Mig torch cable too short

[The Cobbler]

Seems a lot of Mig welder threads on here lately. I'll add to the list .
I have a Chinese 120 amp mig welder with gas set up. no gas at this time but want the option left open. it has a very short cable to the torch handle . it's about 6' long , that's it . Tweco style handle if I recall correctly .
I can't seem to locate a cable & torch set longer than about 8' with the tweco style gun. I have a bunch of tips and nozzles and actually another gun complete , I hate to abandon those parts . looking at this set https://www.ebay.com/itm/314599206516. the gun doesn't look the same as mine, not sure if Tweco parts would fit it? I would be willing to take the gamble , and assuming the tips don't fit, would it be feasible to just re wire my tweco gun with that cable?
also I would really like a cable that detaches via a plug on the welder, but haven't had much luck on that either. Don't want to spend a ton on this machine, I got it for $100 at a scratch & dent at Princess Auto . don't want to upgrade to a new machine at this time, but I can see it in the future. thanks for any help

 

[BukitCase]

Your link says right on it that it's a replacement for MILLER - things get more expensive quickly when you wanna play with the "big" boys, but I did find ONE possibility that isn't TOO bad -

Tweco style Mig Welding Gun 200A 15' fits Tweco Connection Heavy Duty

Mig Welding Gun 200A 15' w Tweco style Consumables fits Lincoln. The gun uses #2 Tweco style consumables, 14 series contact tips, 22-50 nozzles, 52 diffusers, & 32 insulators. It is a high quality, heavy duty mig gun. This gun fits Power Mig 200, Power Mig 215, Power Mig 216, Power Mig 255...

www.atlweldingsupply.com

Good luck... Steve

The price here is $89, shouldn't be more than $289 by the time you get raped for living in Canada... Steve

 

[kaymccampbell]

I'm assuming it's small and easily movable, would a long extension cord make up for the lack of a long torch lead? It did for mine. I use it like a suitcase welder. Long power cord, long gas hose, sits right next to me while I ruin things.

 

[pcmeiners]

Cobbler, as to the linked Chinese Ebay item with no specs on the conductor what are your chances it being adequate, or parts compatible. I would give it a 10-15% chance.

 

[Mr_B]

you possibly get wire feed issues if go 16ft pending how good the wire feed is on this machine to start with .
9ft to 12ft range be safer bet .
You may want upgrade the earth cable length as well so add in that possible cost .
Keep hunting as should find something fairly affordable .

 

[BigMike782]

I would suspect that it came with a 6' gun because of the sketchy quality of the drive system.
10' may be ok long term but I would never put a 15' gun on a 110 volt machine......even some of the dual voltage machines.

 

[ching0n]

Just check your machine doesn't have some weird modification to the receiver (male/female)

weldpro has a tweco style gun....don't know what connector yours uses for the trigger:

https://weldpro.com/product/replacement-torch-for-mig200gdsv-and-mig210lcd/

"yeswelder" carries a ton of tweco variants

tweco | eBay

http://www.northweld.com/MIG-ALL.html

North Technology PHSH NT1 MIG/MAG Welding Torch NEW (NI-FLOOR) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for North Technology PHSH NT1 MIG/MAG Welding Torch NEW (NI-FLOOR) at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

 

[rlitman]

I would suspect that it came with a 6' gun because of the sketchy quality of the drive system.
10' may be ok long term but I would never put a 15' gun on a 110 volt machine......even some of the dual voltage machines.

Even with the best drive system, there's only so far you can push a wire before friction takes over, and the drives on these Chinese welders are far from the best, plus the liners themselves won't be all that smooth, and cheap wire can have burrs that snag. I too would recommend sticking with the 6' gun.

If you want more length, feel free to up-size and extend the ground wire, and put a good clamp on while you're at it. And then use an extension cord and figure out a way to orient the welder to keep the 6' wire making a gentle curve without kinks. Your arm isn't long enough to weld a bead longer than you can reach with a 6' gun, so do you really need something longer? And if you still think you need longer reach, perhaps a spool gun is what you really want.

 

[The Cobbler]

thanks everyone. very good points and hadn't thought of the wire feed issues.
I'll manage with the 6' torch
GJ to the rescue again!

 

[Jswain]

Find a used Lincoln for sale & buy it, then sell yours. Probably just as cheap too

 

[The Cobbler]

I thought mine crapped out today.
wouldn't do anything when I pulled the trigger.
opened up the gun and what a pc of **** switch . I was expecting a micro switch on the trigger. nope... just 2 bands of metal that make contact when you pull the trigger . the one pc was bent away so it wouldn't make contact . bent it back & all is good now. sort of.
the welder works for what I want to do, but I can see the flaws .