Big 40 Welder question

[billmccandless]

Reed switch

Thats exactly what I was looking for. No way I could have figured out the amp draw. Going to order one this evening....

[billmccandless]

cr1

Here is a pic of the coil the reed switch goes thru...

[billmccandless]

Cr1

It looks like cr1 closes and grounds gs1 which is a solenoid connected so as to allow vacum to build or not which moves carb linkage. it does the same as idle lock in/lockout switch. I still havn't gotten the welder to arc or even supply 110v to receptacle yet. guess i'll have to...

[billmccandless]

I have a big 40 that has a broken reed switch cr1. New ones are avainable for $150 but i was wondering it's purpose and what would happen if I jumpered it or put it on a switch i could turn on and off.
I posted a wiring diagram....

[billmccandless]

Erratic arc

You shouldn't wrap ANY leads in a coil. I have seen the magnetic field actually pick stuff up off the floor when arc was struck. Mig, Tig, Plasma, Stick.......
It's like wearing a old wind up watch close to a rocker arm spot welder.

[billmccandless]

Hard starts



Sometimes i will turn on the high freguency to start when stick welding. really helps...

[billmccandless]

Leaks

you are correct on your c-25 tank. open all the way.
you have a leak somewhere between your tank and leaving side of the solenoid.
soapy water in a spray bottle will help find the leak. i have to maintain about 45 welders and a few plasmas and have to use this method...

[billmccandless]

gas leak

fun4now, make sure that you open your tank ALL the way.
the valve has seals on the top also. sealed open and closed but can leak anywhere inbetween.
DO NOT OPEN FUEL GAS BOTTLES ALL THE WAY! YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO SHUT THEM OFF QUICKLY!!!!

[billmccandless]

Melting tungsten

If you are melting your tungsten, try reversing your polarity.