Tired welder help

[barrysuperhawk]

I have a Clarke mig130EN that mostly does everything I need*, but it is tired. I don't want to buy a new welder at the moment because, reasons.

My first problem is the ground cable needs to be replaced. It has been damaged, cut and re-crimped enough that it's less than 4 feet now...

My second problem is that the gun is also pretty worn, part of it is held together with electrical tape, and there is some obstruction keeping gas from working, so its currently flux core only. I don't mind flux core, but I would like to try some aluminum, and that requires gas.

So I was thinking I could get these (or something similar)

https://www.amazon.com/YESWELDER-Welding-Replacement-Clarke-Stinger/dp/B07MM13DZ2/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=clarke+welder+130en&qid=1613246427&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Welding-Ground-Clamp-Lead-Assembly/dp/B07D4153JB/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=welder+ground+clamp+cable&qid=1613251650&sr=8-3

...and renew my welder. Am I on the right track? Particularly, is there anything specific I should look for in a replacement gun, or anything I should stay away from?



* Disclaimer(s): I am not a professional welder, I have not been trained, I do not do any type of fabrication for a living, 3 harbor freight welders gave up their lives for me to obtain the knowledge I have. I only have 110 in my garage and while I would like 220, however I have MANY other home improvements that take priority. I don't like throwing things away when they are fixable.. I know my welder isn't red, or even the right shade of blue, but its what I have.

 

[The Cobbler]

for the ground you just need some welding cable or a decommissioned battery booster cable
Is the mig gun you linked "tweco style"? I believe they are easy to get consumables for

 

[joe_padavano]

Yes, you are definitely on the right track. I'd shop some of the better known online welding supply vendors, like USA Weld or Welding City for the gun. USA Weld has a nice replacement gun for about $85. Welding City has a Tweco-style gun for $40. I've used both vendors with good results.

 

[Ign]

Tweco is the Acme Products of welding- virtually universal and works quite well in most cases.

The question is the interface of your gun at the machine. But I doubt Clarke did anything proprietary or extremely uncommon.

Any LWS will stock new cable for your ground clamp. Don't cheap out on something else - you want fine strand and flexible. Go longer than you ever think you'll need - you'll appreciate it later.

 

[dogdog]

There was a mod some where for the HF mig welders to get a more smooth arc... it involves adding or upgrading a bigger capacitor in parallel.. Maybe it will work for the clarke welder too...

 

[joe_padavano]

The question is the interface of your gun at the machine.

The links provided are specifically for the Clarke MIG.