tired thunderbolt

[kevin]

lately i have had to skip the conveinience of using my 225/150 ac dc stick welder which is at the table, to go and unroll the leads on the dialarc 250, i use the buzz box on little/small work. problem is that each time a scratch a rod, it will or want to stick. mostly with the 3/32 size, up into the higher heat range for 1/8 it is ok. the machine is about 15 years old, this is a new issue with this welder, it has worked fine since i bought it. i have good leads, good connections on both leads, good power supply, i have cleaned the inside and adjusted it as instructed by the manual. is the old girl getting tired or am i missing something else, that i can do to help her out. thanks

[aametalmaster]

problem is that each time a scratch a rod, it will or want to stick. mostly with the 3/32 size, up into the higher heat range for 1/8 it is ok

So your electrode holder is in good shape too? Mine was doing the same thing until i noticed the holder was wore a little causing the rod to move a little and wanting to stick. A fresh holder cured the problem...Bob

[kevin]

hmmmm, thats the only thing that is in some what, lousy condition, its the original, clamp type, i had a twisty on it but moved it to another welder. i wonder why, it makes good contact, mayby its all burnt up inside the metal, causing execessive resistance

[kevin]

here goes a big thank you to bob, for suggesting changing out the stinger. the stinger that i was using was the original clamp type, it is in ok condition, the brass inserts in the clamp are in need of maintainance, but they are solid and tight, i assumed that this stinger should weld good, it didnt, i know this because, i put on an old bernard twister, 300a rated, this stinger is rough, the brass is good but the insulation is aweful, after putting it on and electrical tapeing it together, i noticed that the sticking rod delima has dissapeared, thank you bob for the heads up

[Flyingpig]

And today I learned something from someone elses question. Thanks.

[kevin]

you will learn alot if you chose to stay here and get involved

[zonker]

glad you found the issue,I have an old national farm and shop ac/dc, thunderbolt in a red skin,was national welders house brand,bought it in 84 and have used and abused since with no problems.