Your SA Machine won't weld? What now!
At least once a day, I get a panicked call from a welder out in the middle of nowhere, whose machine just died- no weld, nada.
What do you check first?
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The welder was welding fine. You switched rods or in the middle of a weld: it quit?
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Engine runs? Yes
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Auxiliary power good (will run a grinder)? Yes-very important.
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The rod "Sparkes" is dead when you try to start an arc. Yes
What to check first!
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Try switching your remote "Off" machine control.
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If that resolves the issue, your remote is likely the source of the problem.
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Check your fine current control, the rheostat on the right-hand side of the control panel.
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Sometimes, a wire will break, and you can feel it with your hand.
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How to check your rheostat: 1) between the two outside tabs 64 ohms +/- 10%​ 2)
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Between the low side and the wiper, 0 to 64 ohms up or down, no breaks.
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Five large cables leave the stator and go to the range switch.
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You will find two smaller wires, blue and brown. They may be different colors,
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but there are only two. Locate them and separate them from the other cables.
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Cut them as shown in image 1
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Strip them back so that you can measure the total resistance of the coils.
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Ensure the internal wire is clean. I prefer using alligator clips to ensure a good connection.
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If you are using a digital meter (as shown in Image 3), let it be hooked up for several minutes.
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In my experience, 38 ohms or less needs to be replaced. Even though I have seen machines
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weld with low resistance coils, but they are on their way out.
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This is a significant undertaking, not complicated, just grunge work. You only want to
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do it or pay for it once. If it's done right, it's still a pain in the ass!
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If you haven't learned yet, there is a critical shortage of competent technical people.
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The machines are mature technology. It seems that no one knows anything about anything.
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If you run into some "expert" who bloviates about their expertise, ask them:
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"Why? They should be able to answer your question quickly, with no hesitation,
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with quick, precise answers that can be verified. Answers with no data backup are opinions!
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Replacement (L8707) Lincoln DC Exciter Coils; Obsolete From Lincoln!
You can buy a replacement set of Exiciter coils all over the net. What are you buying?
I knew a one-man operation in East Houston. Your Coils are too expensive,
I get mine made in Mexico; they work fine. I ask him how long the warranty lasts.
His answer was honest but not very reassuring: "We don't talk about that! He is out of business.
​The image to the left shows what happens to cheap coils. ​​​

Weldmart L8707 exciter coils are sold with a 10-year across-the-counter warranty. When we install them in our shop, the warranty is lifetime for the original purchaser. I have asked how we can do that. Over 35 years, hundreds sold, we know of no failures.
For more infomation or to purchase. Click
on thsi button:

