need help with my mig welder

[petethekiller]

Hey guys...

I was working on my project Jeep today and my welder quit on me. I dont have the cash for a new one and I feel these cant be too hard to fix but I am having trouble finding the source of my issue.

Its a 2000 model Thermal Arc Fabricator 130

I was working just fine, I stopped to check the wire and when I went to continue, the wire feeds fine but I have no arc. I cleaned all the relay contacts and tested them via multi meter only to find nothing wrong.

There is no evidence of any of the electrical components looking like they overheated but that realy doesnt mean much.

If anybody has any ideas on where to look the help would be much appreciated

 

[Richard Cranium]

reset both breakers on the house fuse box. Some times just one will trip and the other one will hold it, so that it looks like it is ok...Richie

 

[Rookie2]

http://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads/DocLib_1379_430429_473.pdf


see troubleshooting guide

 

[welder4956]

Bad ground lead connection?

 

[outdoorsman310]

^^^ +1 all the current that flows through the arc needs to flow back through the ground. unless ac electricity is magic?

 

[gungatim]

Just an FYI, do you leave the welder plugged in when not in use?

I don't know your specific model but my Hobart 175 did that. Turned out the PCB burned out. Dealer replaced it inexpensively as it was out of warranty, I think it cost $60 labor is all. But I was warned not to leave the welder plugged in. He said power surge/spikes during a recent storm likely trashed the board.

 

[sberry]

I doubt it, the machine has a double pole switch.