Adding pre-flow to spool gun

[Gadgeteer]

I discovered a short time ago that the problem with aluminum wire burn-back at startup when using my spool gun was due to not having sufficient Argon gas coverage upon initiation of the arc. I solved the problem by holding the trigger for a few seconds before starting to weld, so the gas could get through the hose to the gun’s tip. But, then I had to grab my side cutter, and snip the excess wire before I could start the weld. My modification allows me to trigger the gas solenoid without powering the wire drive motor. Thusly, I can, now, just grab the gun, cut the motor, and charge the hose with gas each time I want to initiate the weld.

[Frank S]

What a great but simple fix to a nagging problem. Amazingly my ell cheapo Chineseium spool gun still works. against all reasoning. but I need a cover for the spool like yours has and the next time I need to use it I think I will incorporate your switch on mine.

[Gadgeteer]

What a great but simple fix to a nagging problem. Amazingly my ell cheapo Chineseium spool gun still works. against all reasoning. but I need a cover for the spool like yours has and the next time I need to use it I think I will incorporate your switch on mine.

Thanks! Considering all of the novel ideas that you have posted, I'm surprised that I came up with this one before you did.

[Frank S]

Thanks! Considering all of the novel ideas that you have posted, I'm surprised that I came up with this one before you did.

I've just been backing the tension off until the flow is there. it has been one of those it's not broke don't fix it things. Since I haven't had to use it very much in quite a while.