best idea. I fitted HDPE rectangles to the trolley shelf to raise the welder up slightly so the lower cables cleared the edge of the shelf and put holes in these for the bolts to sit in. Stops the welder moving. It is not a good design to attach to anything.

    I bought 7.5m of gas hose today and attached the fittings so I now have them back the way they were when I got the welder and a much longer hose. 7.5m was what was left on the roll.

    Dean

  14. #14
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    Hi Dean,
    This will be simple to suspend. Remove the handle and replace it with a bit of 5 or 6mm flat drilled to suit the handle bolt holes. Weld a piece of 25 X 5 X 75 flat vertically in between the bolt holes. On top of that weld a piece of tubing/pipe that will slide inside another, which will be suspended from the tracking mentioned earlier. You may need to drill a hole near the end to prevent it from falling out. On the outer sleeve, a 50X5 flat with several holes drilled to suit a bow/D shackle welded vertically along the pipe. The shackle can be moved into a position so that the mig cable can come out at an angle or any position you like, preferably so the cable out doesn't get a sharp bend. You may need to weld another drilled vertical plate behind the "handle" to give more angle if required.
    Hope you can understand what I'm on about.
    Kryn
    To grow old is mandatory, growing up is optional.

  15. #15
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    Sep 2011
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    Default

    Have a look at how the curtain sides on trucks slide as most of them seem to use a set of rollers inside an inverted section like unistrut .

    Those curtains cop a lot of abuse and dont fail very often.

    Just an idea.
    Michael

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