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[Kevin Wood]

The feed rate didn't seem to change with dial settings, but I guess a reasonable amount of tension would then give the machine some resitance, thereby controlling the feed rate more readily

Funny you should mention shoes

The tension just needs to be sufficient to move the wire with no slip. Using slip at the feed mechanism to slow the wire feed will just cause it to wear, and you'll have a horribly inconsistent feed rate.

The feed rate adjustment is fairly subtle when observing the wire, but makes a big difference to the weld when you learn to recognise the signs. As Mark said, feed rate is also modulated by the current drawn so until you're drawing amps you don't see the "true" feed rate.

[Marks DTM Calib]

The feed rate didn't seem to change with dial settings, but I guess a reasonable amount of tension would then give the machine some resitance, thereby controlling the feed rate more readily

Funny you should mention shoes

Is it a new welder?

I know there known to have a naff wire feed setup (as per the SIP ones)

[Marks DTM Calib]

The other thing slip does is take the thin copper coat off the steel wire and results in the tip burning and poorer arc due to higher resistance.

[chrisgixer]

Ok more fiddling required then

I did think of getting Al to watch the feed and see if it was slipping, but given the lack of room in that garage, didnt think he'd want sparks bouncing off him.

There's nothing to say what the dial does, and could not tell a differance between max and min feed while welding.

Might see if there's PDF for that welder. It's not new. It's Shakengs old one. Came to me via Guffer, bless them both.

[Kevin Wood]

I suppose it's possible that the wire feed speed controller has died and that it's running on maximum speed all the time. It'd probably be a straightforward fix if it has. I would try running a few straight beads of weld, each with the feed rate at different positions. You should see and hear the difference.

[Marks DTM Calib]

Thats a possible Kevin, as said there a machine thats rated at the same level as a Chinese made watch for a quid from a  coloured man walking the beaches of Benidorm 

[Kevin Wood]

Thats a possible Kevin, as said there a machine thats rated at the same level as a Chinese made watch for a quid from a  coloured man walking the beaches of Benidorm

.. and, following a quick Google, there are a few reports of faults whereby the feed goes flat-out regardless.

Chris, What I'd do is release the tension on the wire feed so the wire won't move, then power it up with the side panel open and pull the trigger while turning the speed control. See if it makes any obvious difference to the rate of rotation of the feed wheel.

[Shackeng]

Just picked up on this thread. Is that the welder I gave Guffer Chris? If so it ran happily on a 13amp socket and didn't blow any fuses. I used it to do a lot of welding on a VW Beetle.

[TheBoy]

Did I mention that I'm slightly jealous you have a welder?

A man can never have to many power tools..........they are the equivalent of shoes with women

Indeed, you know what my next toy will be once I have everything else sorted (Mrs TB says I can't have any toys until garage is rebuilt - the kitchen/hall isn't big enough)

[Lazydocker]

Did I mention that I'm slightly jealous you have a welder?

A man can never have to many power tools..........they are the equivalent of shoes with women

Indeed, you know what my next toy will be once I have everything else sorted (Mrs TB says I can't have any toys until garage is rebuilt - the kitchen/hall isn't big enough)

I don't think you are safe with power tools at present

You have to earn trust again

[symes]

that little welder will be fine on a 13 amp socket 

[Gaffers]

Just picked up on this thread. Is that the welder I gave Guffer Chris? If so it ran happily on a 13amp socket and didn't blow any fuses. I used it to do a lot of welding on a VW Beetle.

Yup it is, donted as I had no further use for it.  Oh wait there is an XJR on the drive.........

[chrisgixer]

that little welder will be fine on a 13 amp socket 

Oh absolutely it will. On a "normal" 13amp socket. But as you can see from the pic at the start, the ones in my garage absolutely are NOT normal.

I ran a single plug extension from the normal house electrics to run it.

[AndyRoid]

that little welder will be fine on a 13 amp socket 

It's not about it blowing fuses, the problem is the electrical supply that is providing the power to the welder.

[Sir Tigger KC]

Did I mention that I'm slightly jealous you have a welder?

A man can never have to many power tools..........they are the equivalent of shoes with women

Indeed, you know what my next toy will be once I have everything else sorted (Mrs TB says I can't have any toys until garage is rebuilt - the kitchen/hall isn't big enough)

I don't think you are safe with power tools at present

You have to earn trust again

And I'm sure that Mrs TB quite likes the shape of the kitchen/hall as it is, without any unplanned modifications!!