Mike01
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| posted on 8/5/23 at 11:18 AM |
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MIG welder conversion
I'm looking for some advice,I've just bought a Cebora pocket turbo 130 MIG welder, I'm thinking I want to convert the torch to a euro
standard one, and upgrade the Gas bottle size to a decent size rather than the hobby bottles , is this possible and can it be done at home ? I am not
great with electrics lol I'm a plumber by trade...so avoids electrics where ever I can
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theconrodkid
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| posted on 8/5/23 at 02:01 PM |
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best to have a word on https://www.mig-welding.co.uk/ the font of all knowledge on welders, i have the same welder but in a snap on dress and
upgraded it with a couple of mods to the earth lead, that converted it from "meh" to "woah".
imho there is no need to go euro just upgrade the earth system.
who cares who wins
pass the pork pies
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ianhurley20
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| posted on 8/5/23 at 03:17 PM |
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As far as gas is concerned I use gas from https://hobbyweld.co.uk/ . You pay a deposit on the bottle then swap and pay for gas only when needed and
when you decide you don't need the bottle any more take it back and get most of your deposit back. I found it helpful to get a cheap wheeled mig
stand off ebay which carries the bottle as well.
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Slimy38
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| posted on 8/5/23 at 08:29 PM |
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Converting the gas to a full tank isn't difficult, you need a regulator and an adaptor. This is an example regulator;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Argon-Bottle-Welding-Regulator-Single/dp/B0084MTJ8U
And this converts the normal gas tube of your welder to the regulator;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/MIG-Gas-Hose-Adaptor/dp/B00GCAW2BM
I went for a Hobby weld tank same as Ian, it's been great value and easy to get a refill when required.
I have to agree with conrodkid though, unless there is a specific reason to go for a Euro torch I would recommend you focus on the earth lead. I used
a panel mounted Dinze female connector with a male connector on the lead, then went for nice and chunky cable and a big clamp. Here's an example
of the connector;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/363551827964
The whole earth lead replacement cost £20 all in, and it's exactly as conrodkid describes, it makes a massive difference.
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Mike01
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| posted on 9/5/23 at 05:51 AM |
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Definitely sounds like it's worth upgrading the earth and gas bottle setup then, the torch I was thinking about converting mainly due to the fact
the original torch has been damaged (looks like it's been stood on or crushed) and thought of I had to go the trouble of replacing it ,would it
be better to just upgrade at same time? Or just replace like for like?
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Slimy38
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| posted on 9/5/23 at 09:30 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Mike01
Definitely sounds like it's worth upgrading the earth and gas bottle setup then, the torch I was thinking about converting mainly due to the fact
the original torch has been damaged (looks like it's been stood on or crushed) and thought of I had to go the trouble of replacing it ,would it
be better to just upgrade at same time? Or just replace like for like?
Moving to Euro can be quite fiddly and definitely not cheap, whereas replacement torches for your unit are readily available and 'plug and
play'. I personally wouldn't bother upgrading, but then I've never had the benefit of a Euro torch so I wouldn't know how much
better they are.
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theconrodkid
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| posted on 9/5/23 at 02:47 PM |
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as Slimey says ^^^, just get a normal one but with a longer lead
edit to say, apart from the dinze, get a decent quality jump (soft) lead and there is a small lead inside from the trans ? to the new dinze you will
install, that needs to be replaced as well
[Edited on 9/5/23 by theconrodkid]
who cares who wins
pass the pork pies
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motorcycle_mayhem
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| posted on 10/5/23 at 08:22 AM |
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I performed Euro Torch conversion on my pampered Migatronics MX5000 some time ago, and haven't looked back with any regret. The OE torch was
working well, just that the external torch sleeve was starting the perish (surprised it lasted as long as it did, but the quality of the thing is/was
exceptional).
Huge choice of torches, fittings, accessories, etc., opens up a whole range of possibilities.
Go Euro, just do it, you won't regret it.
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indykid
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| posted on 10/5/23 at 05:30 PM |
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I've been looking at putting a euro torch on my clarke 150te mainly for a longer and possibly slightly more flexible lead. The clarke torch
is....fine, but it's always going to be hobby grade consumables for the hobby welders. I loathe the screw on shrouds
There are plenty of videos on youtube about people converting a variety of welders. Some make a nicer job of it than others with a variety of skill
levels, but they all seem to get there.
Note you may need a gas solenoid too if the current gas control is valved on the torch switch. The parts for the conversion will probably run you
about £100 with a decent MB15 torch. I was planning to fit parts to make it easier to change polarity to make it gasless too.
I'm mainly on the fence about converting mine because I don't want the extra length of the euro torch sticking out of the welder case - it
fits under the bench now, but it'd be in the way with a euro torch
[Edited on 10/5/23 by indykid]
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