Need new liner for my flux core welder but need help.

[Bgunner]

I need a new liner for my way over priced 120V Craftsman flux core mig welder but need help understanding the parts and differences between them.

Since it is flux core only I don't need a liner with a gas line, I just need the core line but a friend mentioned there are differences between manufactures for the liner. Coming from a position of I can make things stick together but I'm not a welder and I know there is so much more to being a welder, I need help with something I know very little about. It is easily accessible So here is what I know about the welder I purchased new so far:


The only numbers given on the exterior other than serial number on the back is: Sears number: 196.205680. This I am guessing is the model number maybe but again I'm still a noob at welding because I don't need to do it often enough to learn and be certified to do so.

Other than having a gas hose or not what am I looking for?
Are there differences in liners other than just a shielding gas hose?


I guess you should be wonder how I know I need a liner right? Well it will buzz fine for a while and then stop feeding the core wire. When this happens I need to grab the core wire and pull it out then start welding again. This is exaggerated by the stinger hose "?" not being strait. It will stop even if the feed wheel is cutting grooves in the core wire trying to feed it.

My step bros taught me a Lot about automotive being a car family but I must of missed out on the welding lessons because like SGT. Shultz "I know nothinK"...

Maybe @Dirtman can help with understanding the different options to the same parts here being a metal worker/welder?

 

[codger]

Did you check to make sure the wire isn't larger (dia.) than the equipment uses?

 

[Bgunner]

Yes I an sure, The limiting factor is the inner tip. This happens with .035 wire with an inner tip of .040 so it should feed fine, maybe not carry current properly, but feed fine. As a normal I use a .035 tip with .035 wire.

 

[Dirtman]

As summoned I am here.... i really wish JIm would stop that crap, at least stop it haunting our dreams when... whatever im here....

The polarity differs from flux mig to normal gas mig. So my question is what process were you doing?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Download the manual at the following link and scroll down to page 24. Look at the parts list #13 and copy down the parts number. Then order it from sears if they are still around. If not go to your local welding supply place and have them help you.

Craftsman 196205680 welder manual

Download the manual for model Craftsman 196205680 welder. Sears Parts Direct has parts, manuals & part diagrams for all types of repair projects to help you fix your welder!

www.searspartsdirect.com

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

He is using flux core.

 

[Dirtman]

Just cause he is using flux doesnt mean he switched the polarity from dc+ to dc-....

 

[Dirtman]

God dammit i hate craftsman sears crap... @Bgunner do me a favor, send me pics of the damn thing. Ill see if its got parts i can get. Pm me either way.

 

[Dirtman]

Also im shitfaced.... but anyone else here have a 6 year degree in nonsense! I mean welding!

The googly wizzit burns into the wacky wazzle and weeee?

 

[Bgunner]

Download the manual at the following link and scroll down to page 24. Look at the parts list #13 and copy down the parts number. Then order it from sears if they are still around. If not go to your local welding supply place and have them help you.

Craftsman 196205680 welder manual

Download the manual for model Craftsman 196205680 welder. Sears Parts Direct has parts, manuals & part diagrams for all types of repair projects to help you fix your welder!

www.searspartsdirect.com

Sears does not have this part, probably dis-continued considering how long I have had this welder so I am looking for it from some where else.

Part number: WE20568-23005131
Replaced by part number: 85355

both discontinued

Because of its discontinuation I need a better understanding of the liners to be able to track one down that will work. Things like, is there a difference at the end of the liner in the stinger handle or is this a standard one size fits all end? I have noticed that some have a metal or plastic tip, looked at Hobart and Vulcan, at the end of the liner and this one on Ebay does not leading to me needing to know more. https://www.ebay.com/itm/8ft-Sears-...826180?hash=item2aaa6bed04:g:sh8AAOSw2FVbPXs6

Are these a standard replacement where a Hobart liner would work?

EDIT: after taking the stinger apart it needs the threaded end and I found this liner but am not sure it is the correct one. This liner at least has the part number of 85355 to it but from a different company. Do yall think this is what I'm searching for? https://www.amazon.com/Forney-85355-Stainless-Clarke-8-2-Feet/dp/B003X5PXHO?tag=959media-20

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I don't know. I just a hobbiest welder. Even if drinking @Dirtman knows more than me.

 

[Curious Hound]

”The googly wizzit burns into the wacky wazzle and weeee?“


That should go in the quote thread. But I can’t find the thread.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

One thing that I would suggest doing would be to pull the wire out of the liner and try blowing it out with compressed air. I’ve heard that over time dirt can build up in there and cause problems and that may help a little.

Haven’t really looked at how other brands handle liners. I know my Lincoln MIG uses a long coiled piece of metal that just gets clamped at both ends. Looks a bit like a drain snake. I bought a spare awhile back, but it’s hanging out in the parts bin on the welder, along with a pile of extra contact tips, gas diffuser and outer nozzle. Planning on investing in some more spare parts at some point, hate to be down when I need to do something. I also have an Oxy-Actylene set (Craftsman), Oxy/Propane cutting set (mixed bag of parts), and a little Titanium 110 volt flux core from Harbor Freight which I need to get spare parts for.

 

[Bgunner]

One thing that I would suggest doing would be to pull the wire out of the liner and try blowing it out with compressed air. I’ve heard that over time dirt can build up in there and cause problems and that may help a little.

Haven’t really looked at how other brands handle liners. I know my Lincoln MIG uses a long coiled piece of metal that just gets clamped at both ends. Looks a bit like a drain snake. I bought a spare awhile back, but it’s hanging out in the parts bin on the welder, along with a pile of extra contact tips, gas diffuser and outer nozzle. Planning on investing in some more spare parts at some point, hate to be down when I need to do something. I also have an Oxy-Actylene set (Craftsman), Oxy/Propane cutting set (mixed bag of parts), and a little Titanium 110 volt flux core from Harbor Freight which I need to get spare parts for.

I was reading on Bernards the same exact thing of blowing compressed air though the liner every so often. https://www.bernardwelds.com/mig-gun-liners--p152451#.XrTM_GhKiUl
I know my issue is the liner and it needs a new one and needed it for years now but I don't weld that much to make it a necessity. Even even less of a necessity now that I sold my Honda Civic that every year I was patching a new hole in the body. My welder have very low hours and instead of dropping $100-$150 on a cheap welder from Harbor Freight I can spend $23 for a new liner.

One thing that reading that page made me have a question on is how to cut the liner properly. Obviously a set of diagonal cutters are not the solution so is there a special tool for trimming the liner to fit?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I would use a 4.5" grinder with a zip disc.