OT-mig welder question
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
OT-mig welder question
I am not sure if i should have posted this here or not but hoping you guys can help.
I have a Century 100 mig welder, bought it new in like 1995.
Before buying it, i was using a friends Miller mig, but he needed it back so thats when i had to shell out some cash for this one.
Now i know there is no comparison between the two. The Miller made me weld like a professional.
anyway my question...
Ever since the first day of opening the box, I started to use it,and it arcs to the sheetmetal without pulling the trigger. Is it supposed to be that way? I have alway figured that it did it due to being a cheaper welder. Now i'm wondering if there has been something wrong with it from day one!
the only thing the trigger does is feed wire. i have never used anything but fluxcore wire.
I have a Century 100 mig welder, bought it new in like 1995.
Before buying it, i was using a friends Miller mig, but he needed it back so thats when i had to shell out some cash for this one.
Now i know there is no comparison between the two. The Miller made me weld like a professional.
anyway my question...
Ever since the first day of opening the box, I started to use it,and it arcs to the sheetmetal without pulling the trigger. Is it supposed to be that way? I have alway figured that it did it due to being a cheaper welder. Now i'm wondering if there has been something wrong with it from day one!
the only thing the trigger does is feed wire. i have never used anything but fluxcore wire.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Kalamazoo MI
While the trigger does feed the wire it also feeds the power if that makes sense. The electricity should NEVER flow unless the trigger is pulled. You most likely have a defective trigger or something inside the handle. I have owned 9 different mig welders throughout the years, some cheap, some pricy. Don't weld with something that arcs when you get it close to making the ground unless the trigger is pulled. It is not correct, it makes good welds difficult and could lead to injury.
Sometimes you can take the handle/trigger apart and check for lose wires, bad button inside the handle. Just be careful that the power is OFF and know they can be a pain to put back together. Good luck!
Sometimes you can take the handle/trigger apart and check for lose wires, bad button inside the handle. Just be careful that the power is OFF and know they can be a pain to put back together. Good luck!
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
If the trigger is working for the wire feed, then there is nothing wrong with it. Sounds to me like there is a relay stuck internal of the machine.
Also, is it just a small arc or does it start to burn the wire? I have a Thermalarc Fabricator 131 that will produce a small arc when the wire is first touched, sort of like a residual charge, but not enough to start to burn the wire.
Also, is it just a small arc or does it start to burn the wire? I have a Thermalarc Fabricator 131 that will produce a small arc when the wire is first touched, sort of like a residual charge, but not enough to start to burn the wire.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
Crap! i remember when i bought it and it did that, i took it back to the store and they said it was normal for it to do that. i probably should have got a second opinion...great!
I still have the book and went thru the troubleshooting steps to check for a short and it checked out ok,that was just last week.
Well...now i gotta scratch my head and figure out what to do...
thanks!
I still have the book and went thru the troubleshooting steps to check for a short and it checked out ok,that was just last week.
Well...now i gotta scratch my head and figure out what to do...
thanks!
Trending Topics
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 55
From: Moro Bay, AR
I would say it is probably useable like it is, just have to be careful like you would with a stick welder since you know the wire is always hot 
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
yeah thats how i have used it since i bought it! LOL so if i ever do get it fixed or replaced, i will have to learn all over again!
I am going to look into the problem via authorized service repair.
Wonder if I could talk my wife into a MILLER now....
... not likely
Honestly for the amount of welding I do with it, if it just wouldn't do this pre arc thing, I would be okay with it. of course shielding gas and thinner wire would be great too.
I am going to look into the problem via authorized service repair.
Wonder if I could talk my wife into a MILLER now....
... not likelyHonestly for the amount of welding I do with it, if it just wouldn't do this pre arc thing, I would be okay with it. of course shielding gas and thinner wire would be great too.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,057
Likes: 2
From: Kalamazoo MI
Hey Jeff,
If you have another whip setup, try it. I know I had a cheap HF unit that did that and there was a lose wire in the handle. Guess it could be in the box itself. Either way, try to figure it out or take it back and make the store replace it. Regardless IT IS NOT NORMAL. It's like a car dealer telling you that sticking brakes are normal. Sure you can drive it, but darnit it's not right. Using words like defective and major liability sometimes help. Good luck.
