Got my new MIG liner, NEW question 8-10

[readymix]

I have been to AirGas and Nordan Smith trying to find a new liner but both of those places were about as usefull as having an a$$hole on my elbow.

So far the internet has turned up nothing except for a few phone numbers.

The welder is a Century 155GS, Model# 117-084, Built on 6/26/02.
I always thought that since it used the Tweco parts for the contactor and diffuser that the liner would be the same....nope. The one I need threads into the air control valve at the gun end?? None of the ones I have found do that.

Century is now owned by Lincoln. I can't get anyone to answer the phone there yet, but I will keep trying.

 

[Muddytazz]

Have you checked here....

www.weldingdepot.com

 

[readymix]

Yeah I did. No dice

 

[big83chevy4x4]

the clarke i have uses a liner that threads into the gas control valve in the gun. i bought a nylon liner and adapter from weldingdepot. i couldn't find it online. my clarke also uses tweco parts.

if you can take a pic of the gun end and thread size and how it goes into the machine, i could tell you if it uses the same liner as mine.

 

[Muddytazz]

I did a little bit of googling and found that some people have been able to find Century parts at Lowe's and Home Depot. Might want to give them a try.

 

[Muddytazz]

Also found this....

Century welders were recently (october 2003) purchased by The Lincoln Electric Co.. (Lincoln welders) The products are not yet listed on the web, but you may call 1-866-236-0044, ext. 3 if you have questions. Call this number and you will get a Century tech and ask for a manuel or parts and accesories for your welder model #.

 

[readymix]

That is the number I called. Except it is exension #2 now. They told me to go to Lowes. I tried that.

 

[Muddytazz]

Around here, Home Depot is the prominent store. Might try them also.

 

[readymix]

I'll do that today.

 

[readymix]

Nothing from Home Depot and one more Lowes...

 

[readymix]

I got through to the Lincoln tech and he gave me the part number this morning. Now I just need to convince Air Gas that it is a valid part# and to order a few for me.

How often should I change the liner?

 

[Muddytazz]

That is a BIG depends....depends on the usage of the welder. The welder I use at work (runs for 7 hours a day, 5 days a week), I go thru a liner every couple months.

 

[readymix]

Well the liner was around $20, so I only ordered one.
And the damn thing better last more than a few months.

 

[Muddytazz]

I've ha my welder at home for about 10 yrs now and I've only replaced the liner once and I've prolly put a few thousand spools of rod thru it.

 

[readymix]

I am not even sure my liner was bad. I just figured I would replace it. I have 20 or so spools through it.
The Air Gas guy had me pull it out so he could look at it, after that I am not going to put an old liner back in there. Might as well be a new one.

I'll save this one as an emergency spare. Is it dirt build up that makes them go bad? If so can I clean this one out somehow to make it a "better" spare?

 

[Muddytazz]

If its like any other liner (metal spiral spring looking thing) I clean mine in a solvent tank, immediately clean it out with compressed air and hang them in storage straight or lay flat.

 

[readymix]

Got the liner today. I will try to install it soon and see if it welds any better.

New question: I currently have a 20cu/ft bottle since that is what came with the welder. I just always exchanged it when I ran low. Today the guy at AirGas said if I traded up to a 80cu/ft bottle he would refill it for the same price. The trade up cost is $40, common sense is that I trade up.

My only concern is my welder cart. I made it by modifying a hand truck. The 20cu/ft bottle fits on the back side of it, but the 80 I think is too big. Anyone know the dimensions of the 80cu/ft.
Also if I get the bigger bottle where can I get a cheap bracket to hold it in place. The regular chain strap thing won't work, and I really don't like them either...