Adding pre-flow to spool gun

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.

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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Originally Posted by Gadgeteer

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

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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.