I’ve owned a Lincoln Weldpack 100 for some time now. Since day 1 I have always wished it could be a MIG welder. Inner shield is cheap and can make good welds. But comes at a price. It’s basically stick welding, so it’s messy. But if you do it right the slag falls off and a shiny weld is what’s underneath. Then you spend the next 10 minutes cleaning off you part. No longer!
A peak under the hood of my welder reveals a 115v solenoid! I found this key complement on Amazon for $14.
My $14 solenoid valve with air fittings attached.
Parts list:
110v 60hz gas solenoid – Amazon, $14
1/4″ clear tube – Lowes about $1
1/4 bard x 1/4NPT – Lowes $5
1/4 NPT Brass street elbow – Lowes $5
1/4″ spade crimp connectors – free from my spare parts stock
Tiny hose clamps – free from spare parts stock
0.030″ contact tip – internet 12pack $5
1/2″ Gas nozzle – internet $2
Screws for gas solenoid – free spare stock
CO2 regulator – Harbor Freight $27, this one sucked. Get it from Amazon for less and buy the adapter
I started by crimping my spade connectors to the solenoid. Then I used a paper to make a rubbing of the mounting bolt pattern on the solenoid.
I used a center punch to transfer than to the back of the welder case.
After the holes were drilled, I dug around in my spare bolts for 2 that fit and attached the solenoid. I then marked and drilled the hole for the gas inlet with a step drill.
I attached the spade connectors to the control board and hooked up the gas in and out lines. I also had to reverse the positive and ground leads to the gun.
Hooked up the regulator and replace the wire, contact tip and gas nozzle. Done.