HF MIG-180 Quick Repair

[California]

First problem today with the HF MIG_180 I bought used from the For Sale listings here, in 2017.

It quit welding and the FC wire stuck like a stuck rod. No wire feed, no current, but the fan kept running and the trigger clicked the relay.

I opened it up, nothing smelled smoked, no loose connections. Oh well. The diode label said built in 2010. I guess it had a good life.

I tried rotating both knobs thinking that was the only thing that might help before a complete teardown. It finally made a momentary burp after it occurred to me to hold the trigger while turning the knobs. After more of this, it gradually came back to life.

Apparently there was a rusty or arced spot in the upper (voltage) rotary switch and working the knob with the trigger engaged, cleaned it up. I've seen those switches on Ebay and I'll get one if it acts up again.

Went back to work like nothing had happened. That welder nearly went on Craigslist 'broken, as-is'.

I expect it doesn't like where it is stored at the back of an open-front barn stall. Covered, but not sealed against outdoor humidity.

[smithdoor]

I have manual on HF 180 I can email to you.
The weak stop on the 180 and 170 is the switches and rectifier.

Dave

First problem today with the HF MIG_180 I bought used from the For Sale listings here, in 2017.

It quit welding and the FC wire stuck like a stuck rod. No wire feed, no current, but the fan kept running and the trigger clicked the relay.

I opened it up, nothing smelled smoked, no loose connections. Oh well. The diode label said built in 2010. I guess it had a good life.

I tried rotating both knobs thinking that was the only thing that might help before a complete teardown. It finally made a momentary burp after it occurred to me to hold the trigger while turning the knobs. After more of this, it gradually came back to life.

Apparently there was a rusty or arced spot in the upper (voltage) rotary switch and working the knob with the trigger engaged, cleaned it up. I've seen those switches on Ebay and I'll get one if it acts up again.

Went back to work like nothing had happened. That welder nearly went on Craigslist 'broken, as-is'.

I expect it doesn't like where it is stored at the back of an open-front barn stall. Covered, but not sealed against outdoor humidity.

[California]

I have manual on HF 180 I can email to you.
The weak stop on the 180 and 170 is the switches and rectifier.

Dave

Thanks, I have the MIG-180 manual.

After I bought a China replacement knurled feed wheel to make it feed smoothly, this is the first time I've had a problem with it. The rectifier seems fine so far but I probably will have to replace that upper rotary switch.

As I started to diagnose it, I assumed it was hopeless and was tempted to just replace it with HF's new Titanium 125. That one is light enough to carry up to the house for better protection from the weather. I've read good things about it. And if I found something the Titanium couldn't do then I have a 130A stick welder and an ancient 230-AC stick welder. But after fixing the MIG-180 today it looks like it will remain in service for a while.

[smithdoor]

The transformer looks is great on both the 170 & 180.
If look into upgrading the wire feeder too.
But probably will last a long time with care

Dave

Thanks, I have the MIG-180 manual.

After I bought a China replacement knurled feed wheel to make it feed smoothly, this is the first time I've had a problem with it. The rectifier seems fine so far but I probably will have to replace that upper rotary switch.

As I started to diagnose it, I assumed it was hopeless and was tempted to just replace it with HF's new Titanium 125. That one is light enough to carry up to the house for better protection from the weather. I've read good things about it. And if I found something the Titanium couldn't do then I have a 130A stick welder and an ancient 230-AC stick welder. But after fixing the MIG-180 today it looks like it will remain in service for a while.

[smithdoor]

The switch can be replaced with relays.
It is simple way and will last a long time.
You can find the switch from others but you set switch settings.

This why I like relays
You also use 2 pole 2 through switches.

Dave

Thanks, I have the MIG-180 manual.

After I bought a China replacement knurled feed wheel to make it feed smoothly, this is the first time I've had a problem with it. The rectifier seems fine so far but I probably will have to replace that upper rotary switch.

As I started to diagnose it, I assumed it was hopeless and was tempted to just replace it with HF's new Titanium 125. That one is light enough to carry up to the house for better protection from the weather. I've read good things about it. And if I found something the Titanium couldn't do then I have a 130A stick welder and an ancient 230-AC stick welder. But after fixing the MIG-180 today it looks like it will remain in service for a while.