arc problems

[wrench3047]

I finally got the wire feed problem (solved?) I can lay a bead about 30 seconds then it will arc in spurts. Someone suggested it could be overheating. Is that possible it has a 5% duty cycle at max. It's just an old free weld pak 100. Or is it more possible I should just use it to tack and invest in a different welder. thanks

[Alex]

Overheat

Yeah, I'd say that your problem is most likely overworking the rated duty cycle. Remember, a 10% duty cycle is 1 minute out of 10. Sooooo, 5% would be about 30 seconds. If I were you, I'd save this machine for doing tack welds or reeeaaallly thin stuff. But, look at it this way, it's only using 110V.

Weld on,
Alex

[walker]

Make sure you are using an outlet rated for the power you are drawing, make sure your ground clamp has good, clean connections, and make sure your wire drive rolls are not slipping. Point the gun at a block of wood an inch or so away and with a few degrees of an angle(15*or so i would guess) and pull the trigger. The wire should not stop when it hits the wood, it should deflect, if it stops your drive roll tension is too loose. Also make sure the nozzle is clean and not plugged with splatter, causing a short in the gun.

[wrench3047]

better

I check the breaker it is 20 amps( should be fine) replaced contact tip, and checked the tension. It took almost 6 turns on the wingnut to get the wire to deflect rather than stop. It welds better but the arc is still ifey after about 30 seconds. Thank you for your help

[tackit]

5% duty cycle at max?

What if you try running it on a lesser voltage setting than max?

Sounds like a thermal breaker, maybe your machine is to close to the wall or something and can't draw enough cooling air. Also you could try putting a fan on it.

[Sberry]

I dont know what it is but I doubt its thermal breaker. It would stop completely instead of sputter. Is the spool tension too tight? Maybe check the liner. This is the problem with those little used machines,,, you never know. I ran across a guy was going to buy a used Craftsman,, just so he could learn on and then he would get better machine,,, backwards,, he will never know,, is it me or the machine?

[wrench3047]

I've been running the machine in the driveway with a brand new roll of flux core/ new tip. The nearest weld supply is reluctant to find me a new liner, or it seems that way. I gave them the information they said they will call me. It's been over a week. I do a lot of auto work and if a part takes over a week it's not in the US or needs to be made by the manufactuter. I rechecked the tension and it's just tight enough to deflect the wire.

[Paul Seaman]

This model was sold by Home Depot and I owned one, The liners are available from them and Lowes, may have to order but they will take care of you! My mind is telling me that machine has a 20% duty cycle at 100 max amps but its been two years I may be wrong. As I remember the thermal limit switch is on the main board on that model and a good service department will be able to test it and I will bet doz doughnuts it got really hot once or twice and the limit is getting bad. Check with the linclon site and call the tech department, most likely it will not cost a fortune to repair it.
Peace,