P.S. I picked up a Harbor Freight unit (110v that can use a gas setup) for $89 new. It works fine for sheet metal work. I have had the unit for over 6 months now and ran 20+ lbs. of wire through it. I love Miller (still have an arc unit) but sometimes you can do a good job with a cheaper unit. I wouldn't use the HF for pro work but for the home user it works. Also, HF is great about replacing bad units. Just my .02.
If you have another whip setup, try it. I know I had a cheap HF unit that did that and there was a lose wire in the handle. Guess it could be in the box itself. Either way, try to figure it out or take it back and make the store replace it. Regardless IT IS NOT NORMAL. It's like a car dealer telling you that sticking brakes are normal. Sure you can drive it, but darnit it's not right. Using words like defective and major liability sometimes help. Good luck.
P.S. I picked up a Harbor Freight unit (110v that can use a gas setup) for $89 new. It works fine for sheet metal work. I have had the unit for over 6 months now and ran 20+ lbs. of wire through it. I love Miller (still have an arc unit) but sometimes you can do a good job with a cheaper unit. I wouldn't use the HF for pro work but for the home user it works. Also, HF is great about replacing bad units. Just my .02.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
yeah teardropty, i am gonna see what i can do. i just got the real info off the back.
Century model#117-050-910
sn# HO59434
date code: 09/25/96
so im a little off with the date, but i doubt i will be able to get anyplace to warranty it since its that old. its worth a try but...doubt it...im not a very pushy guy unless its in the warranty timeframe. it says right on the front 5 year warranty...my fault for being an idiot!
more info
dc output 85 amps
duty cycle: 20%
18 volts.
i will still try the new gun assy.
Century model#117-050-910
sn# HO59434
date code: 09/25/96
so im a little off with the date, but i doubt i will be able to get anyplace to warranty it since its that old. its worth a try but...doubt it...im not a very pushy guy unless its in the warranty timeframe. it says right on the front 5 year warranty...my fault for being an idiot!
more info
dc output 85 amps
duty cycle: 20%
18 volts.
i will still try the new gun assy.
Thread Starter
|
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,577
Likes: 29
From: Pekin, IL
Actually I am reading the book that came with it. It says right in the book:
IMPORTANT! the welding wire is carrying welding current whenever the heat selector is set on any of the four welding settings- WHETHER THE TRIGGER IS PULLED OR NOT!
so i guess it is designed this way...
I don't like it...
might be time to upgrade...
IMPORTANT! the welding wire is carrying welding current whenever the heat selector is set on any of the four welding settings- WHETHER THE TRIGGER IS PULLED OR NOT!
so i guess it is designed this way...
I don't like it...
might be time to upgrade...
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Ossipee, NH
Yup, must be time for an upgrade!! I just bought a Hobart Handler 140. It's a 120 volt machine and will run flux core or gas. Hobart is made by Miller. I bought mine from Tractor Supply for $449 (normally $479). I believe TSC has the lowest prices for Hobart welders.
Fran
Fran
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,294
Likes: 1,055
From: NM
I have a Campbell-Hausfeld MIG, and the wire is always hot, when the power switch is on. I don't think that is necessarily a problem or indicating anything is wrong. The trigger is only controlling gas and wire feed.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 692
Likes: 3
From: Gatesville, TX
X2 on the Hobart 140 from Tractor Supply. I love mine. The main thing I have found out about on these 120V machines is the supply circuit must be capable of 30 amps. I put in an outlet with larger wire and larger circuit breaker and it made a huge difference in how it welds. I got an extension cord that they sell for hooking up a Motor home. It's real heavy wire. I can use the welder all over the shop with it.