Harry i did the dedicated 24v transformer mod on the mig forum and it now welds loverly-just sort of hisses and lays down a flat bead, no stuttering starts. The wire speed isnt self ajusting when you change settings but is much less sensitive and has a "tolerance zone" of about 30* on the dial.

it really has to be clean shiny metal any rust spots and the moisture they hold will blow out the weld -often out the back any sign of that PU stone chip( even the dust from sanding it away) pop! paint and waxoyle pop pop pop!

get some old copper pipe out a skip flatten it and clamp it behind the weld as a chill bar takes some heat out the workpiece

Well - the welder is here (Weybridge, Surrey) if you want it. I'll even throw in a steel liner that I have for it (but not fitted, if I can find it).

I've had it for about 8 years, not had that much trouble with it and none of the issues that people on the weldequip forum seem to have - but maybe I just worked around the issues? It's definitely due a service, seeing as I have never done it (apart from changing a tip ages ago). It's welded up at least 3 a-series...

Hi Sean

Thanks for the tips - I have seen the transformer mod but it looked a bit complex ! I might give that a go. The copper heat sink seems like a great idea.